Pete Doherty performed at the Live 8 concert in London

The group were due to play at Southampton's Rose Bowl and pulled out just hours before they were due to go on stage.

A spokesman for the band confirmed Doherty could not get transport from France in time for the concert.

The singer was in Paris celebrating the birthday of a French fashion designer.

'Dazed'

Babyshambles' spokesman said their next support slot with Oasis on Saturday would go ahead as planned in Milton Keynes.

Doherty, formerly with the Libertines, performed at the Live 8 concert in London's Hyde Park last Saturday alongside Sir Elton John.

The BBC's Ian Youngs, who saw Doherty's performance, remarked on the singer's "gothic get-up" and "dazed" look.

Doherty's new band Babyshambles have been touring extensively over the past year, and are planning to release their debut album in the autumn.

They are also set to tour widely throughout the summer, including appearances at the Leeds at Reading festivals.