Fan stands in for Doherty at concert

LONDON, Dec. 10 (UPI) -- A fan took the stage and performed in Pete Doherty's place when the troubled rocker complained he was too ill to play a Babyshambles gig in London.

Doherty called in sick shortly before he was due to perform at the O2, Britain's Mirror newspaper reported.

Fan Jamie Bell, however, jumped on stage, joined bass player Drew McConnell and drummer Adam Ficek and performed "Carry On Up The Morning."

Apologizing for the front man's absence, McConnell said: "It's been a hell of a day. The other boys are not here -- it's a bit embarrassing."

Doherty, who has been waging a public battle with drugs and alcohol, was reportedly diagnosed as suffering from "exhaustion."

"He's still attending a rehab program, which he had to follow whilst on tour and has to travel hundreds of miles back home after shows. As a result, touring is more arduous for him than normal," his spokesman told the Mirror.