HUNDREDS of fans were left disappointed after controversial rock star Pete Doherty cancelled his York gig only hours before he was due on stage last night.

The 400 tickets for the performance by the singer-songwriter and his band Babyshambles at The Duchess, in Stonebow, were all snapped up within 90 minutes of going on sale.

Speaking to The Press last night, Michelle Hodgen, manager of The Duchess, said: “The agent contacted us at 5.50pm and said they were unable to play due to illness.

“We are extremely disappointed. Obviously it was an event that the venue was looking forward to and it could have sold out twice over. It’s fair to say that a lot of the customers that have turned up are not shocked in any way that the band has cancelled at short notice – apparently it’s not out of character.”

She said all ticket holders would automatically receive a full refund from the company TicketWeb and they were waiting to find out whether a new date would be scheduled.

Doherty, 31, who spat on TV presenter Minnie Stephenson during a live interview for Five’s Live From Studio Five on Wednesday night, has courted headlines for his drug use and relationship with supermodel Kate Moss.