Rocker Pete Doherty Says He Hasn’t Had Any Toes Amputated Yet But Needs Medical Boot Amid Diabetes Battle

Frontman for the Libertines Pete Doherty has shared details about why he needs to wear a pair of medical boots. On Friday morning, Doherty was seen leaving Global Studios in London, sporting big medical boots.

>PETE DOHERTY SAYS INABILITY TO GIVE UP CHEESE LED TO HEALTH CRISIS

Later appearing on The Chris Moyles Show Radio X, Doherty gave some health updates to listeners, adding that some of the comments he had received about the shoes were nothing short of “cruel.” 

Doherty updated last month that following his diabetes diagnosis, doctors had told him to stay off his feet as much as possible, as he is at risk of losing his toes and needing them amputated.

He explained to host Chris Moyles‘ stand-in Toby Tarrant, “Well, yeah, I’m alright. It’s just the… look, the feet. I’ve got the old orthopedic shoes on… it’s a diabetes thing, actually. The toes, you see. They went a bit…”

Doherty did confirm that he had had not lost any of his toes – yet. “They’re still there, and they’re on the mend. But I’ve just got to wear these [boots].”

He continued, “I’ve just got to get it out the way first before you get any jokes in. Because it’s been hard, it’s been hurtful, walking around the streets of London in these, do you know what I mean? People can be so cruel.”

Due to his doctors’ orders following his diagnosis last year, Doherty has performed the last shows on his European tour sitting down. He had previously played shows in slippers, supported by a cane on stage.

Doherty has had a years-long, very public battle with drugs, but his diabetes diagnosis has played a big role in cutting out “poisons” from his lifestyle. He told The Guardian’s Saturday Magazine, “I gave up the main poisons and my health improved…then you get told alcohol and cheese and sugar are just as bad and you were healthier when you were on heroin…it’s no joke.”

Doherty is set to release a new solo album entitled Felt Better Alive on May 16.