Everybody fight racism with Peter and Co!

Photo by Native Photography

No massive info yet but we have a series of photos of Peter, Drew and the others on and off stage at Getty Images and Flickr.

Somebody twittered: "everyone here is COVERED in sunshine, laughter and glitter - ALL pulling together to send a STRONG anti-racist message for Stoke and all UK!".

It seems it was a great day. Waiting for more coverage!
Later!

Friday on my mind

Matt Wilkinson tells us about the Instigate Debate private gig with Carl and Drew (see photo above).

Following the party, Lee Mavers has recruited Drusillo to play in his band. Drew said Mavers had finished writing the La's new album, and the pair are auditioning drummers and guitarists (here).

Of course Peter is headlining the LMHR Carnival tomorrow (and Drew will be there too).

Oh there's this new video at Peter's youtube channel. Kittens, nudity and a new song. Great boobies, Bilo.

News - News - News

And they're all from NME.com!

First of all, a new Peter gig:

"Pete Doherty will play a London club show on Monday (June 1) to launch a new club night at the newly-launched The Den And Centro venue. The Babyshambles man will be playing at the Shine club night, set to take place at the revamped venue formerly known as The End.Tickets will be priced £10 and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Doors will open at 10pm (BST). However, NME.COM has 10 pairs of tickets to give away. See NME.COM/win for your chance to bag a pair. See the venue's official website, Thedenandcentro.com, for more information".

And now, a report of the secret gig performed last night by Carl, Drew and friends for Instigate Debate:

"Musicians including The La's Lee Mavers, Carl Barat, Babyshambles' Drew McConnell, Reverend And The Makers' Jon McClure and Baaba Maal played an impromptu house party gig early this morning (May 27) in London. The gig was in aid of Instigate Debate project. The musicians had earlier attended a debate at London's Boogaloo pub, which saw McClure, 'EastEnders' actress Melissa Suffield (who plays Lucy Beale) and Karen Buck (MP for Regent's Park and Kensington North) discuss questions from the audience on subjects including police brutality and ID cards.

After wrapping up the debate the musicians headed off to play a secret gig in the front room of a previous Instigate Debate attendee who had won the chance to host the gig for previously putting Ken Livingstone on-the-spot for an interview. Schoolgirl Hannah Webb's Hammersmith front room played host to the musicians, who were watched by a gaggle of her friends and family.

McConnell kicked off proceedings shortly after 1am (BST), playing Babyshambles' 'Killamangiro' and thanking Webb's parents for hosting the party. Other highlights included Barat playing The Libertines' 'Time For Heroes' and 'Can't Stand Me Now', The La's Lee Mavers playing an acoustic version of 'Feelin'' and a performance by Baaba Maal.

Barat's protégé Kieran Leonard also played (introduced by McConnell as "looking like Kurt Cobain but sounding like Bob Dylan"), as did McClure and The Lost Brothers, who feature former members of The 747's and The Basement.

After the performances McClure told NME.COM that he wants to repeat the process at the next, as-yet-unscheduled Instigate Debate night.

"I'll play anywhere, I don't care what the gaff's like," he said. "Or where it is, either. We'll travel to whoever wants to have us."

Can't Stand Me Now at Instigate Debate

Peter to headline Camden Rocks

When: June 6th, 2009
Where: Underworld - Barfly - The Monarch - Prince Of Wales - Dingwalls (Official Afterparty)
In Association with Trekstock - in aid of Teenage Cancer Trust
Sponsored by: Kerrang / Disorder Magazine
Line-up:
PETER DOHERTY
CARL BARAT
GINGER (WILDHEARTS)
EMF
BLACK SPIDERS
THE PADDINGTONS
NINE BALCK ALPS
ROSIE ODDIE & THE ODD SQUAD
MiLLS
TYLA & THE DOG
THE NEW YORK FUND
GLAMOUR OF THE KILL
OPERAHOUSE
THE MOONS
MEDI AND THE MEDICINE SHOW
YOUNG GUNS
TEMPLETON PEKSOM WARDENER (MY VITRIOL)
L'AMOUR LAMORGUE (LOST PHOPHETS)
QUEENS OF NOIZE
STRANGEWAYS
THE SOCIAL
TELEGRAPHS
EXIT TEN
DIRTY HARRY
PLUS LOADS MORE TBC!!!
BUY TICKETS HERE

