Libertines frontman Carl Barat going solo

Indie band frontman Carl Barat announced he will be launching a solo career - just months after reuniting with The Libertines.

The musician plans to embark on a European tour at the same time as releasing his solo album and a book.

Barat warned fans last night to "expect the unexpected" for the new record and says he hopes the book will "tickle your curiosity".

He plans to release his new record - which is yet to be titled - in October when he is on tour with his five-piece band.

In August, Barat will join Pete Doherty, bassist John Hassall and drummer Gary Powell on stage at the Reading and Leeds festivals.

The band, whose hits included Don't Look Back Into The Sun and Can't Stand Me Now, have continued to attract new fans since they fell apart in 2004.

Their debut album, Up The Bracket, was named the best British album of the past decade in a survey of musicians and industry figures by music magazine NME.

The quartet collapsed when Barat fell out with his joint frontman because of Doherty's wayward behaviour as he battled with drug problems.

Tickets for Barat's European tour, which includes dates in Glasgow, Manchester, Bristol and London, will go on sale today at 9am.