Keane close to splitting

Oct 18, 2008, 4:00 GMT

Members of Keane attend the Q awards. © SOLARPIX.COM

Keane singer Tom Chaplin says the band almost split when he checked into rehab.

The musician, who entered a treatment facility in 2006 to seek help for cocaine and alcohol addiction, admits the strain his substance abuse put on the group almost destroyed it.

He said: "We nearly lost it all. We could have gone our separate ways at that a point - it was a huge test for me and the band."

Chaplin regrets his decline into addiction because he only ever wanted to be in a band to make music, not live the rock 'n' roll lifestyle.

He added: "I didn't join a group to become famous and to get girls. I did it to be up there on stage and to feel the magic connection between a band and a crowd of people. The most important things now are my love of music and my friendships. But nothing prepares you for al the things that come with being in a band. I found it hard to reconcile myself with the fame and celebrity."

Chaplin, 29, has previously admitted he was "useless" at taking cocaine, and claimed taking illegal substances never gave him any pleasure.

He said: "I was useless at taking coke. It did really change my personality a lot. I probably did it no more than a recreational user, but when I did, it was just a disaster. And the drinking was just trying to get rid of the anxiety of the coke. I was a k**b. I was just boring. It wasn't like I was a huge addict really, I was always sorry."