Peter at Glasto on "The Other Stage"

On the Saturday.
This is the Glasto line-up in full (well, not really):

Pyramid Stage
Friday 26 June
Neil Young - The Specials - Lily Allen - Fleet Foxes - TBC - Regina Spektor - Gabrielle Cilmi - Bjorn Again - The Rakes - The View - Lady Gaga
Saturday 27 June
Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band - Kasabian - Crosby, Stills & Nash - Dizzee Rascal - Spinal Tap - Tinariwen - Eagles Of Death metal - VV Brown
Sunday 28 June
Blur - Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds - Madness - Tom Jones - Amadou & Mariam - Tony Christie - Status Quo - Easy Star Allstars

Other Stage
Friday 26 June
Bloc Party - Ting Tings - Antony & The Johnsons - White Lies - Friendly Fires - TBC - The Maccabees - The Whip - Mr Hudson
Saturday 27 June
Franz Ferdinand - Pendulum - Maximo Park - Paolo Nutini - Pete Doherty - The Script - Jason Mraz - Metric - Peter, Bjorn & John - Broken Family Band
Sunday 28 June
Prodigy - Glasvegas - Bon Iver - Bat For Lashes - Yeah Yeah Yeahs - Enter Shikari - Brand New - Art Brut - Boxer Rebellion - In Case Of Fire

John Peel Stage
Friday 26 June
Doves - Jamie T - Jack Penate - Little Boots - Metronomy - VV Brown - The Virgins - F****d Up - Rumble Strips - Dan Black - General Fiasco
Saturday 27 June
Jarvis Cocker - White Lies - Florence & The Machine - Passion Pit - Gaslight Anthem - Hockey - Temper Trap - Esser - Big Pink - Baddies - The Nightingales
Sunday 28 June
Echo & The Bunnymen - The Wombats - Noisettes - Ladyhawke - The Soft Pack - Just Jack - Emmy The Great - Twisted Wheel - We Have Band - Wave Machines - Good Books

More to come!!!

Carl and Drew tomorrow at the Boogaloo

From NME.com:

Jon McClure of Reverend And The Makers, former actress/model and human rights advocate Bianca Jagger and London Minister Karen Buck MP are set for a 'speed debate' tomorrow (May 26) in London.

The trio will stage the debate at the Boogaloo pub as part of the Instigate Debate project, which encourages young people to engage with political issues and is supported by musicians including McClure, Carl Barat and Babyshambles' Drew McConnell.

The debate will be titled 'The Need For Greed' and will be followed by a house gig featuring McClure, Barat, McConnell, writer Mark Dunne and Baba Maal.

See Instigatedebate.com for more information.

Footie stuff

What happened at the Soccer Six Tournament this afternoon is not too clear. Peter couldn't make it (apparently he was "at Loftus Road in the middle of the pitch on his own". Loftus Road is the home of his beloved QPR) and The General took his place.

Adam wrote: "I went, loads of me pals and family got stung a score, (was for charity I suppose) done some colouring in, Peter not there, Drew came, Drew went, Carl came, don't think he played. Lots of blonde girls and skinscelebrityislandtvhorrors there, my green felt tip ran out so I came home and ate a knickblockerglory. Adamo".

Meanwhile, the first Barat-solo world tour is slowly taking shape. Carlos will also play outside UK, namely in Rome, on June 21st. Apparently Anthony Rossomando will play with him (source).

Hot Hot Heat

So it's 23 May and feels like July. At least here. But after all who cares? Let's enjoy the heat. And the footie. Tomorrow Babyshambles will be busy with the Celebrity Soccer Six Tournament at Stamford Bridge. Babybear has promised us something special.

"Folks I shall be attempting (with a stress on the attempting bit) to write an 'as it happens' blog about the football tomorrow" he wrote to FDW "This is all dependent on battery life and the quality of my dongle. At the very least I'll try and update on here [FDW]. If you want to follow my attempt at my first 'as it happens' blog tune in here for my Arthur Montford style bon mots! I reckon it'll be a bit warm for a sheepskin but one never knows. bb".

