Pete Doherty Apologises For Nazi Anthem
The former Libertine was asked to leave the stage at the on3 music festival this weekend after singing the controversial first verse of Das Deutschlandlied, which begins "Deutschland, Deutschland uber alles".
The stanza, which translates as "Germany, Germany above all" was a regular fixture of Nazi gatherings and was abandoned after the second world war.
Doherty was roundly booed by the Munich crowd after singing the verse and started another song, completing five further tracks before being ushered from the stage by an organiser.
A spokesperson for the Babyshambles frontman said he "wanted to celebrate his appearance in Munich by assimilating and integrating with the crowd, something he tries do wherever he goes".
She added: "He was unaware of the controversy surrounding the German national anthem and he deeply apologises if he has caused any offence.
"Peter himself is from Jewish descent and has fought against racism and fascism with numerous organisations including Love Music Hate Racism.
"This is a subject he feels very strongly about."
Bayerischer Rundfunk, organisers of the on3 festival, added in a statement: "We decided to stop Peter Doherty's appearance on stage as quickly as possible."
"The live radio broadcast was cut immediately."
Doherty, 30, released a solo album earlier this year and has said his former band the Libertines are likely to reform in 2010, with or without his ertswhile writing partner Carl Barat.
