November 7, 2007 14:23

Babyshambles: 'Pete Doherty's heroin video was a total surprise'

'It's heartbreaking, but he is going in the right direction' says bassist

Photo Gallery: Babyshambles

Babyshambles have offered words of support to their bandmate Pete Doherty, who has entered drug rehab again today following a heroin relapse.

They explained that they had not seen him take heroin since he left rehab until recent newspaper revelations.

Speaking exclusively to NME.COM, bassist Drew McConnell applauded Doherty’s self-made decision to seek professional help, and slammed the person who videoed his relapse.

“We heard they [The Sun] were going to run a picture the day before, but I assumed it was going to be dug up old footage,” McConnell said.

“When you’ve just come out of rehab and trying to stay clean with all your might, then some cunt comes round your house with a bag of stuff and a cameraphone, it must be hard to stop yourself.”

McConnell went on to explain that, despite Doherty’s relapse, he was confident his bandmate could still make a full recovery. “He’s more than capable of eventually being 100 per cent clean”, he said.

“The guy needs professional help – the fact that he is seeking that help is a giant step in the right direction.”

As previously reported, Doherty’s rehab is voluntary, and will not affect any of Babyshambles’ forthcoming arena tour dates.

The tour dates are:

Manchester MEN Arena (November 22)
Newcastle Metro Radio Arena (23)
Brighton Centre (25)
Bournemouth BIC (26)
London Wembley Arena (27)
Birmingham NIA (28)
Nottingham Arena (30)
Glasgow SEC (December 1)

To check ticket availability and get all the latest listings, go to NME.COM/GIGS now.