When asked who's playing in the Shambles team Adrian replied:

"Peter Doherty, Andy Boyd, Kevin Hunter, Jai Stanley, Martin Compston, Neville Southall, Adam Ficek (tbc), a fellow called Steve, someone else and a geezer from Corrie I believe but it isn't finalised yet".

In the meantime, Adam has updated his blog as well with something interesting.

Stay tuned!

Peter will headline the LMHR Carnival

Great news for people who'll be there (not me - sigh). Peter will co-headline (with ex-Destiny's Child Kelly Rowland) the Love Music Hate Racism Festival in Stoke on Saturday May 30th. Drusillo will play too, with one of his incarnations (this time it's Helsinki). For info on tickets, line-ups, contacts etc. go to the Carnival Official Site.

Very small things

Our heroes are at work and we have only a handful of little news:

• Babyshambles' seized equipment has been given away for charity
• Paul Roundhill has uploaded a You Tube "video" with an early version of Sedative and photos of Peter shot by himself.
• Drew and Mongrel played the Liverpool Sound City Festival last night
• Adam DJed at Paris Social Club, opening up with 'Bardot - Harley Davidson'. "The serious French electro heads will love me...perhaps" he twittered. I hope he also played Bonnie and Clyde by BB and Serge Gainsbourg.
• It seems certain Carlos will participate to Soccer Six next Sunday, but he won't play. He'll be there only to have fun.

Peter announces UK tour

From NME.com:

Pete Doherty has announced details of a short UK tour for September. The jaunt takes in dates in London, Leamington Spa, Manchester and Glasgow. During recent gigs Doherty was joined by his solo band, which has consisted of Blur guitarist Graham Coxon, various Babyshambles members and a string section.

Tickets for the gigs go on sale this Friday (May 22) at 9am (BST).

Pete Doherty will play:

London Roundhouse (September 19)

Leamington Spa Assembly (20)

Manchester Apollo (21)

Glasgow Barrowlands (23)

To check the availability of Pete Doherty tickets and get all the latest listings, go to NME.COM/GIGS now, or call 0871 230 1094.

The Ficek knows better

Interview at BBC6:

18 May 2009 - Babyshambles drummer Adam Ficek believes it is only a "matter of time" before The Libertines reform. The sticksman was speaking after three members of Pete Doherty and Carl Barat's previous guise played a one-off London show at the weekend for the late Johnny Sedassy, who used to put on their gigs when they first started out.

"I'm sure they'll get together at some point," he said. "I think they should make people wait and make people really want them."

The Libertines were disbanded by Barat in December 2004 after he failed to heal a rift with Doherty which had been going on for six months. The Babyshambles singer had been in and out of rehab and was eventually replaced by Anthony Rossomando in the summer of that year. Following their split Barat went on to form Dirty Pretty Things, who split in October 2008, and Doherty formed his own band Babyshambles.
"Obviously there is a lot of history between them both but I don’t really get involved with personal relationships and take sides," Ficek said."I just let them get on with it. They put on a great show at the Rhythm Factory so who knows."

The drummer also confirmed that Babyshambles are working on their third record."We're in the studio, in and out in between Pete's solo shows and festival dates," he said. "We're just getting together new songs for the next album."

Damian Jones

Round up

Let's do a round up of the latest events.

