O2 WIRELESS WEEKENDER

For those of you that are unaware, Peter Doherty is an English musician, artist, published writer and poet who is currently the main singer/songwriter for the band Babyshambles. He also performs solo but is probably best known musically for his work with The Libertines, with whom he worked alongside follow member and best friend Carl Barat.

Doherty and Barat, along with drummer Gary Powell and bassist John Hassall formed The Libertines in the late nineties, but it was not until 2002 that the band gained widespread mainstream success with the release of their debut album ‘Up The Bracket’. The album became an instant hit and rewarded the band with a massive cult following. Musically, the band received comparisons to artists such as The Clash, The Buzzcocks and The Sex Pistols. Similarities to the latter band extended far beyond their music as by this point in Doherty’s career he had fully embraced the self destructive decadent lifestyle of the Pistol’s Sid Vicious.

Doherty’s very public drug addiction soon spiralled out of control leading him to miss scheduled gigs and tours. Members of The Libertines were disappointed and upset by his inability to kick the habit and as a result expelled him from the band.

Doherty’s drug problem continued to worsen and he was arrested for burglarizing Carl Barat’s flat and sent to prison. However, Doherty and Barat managed to patch things up and Pete was invited to re-join The Libertines upon his release from jail. The reunion however was short-lived. After a handful of sometimes-disastrous gigs around the UK and some very difficult sessions during the recording of their self-titled sophomore, Doherty was again asked to leave the band until he had fully overcome his drug abuse.

The Libertines continued to perform and record without Doherty, who by this time had formed a new band Babyshambles. Signed to Parlophone Records, Babyshambles have released two full-length studio albums to date: ‘Down In Albion’ (2005) and ‘Shotters Nation’ (2007)

November 2007 saw Babyshambles play their first ever arena tour, with most dates selling out almost immediately. Doherty also continues to perform as a solo act and often continues The Libertines’ tradition of performing short notice guerrilla gigs in small venues.

In June 2006 Doherty signed a deal with Orion Books to publish his journals in which he has recorded poetry, drawings and photos over the course of his career. His book, titled ‘The Books of Albion: The Collected Writings of Peter Doherty’ was released in June 2007.

Doherty has just completed writing material for his debut solo album, which is scheduled for release sometime this year. Peter Doherty will be performing live at Manchester Academy on Saturday 17th May; this will be his only regional performance. Tickets are on sale now! Hurry and get yours to avoid disappointment.