Anti-racism show cancelled after the Libertines pull out

Plans to revive Rock Against Racism, one of the most powerful youth movements of a generation ago, have become the latest casualty of the drug addiction of the lead singer of the Libertines.

Pete Doherty's continuing problems with heroin and crack cocaine have caused the London band to pull out of the Unite Against Fascism concert, which had been compared to the anti-racist music events of the late Seventies.

The band's withdrawal has caused the organisers to cancel the entire show, which had been due to take place in London on Sunday.

The Libertines' management said that Doherty was not well enough to perform. A statement said: "The Libertines have had to cancel due to Peter [Doherty] being in rehab in France. Peter is making great progress and will be home soon. The band continues to support Unite Against Fascism and Love Music, Hate Racism."