• Hordes of articles are out today about Friday night's show. Everybody wants to know what happened "after". Alison LMHR let it slip that Peter and Carlos stayed together until early in the morning. People who saw Peter at The Great Escape and at the late night gig of Saturday said he was in ecstatic mood. Anyway, the greatest report comes from Jamie Fullerton at NME.com. Here you can see the whole set (bar Death on the Stairs).
• Thanks to Elise for penning this review of the second night at the Rhythm Factory: "After a seemingly endless array of support acts, including Alan Wass and The General, it was announced that Peter was about half an hour away from the venue. The DJ entertained the crowd with some The Kinks and The Clash, I tried to keep my head above the ridiculously high barrier at the front, and avoided the drunken banter of the guys next to me. Peter came onstage at around quarter past two and, though looking a bit tired, he was on great form, starting off with Last of the English Roses, and then opting for a few Libertines oldies, including All at sea, Love reign o’er me, The good old days, Music when the lights go out, Smashing, What a Waster, Never Never, Lady don’t fall backwards, Can’t stand me now, The Delaney and The whole world is our playground. Peter also played Blue Moon, For Lovers, Arcady and Lost art of Murder. Fags and letters were thrown on stage, all good-naturedly, and a few shout-outs asked: ‘Where is Carl?’, to which Peter replied, grinning, that he didn’t know. Mick then joined Peter for Sedative, I love you but you’re green, There she goes, Beg, Steal and Borrow, Baddie’s Boogie, Mockingbird and finished with The Beatles’ Across the Universe. There was a lot of fiddling with guitar in between songs and at a few points, Peter seated himself behind the drumkit. The gig finished at around ten to four, I hopped on the 25 to Mile End with bruises and weird dust on my shoes, having not completely forgiven myself for buying a Saturday instead of a Friday RF ticket, but happy nonetheless".
• A few hours before the "reunion" took place, Carl called Peter to see "if he wants me to play a few tunes at his gig tonight". That's what The Mighty Carlos said in this interview with The Sunday Mail.
• I'm glad Carlos he's getting a new "touring band" together. I hope that he'll choose people with guts, and willing to experiment.
• No gigs this week. At least, not officially. But keep your eyes open, you never know...
• And don't forget next Sunday (24th) Babyshambles and Friends are showing their footie skills at Chelsea Stamford Bridge!

Somebody took a stumble...

While we are all still starry-eyed and rosy-cheeked remembering of Friday night, I couldn't find anything to post about last night's second show. No reports, no photos, anything at all. OK, it's still early, and I wouldn't be up either if I didn't have a flight to catch. The only things I've found so far are: the funny pic above, taken at the Shambles' "secret show" of yesterday afternoon at The Great Escape (Brighton), and this twitter from Adam: "well..had a goodun today, finally got onstage, Brighton rocked, early night for me tonight. had to keep shhh about today . sorry..", which makes me think Peter played alone last night.

I'll be checking out later. For the moment, bye bye Londinium, see you next month!

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT BY BABYBEAR!!!

The Great Escape Brighton.
Today, 5 pm.
Babyshambles secret show, 200 capacity.
Audio10 Marine Parade
Brighton BN2 1TL
England
You must have a wristband for the festival.
Present this at the Levis Store in The Churchill Shopping Centre.You'll receive a separate wristband which'll get you into the show.
Enjoy!

What made last night so special?

No, it wasn't the "reunion". We've seen that before and we've sorta become immune. OK, there was Gary this time but John wasn't, so the full Libertines reunion is once again postponed. But maybe it was...

1. the venue. The natural environment for the boys. Not a posh theatre. Not a ragged fashion show. Simply the Rhythm Factory, the place that saw them grow up. Could you ask for more?

2. the tribute to Johnny Rhythm. I don't think many Libertines buffs have known this guy in person, but of course he was special to Peter, Carl and Gary, and also to Babyshambles. And people look much more involved when emotions fly high.

3. the buzz. It's unbelievable how funny it gets when the buzz is all around. Nobody says anything ever, people pretend they don't know anything. "You here too tonight?" "Yeah of course it's been a while since I've seen Pizza". Nobody mentions Carlos Barat. And if they do it's only to shrug "Oh yeah he's doing a solo record ain't he?" "Yeah I think I've read about it...", and in the same time the back of your brain is elaborating something like "please let Carl be entering the backstage door right now".

But to me the main thing was that last night the guys have finally achieved something they've been trying to since they first got together years ago. The DREAM. A bunch of friends playing together, and swapping instruments and spots as if that was the most natural thing in the world. The songs melting into each other. Drew and Carl. Peter and Pat. Adam, Mik and Gary. They were melting into each other too. And most of all, they were all playing awesome music. Could that be the start of something? Only time will tell. For the moment, thanks to Johnny Rhythm, thanks to Babyshambles, and to Gary, Carl and Pat. And of course thanks to Peter for his great courage and his unbeatable genius, as usual.

