INFAMOUS rocker Pete Doherty and his band are playing in the North-East at Easter to mark Inside Out of Darlington’s third birthday next month.

The troubled frontman, who is formerly of The Libertines, and the rest of Babyshambles – drummer Adam Ficek, bassist Drew McConnell and guitarist Mik Whitnall – will appear at Inside Out on Good Friday.

The controversial singer, and exboyfriend of supermodel Kate Moss, last appeared in the North-East for a solo gig at Middlesbrough Town Hall in 2008.

It is the first time the band, who released their last album, Shotter’s Nation, in 2007, have played in Darlington.

Promoter Becky Stefani said they had been delighted to book the band.

“Tickets are selling really fast – we expect to sell out pretty soon,” she says.

“Away from all the tabloid hoo haa, there is a band with a following unlike any other.

“Each time a hundred flash bulbs go off, a thousand more are singing back every word like they’re signed up to some sort of cult: such is the rabid ferocity of the Babyshambles’ support. If in the past you thought this was all hype, come along to one of the gigs of the year.”

■ Inside Out, Beaumont Street, doors open 8pm. Tickets: £18 in advance, or £20 on the door. Box Offie: ticketweb.co.uk; In Arcadia, in Skinnergate, Darlington; Sound It Out, in Yarm Lane, Stockton and Rocket Retro, in Grange Road, Middlesbrough.

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