Setlist :
Babyshambles :
1. I Wish
2. Killamangiro
3. Delivery
4. UnStookietitled
5. Back From The Dead
6. Baddie's Boogie
7. Albion
Libertines :

8. What a Waster
9. Up The Bracket
10. What Katy Did
11. Can't Stand Me Now
12. Time For Heroes

13. Death on the stairs
Babyshambles :
14. Pipedown
15. Fuck Forever

A night to remember

Thanks to evrybody who made last night so special!
Goodbye Johhny. R.I.P.

Peter's Portuguese Sessions

Peter in Lisbon (photo by U2Acrobata)

From NME.com:

Pete Doherty used his recent trip to Portugal for a solo gig to record a batch of new songs.Taking a break from performing in Porto last Friday (May 8), Doherty headed to Boom Studios in Gaia City, where he recorded a number of unreleased songs, according to Portuguese blog Diazepam 05.Among the tracks Doherty laid down during the session was 'The Ballad Of Grimaldi', which was written during the early days of The Libertines.It is currently unclear when or how the tracks will be released.

According to Adrian, "the recording will not be posted [anywhere] as we have other plans for it. I am sure you'll get to hear it soon". Patience!

Pete Doherty and António Colaço in Lisbon

Cute!

Snippets of Peter in Portugal

Photo by Estacio

Very little information was given about Peter's latest trip to Portugal. Apart from Babybear's blog from yesterday we were totally unsure of what was going on. Apparently the mystery has now been solved. Peter arrived in Porto on Friday, where he had to play at the Queima das Fitas do Porto. Then he decided to stay in town to attend the football match FC Porto - Nacional da Madeira on Sunday. Yesterday he went to Lisbon, where a surprise gig was arranged at the Music Box Club. We've just found two reviews of the gig (in Portuguese), from Disco Digital and Diario, and some beautiful photos by Estacio (here). "Pete Doherty played a flash gig in Lisbon, Portugal" the photographer says "I learned about this gig 30 minutes before and rushed to the venue and asked the bouncer for permission to take some shots".

Although my knowledge of Portuguese is rather poor, I understand both reviews are positive. The setlist is still unknown.

At the moment Peter should have left Portugal and landed in France, where he's expected to attend the Festival du Cannes. "Pete Doherty et Alesha Dixon viendront défendre leurs récents albums" says the famous mag "Paris Match".

Win tickets to see Peter at the Rhythm Factory

From My Chemical Toilet:

Pete - sorry, Peter - Doherty is playing a couple of gigs at east London’s Rhythm Factory this weekend.
Friday’s show is a charity bash to commemorate London promoter Johnny ‘Rhythm’ Sedassi, who died earlier this year. That one sold out quick smart, but Doherty is playing another show the following night, known in the biz as “Saturday 16th May”. Tickets are available from Ticketweb, but My Chemical Toilet has a pair to give away to one lucky blighter.
Pete”r” Doherty shows tend to be unpredictable, guest-festooned affairs, so who knows who may end up joining the larrikin onstage. Graham Coxon, who played on his recent well-received album Grace/Wastelands? Carl Barat? The Gin Blossoms? It is just impossible to tell with Pete”r”.
It is also impossible to tell what time he will show up, and at this point I should probably point out that My Chemical Toilet PROVIDES NO GUARANTEE AS TO THE QUALITY OF PETE”R”‘S PERFORMANCE.
With that proviso taken care of, on with the comp.
To have a chance of winning, do the followings:
1. Answer this question: Pete”r” and his pal Amy Winehouse once appeared in a rather odd video in which they talked to some baby rodents. What kind of rodents were they?
2. Email your answer to stuart@mychemicaltoilet.com along with your full name, using the subject line “It feels weird calling him Peter”.
3. Pray to your chosen deity.
The winner will have two spots on the guest list at The Rhythm Factory on Saturday night. The show is set to run until 4am, so make sure you’re allowed out late and that. As it’s in a boozy venue, entrants need to be 18+.
You have until the stroke of midnight on Thursday 14th May to enter. One entry per person. UK entrants only, sozzyplops.

Gigs and more

A little recap of the events of this week:

Fri 15thMay
RHYTHM FACTORY PRESENTS A TRIBUTE TO JONNY RHYTHM

ALL PROCEEDS GO TO MICHAEL SOBBELL HOUSE HOSPICE

PETER DOHERTY + THE PADDINGTONS + RED ROOTS + MELODY NELSON + THEE UNSTRUNG + CAZALS + THE MUNROES + DJ's 'til the early hours

8pm - 6am (the gig is sold out)

Sat 16thMay
RHYTHM FACTORY PRESENTS PETER DOHERTY+ WILL MILES + LEGS ELEVEN + BOY CRIED WOLF + BAD HAIR DAY + SABATTA + THE GUILTY ONES + PUNK BEATLES

8pm - 4am - tickets £20 available from ticketweb and the venue.

Plus! The Ficek twittered: 'Apples & Engines' ep out in July, 500 x CD and 10" -first dibs to mailing listers - www.roseskingscastles.com. new song written 'cola boy'.

And then: "preparing my 4th ep track, it's a little bit electro, I'm gonna rip off 'Herve' and make friends with Annie Mac and the cool catz. WEVS!!"

And Carl spoke to the NME. Thanks to... Whoever wrote down this little article:
Carl Barat is making an appearance acting in an Internet sitcom this week which features a bizarre cast including Goldie Lookin Chain’s Maggot and Alan McGee. The former Libertine makes a cameo appearance in the new episode of music industry-based comedy Svengali, playing himself in a scene that sees him pestered by fans begging him to reform his old band - an experience Barat says he goes through “every Friday night.”

The episode was filmed in The Foundry in London, where Barat and Peter Doherty used to host a club night. “It was a poetry night,” explained Barat. “We used to do the occasional raffle to get money together. It hasn’t changed a bit!”

He added that his role wasn’t too demanding. “The main character hassles me about getting the Libs back together,” he explained. “I just did what I do every Friday night. I take it in my stride.” Maggot and McGee play themselves in the show, which has also seen former Oasis man Bonehead make a cameo. The sitcom precedes Barat’s appearance alongside Kevin Spacey, as Gene Vincent in Joe Meek biopic Telstar.

The former DPT insists though he’s still focused on music, with a solo album on the way. "I don’t want to use the ‘P’ word [’Politics’ not ‘Peter’]," he explained, “but I’m writing about the states of things.”

And that Libs reunion? According to Barat, it’s on the cards: “I think we left it as ‘next year...’”

Carl on Svengali

Carl explains his involvement in the Youtube series.

Big Mouth strikes again

From NME.com:

Pete Doherty has said that he wants his current band Babyshambles to make a comeback album soon – to knock Oasis off their perch as Britain's biggest band. The singer/guitarist, who also has a solo career and is planning a Libertines reunion, told NME.COM that he had been impressed by the Manchester legends' latest album, 'Dig Out Your Soul', so had made a vow to better it with his own group. "With Oasis stepping up a gear and proving they've still got it, they need to be shown there are people out there who can surpass them," Doherty told NME.COM. He added: "Can we match them? The quality is good [in Oasis], but there really is no competition because my band is the greatest in the world and we're going to prove it." When asked when we should expect a new Babyshambles album, he said: "It's record company politics. Please, let it happen as soon as possible." See the new issue of NME, out now, for the full interview with Doherty.

Gosh Pizza. If Babyshambles weren't better than Oasis I'd be writing a blog about the rules of embroidery right now. Or Indian vegetarian cooking. Or kitesurfing.

Anyway we don't have the NME yet but there's a nice interview with Peter in this blog called La Bouche. Enjoy!

Peter for second Rhythm Factory date

From NME.com:

Pete Doherty has announced that he will play a second date at the London Rhythm Factory venue later this month.The Babyshambles man had previously announced details of a tribute gig for the later promoter Johnny 'Rhythm' Sedassy at the venue, set for May 15. He will now play a second date the following night (May 16). See the venue's official website, Rhythmfactory.co.uk for more information. Plus, see the new issue of NME, out today (May 6), for an interview with Doherty about why he thinks Babyshambles can steal Oasis' crown as Britain's biggest band.

From what I gather the first night (15th) is not going to be a Peter solo gig but a Babyshambles one (which excites me much more I should say). Adam said: "I think this may be a shambles gig now, spoke to Peter, surprised we (the band) weren't asked in the first place by the organisers, but that's another issue! All of us 'other 3' were friends with Johnny and want to show our love and respect for the fine fella, see you there". Besides, it is rumoured the DJs of the night might be the mysterious Team Disgusting, who are noone else than Noel Fielding and an ex Towers of London member.

Nuggets

In the new NME: Peter Doherty and Babyshambles prepare to knock Oasis off their perch as Britain's biggest band (see photo above).

Thee Unstrung will support Peter at the Rhythm Factory on 15 May (the other support act will be Paddingtons). In case you don't know: Thee Unstrung were an English group, signed to Mercury Records (originally signed to Alan Mcgee's record label Poptones). They released an album in 2005 entitled Lie, Cheat and Steal, and then split up. One of the band members, Ben Bailey, is one of Pete Doherty's many collaborators. Thee Unstrung will reform only for this occasion (i.e. the tribute to Johnny Rhythm).

Everybody wants to be an actor! It seems Peter is going to appear on Svengali too.

Carl Barat will play at the Peace and Love Festival, to be held in Borlange, Sweden, from 22 to 27 June.

Carlos in the next NME

The Svengali cast

From NME.com:

Former Oasis guitarist Paul 'Bonehead' Arthurs, ex-Libertine Carl Barat, Goldie Lookin Chain's Maggot and former Creation records chief Alan McGee appear in a new comedy show that debuts online this week (beginning May 4). The four-some appear in the new episode of 'Svengali', the online show written by Dean Cavanagh and also featuring 'Shameless' actor Jonathan Owen. See the next issue of NME, out on Wednesday (May 6), for an interview with Barat about his new role and an update on his solo plans.

Episode 3 of Svengali is up on youtube. The preview says: "It's an improvised twelve minute special in which Dixie gatecrashes a live radio show at The Foundry. Our cast this episode features Jonathan Owen, Roger Evans and Sean Harris playing photographer Anton Blair. The episode was shot during the recording of Tracey Moberly's weekly radio show for Resonance FM. Guests on Tracey's show this week are Alan Mcgee, A&R man Brian Horse, ex-Libertines Carl Barat, ex-Oasis guitarist Bonehead, Goldie Lookin' Chain's Maggot, Gavin Bain and his band Hopeless Heroic. Hear the full story of Dixie's invasion as it happened on The Late Late Breakfast Show, Tuesday 5th May at 8pm on Resonance 104.4 London or www.resonancefm.com".

Actually The Mighty Carlos is as expressive as a turnip. To the mandatory question "When are the Libertines coming back?" he replies "It's a bit more complicated than you think". Then he proceeds to a fake pee. Anyway, if you haven't seen it yet, enjoy!

Part 1

Part 2

Gigs of the week

Babyshambles all the way!

• Wednesday 6 May - Philipshalle Düsseldorf, Germany
• Thursday 7 May - Jahrhunderthalle Frankfurt am Main, Germany
• Friday 8 May - Arena Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
• Saturday 9 May - Berlin Arena Treptow, Berlin, Germany

AUFWIEDERSEHEN !!!

Peter in Luxembourg

Last night Peter played (alone) at the Rockhal in Luxembourg. We have already a review by "L'essentiel":

Ne l’appelez plus Pete mais Peter. Parce que Doherty a bel et bien changé. De prénom, certes, mais aussi de style. L’ancien leader des Babyshambles s’est sérieusement assagi en arrivant à maturité. Pas tout à fait quand même, il ne faut pas exagérer. Arrivé sur scène avec seulement un quart d’heure de retard, il a tout de même un verre à la main et la clope au bec. Le temps de ramasser quelques cadeaux de ses groupies, de lire des messages de ses fans et l’Anglais prend sa guitare pour entamer un vrai tour de chant, plus qu’un concert. Parce qu’il a aussi changé de style. Du rock provocant de sa jeunesse, il est passé à quelque chose de beaucoup plus soft. Même son légendaire chapeau est devenu un simple élément de décoration, dans un décor sobre et cosy, juste l’Union Jack jeté nonchalamment sur un dossier de chaise. L’ex de Kate Moss affiche une belle présence, les chansons s’enchaînent, mais Peter ne communique plus vraiment avec le public. Il est rejoint, pour «Last of the english roses» par deux ballerines qui dansent autour de lui jusqu’au dernier pincement de corde du titre. Il trouvera encore un peu de compagnie sur la fin du concert, avec son vieux compagnon et guitariste des Babyshambles, Mick Whitnall. Avec lui, il conclut l’opus sur un titre de son ancien groupe, Down in Albion, et avec un titre suggéré par le public. En tout, Peter Doherty passe à peine plus d’une heure sur scène. Cela fait peu, ses fans auraient sans doute apprécié qu’il revienne pour un petit rappel.

Jérôme Wiss



Babelfish translation:

Don't call him Pete anymore, but Peter. Because Doherty has changed indeed. In his first name, certainly, but also his style. The former leader of Babyshambles [here we go again, EK] is seriously assagi while becoming ripe. Not completely nevertheless, let's not exaggerate. Arrived on scene with only one fifteen minutes of delay, he has a glass in the hand and the cig in the nozzle. Time to collect some gifts of his groupies, reading messages of his fans and the English takes his guitar to start a proper song recital, more than a concert. Because he also changed his style. The provocative rock'n'roll of his youth has turned into something much more accomplished. Even his legendary hat has become a simple decorative piece, in a sober and cosy decoration, just the Union Jack thrown nonchalamment on a line of chairs. Kate Moss's ex has a beautiful presence, the songs are connected, but Peter really does not communicate with the public anymore. For “Last of the english roses” he's joined by two ballerinas who dance around him until the last pinching of chord. He will still find a little company at the end in the concert, with his old companion and guitarist of Babyshambles, Mik Whitnall. With him, he concludes the opus with a title from his old group, Down in Albion, and with a title suggested by the public. In all, Peter Doherty spends hardly more than one hour on the stage. That made little, his fans would undoubtedly have appreciated his return for a small reminder.

Saturday bits

Last night Babyshambles played at the SOS 4.8 Festival in Alicante. Judging from this video (Maybelline) and some beautiful photos by Alexandre López Conesa (here) Peter is still in smashing shape.

Plus!

• The Taratata broadcast can be watched in full here.
• Babybear tells us about the Shambles' trip to Spain in his blog.
• Carl Barat has given two more interviews: one and two.

Carl, Drew and Anthony - Time For Heroes

Awesome stuff!

Happy Workers Day!

A bit early? No, actually it's a bit late ha ha! Oh man. Let's have a look at some news:

Carlos is dj-ing tonight in Dubai at the Stereo Nokia event together with Charlatans (playing live) and record spinners Step On (Mark Evans and Matt Ross). Here's what Biggles says of the event:

What can we expect from your set tonight?

It will be exciting. Old, new and a bit of jiggery pokery. Whatever takes my fancy on the night basically.

What are your top five tunes at the moment?

I'll Be Satisfied by Jackie Wilson; The Beat That My Heart Skipped by Dan Le Sac vs Scroobius Pip; Jerusalem by Kieran Leonard; Alone Again by Love; Too Young To Love by The Big Pink.

What else are you up to at the moment?

I'm writing for my solo album and for a film.

So you're getting into acting? You recently appeared in an episode of Svengali, didn't you?

That wasn't really acting as I played myself; although I would love to act one day when I can commit to doing it well. Svengali is going to make a fine film.

Do you only want to act in British productions or is Hollywood an option?

I don't mind as long as I like the part.

Is there a dream role?

I would love to have been in a British film written and directed by Shane Meadows called Dead Man Shoes but I missed the boat.

Earlier this month, Pete Doherty said you were offered "ridiculous" amounts of money to play at festivals like The Libertines this summer. Is this true?

I believe there was some truth in it, but I don't think it will happen this year.

Would you ever form another band not related to either The Libertines or Dirty Pretty Things?

It's not something I'm desperate to go back to and have grown somewhat jaded by band hierarchies; but never say never.

Who's your favourite of the two Step On DJs who share stage with you tonight?

Mark.

Other scattered news:

• Peter will play FIB Heineken in Benicassim (Spain) from 16 to 19 July (info here).
• Matt Wilkinson tells us about the Camden Crawl jamming night.

Goodnight everyone!