There you go.
12/25/2009
12/24/2009
12/23/2009
Dirty South round-up
Setlist by Ollie 90:
gang of gin - babyshambles - 8 dead boys - loyalty song - the man who came to stay - up the morning - janie jones - the blinding - why did you break my heart/piracy - la belle et la bete - clementine - do you know me - black boy lane - encore: love will tear us apart - there is a light that never goes out - comfortably numb
Videos:
Fuck Forever
You Talk
Baddies Boogie
Albion
Plus!
Peter is to play an intimate gig at Camden venue The Blues Kitchen on December 28.
Doherty, who has been bailed until January following an arrest for heroin possession at Gloucester Crown Court on December 21, will play the show with tickets being sold on a first come first served basis. Doors for the venue open at 7pm (GMT) and all tickets for the gig are to be sold on the door.
(Source: NME.com)
gang of gin - babyshambles - 8 dead boys - loyalty song - the man who came to stay - up the morning - janie jones - the blinding - why did you break my heart/piracy - la belle et la bete - clementine - do you know me - black boy lane - encore: love will tear us apart - there is a light that never goes out - comfortably numb
Videos:
Fuck Forever
You Talk
Baddies Boogie
Albion
Plus!
Peter is to play an intimate gig at Camden venue The Blues Kitchen on December 28.
Doherty, who has been bailed until January following an arrest for heroin possession at Gloucester Crown Court on December 21, will play the show with tickets being sold on a first come first served basis. Doors for the venue open at 7pm (GMT) and all tickets for the gig are to be sold on the door.
(Source: NME.com)
12/22/2009
Quick update
From NME.com:
Pete Doherty has been charged with possession of heroin after being arrested just moments after a court appearance yesterday (December 21).
The Babyshambles frontman avoided jail for a driving office, but was then re-arrested by police for possessing a controlled substance.
A spokes person for the Gloucestershire Constabulary has since confirmed to NME.COM that Doherty has been charged again.
"The 30-year-old from Wiltshire who was arrested in Gloucester yesterday has been charged with possession of heroin and has been bailed to appear at Gloucester Magistrates court in January 2010," they explained.
Meanwhile, Babyshambles have announced a last minute gig in London tonight (December 22).
Pete Doherty has been charged with possession of heroin after being arrested just moments after a court appearance yesterday (December 21).
The Babyshambles frontman avoided jail for a driving office, but was then re-arrested by police for possessing a controlled substance.
A spokes person for the Gloucestershire Constabulary has since confirmed to NME.COM that Doherty has been charged again.
"The 30-year-old from Wiltshire who was arrested in Gloucester yesterday has been charged with possession of heroin and has been bailed to appear at Gloucester Magistrates court in January 2010," they explained.
Meanwhile, Babyshambles have announced a last minute gig in London tonight (December 22).
So it wasn't crystal meth, it was pure and simple good old smack. I guess the implant is off then. Whatever. I think we've given too much importance to this... heroic feat, even if I found it hilarious.
What counts is that tonight's gig is on. I'm not in but for those who go, please have fun!
12/21/2009
Peter, po caridari!
(expression in my original lingo to be understood only by Anto Dust and circa other 300.000 people)
Anyway, the last piece of news is that today Peter totally outdid himself and went to the Crown Court in Gloucester (where he had to be sentenced for the famous drunk driving of last summer) proudly carrying a packet of crystal meth in his coat pocket. The packet was soon found by the cops as soon as the likely lad arrived at the court and checked in at the security desk. I guess he's still in custody.
The only thing I can say about this is... that I nearly killed myself laughing.
Peter.
Peter!
PETER!!!
Here we are. I'm starting to laugh again.
Last gigs in town
So, back home for Christmas and waiting to cross the pond in the new year... but that's another story. Left the snow behind me, and also the RATM vs X-Factor battle (oh what shall we do to sell more records next time). And the Babyshambles tour has come to a halt after a frenzy week. Today it's court day. Bugger. We'll talk about it later.
For now, enjoy:
a good review of the Birmingham gig (here)
another very good review with videos of the same gig (here)
slide show from Southampton
setlist from last night's gig in Nottingham (thanks to Casterplast, who described the gig as "the best i have seen Babyshambles yet!")
I wish
Delivery
There She Goes (ALH)
Carry On Up The Morning
What Katie Did
Back From The Dead
Baddie's Boogie
Side Of The Road
Sedative
Stranger In My Own Skin
Fireman
Native At The Gates Of Rome
I Wanna Be Adored
Time For Heroes
Albion
Unbilotitled
Unstookietitled
Pipedown
Beg, Steal Or Borrow
Killamangiro
Fuck Forever
12/19/2009
Chrimbo romp at The Dirty South
Babybear writes to FDW:
Xmas Beano on 22nd Dec, The Dirty South.
Babyshambles and Krakatoa.
Ho Ho Ho!
Or alternatively .....
BAH HUMBUG!
Xmas Beano on 22nd Dec, The Dirty South.
Babyshambles and Krakatoa.
Ho Ho Ho!
Or alternatively .....
BAH HUMBUG!
Tickets here
12/18/2009
Adam interviewed on the road
From This is Nottingham:
Babyshambles are back in the city this weekend as part of a tour to road-test new material. Drummer Adam Ficek talks to ANDREW TRENDELL about politics, progression and ignoring what the papers say.
HAVING a frontman who attracts the sort of attention that Pete Doherty has over the past few years, you can perhaps understand how the rest of the band may get frustrated.
HAVING a frontman who attracts the sort of attention that Pete Doherty has over the past few years, you can perhaps understand how the rest of the band may get frustrated.
But not so much about being in his shadow, rather that the music is ignored.
"It's always been that way," says Babyshambles drummer Adam Ficek.
"The tabloids do have that power and that potency to make or break you by how they portray you. You just have to hope that people can see through that."
Then adds: "The shame is that people don't really see through that."
Most people, that is. But there are thousands who have handed over their hard-earned cash to see Doherty's post-Libertines band play.
Ficek admits it's not always worth it.
"When we're having a good day we can be an amazing band. The way I would describe us is that we are either the best band you've ever seen or the worst."
Famed in their early days for their chaotic and messy live performances, anyone who has seen the band in the last couple of years will have seen a far more professional and finely-tuned band than the Babyshambles who stumbled on to the scene in 2004.
"I do still really like the shambolic side of things, but we do work really hard in rehearsal and when you go out there and play you just get better. I think that just comes from playing – you just naturally shape up."
Following their upcoming UK tour, the band plan to release a third album.
"The new Babyshambles album is coming along okay actually. We're thinking of releasing a new EP in the New Year.
There will be an album out next year as well but it's quite weird as there's quite a lot of pressure, in terms of time.
"There's a lot more punky stuff coming out, as well as a lot of shoe-gaze type stuff too. It's sounding a lot less angular, but more melodic. Because there are so many influences within Babyshambles, there's no real overriding style."
He adds: "You always evolve as you make new music, you don't want to go back and do the same things again so you evolve.
"It's hard to describe the evolution in that respect. As you're evolving, different influences are coming from different areas."
Typical of Doherty, Babyshambles' new tracks sound colourful and poetic.
BNP Blues is a tirade against right-wing racism. As a multicultural band, racism is an issue that's close to the heart of Babyshambles.
"It's something that we all care about," says Adam. "I'm from Eastern European stock, Drew and Pete are from Irish stock, and we're all kind of shocked and disgusted that in the UK and in London that real xenophobia still exists.
"Personally, I try to not be too political. Some people just like to escape in their music, some people like to be told what to think, whether for right or for wrong. So sometimes music can be a pretty good means of escape, but other times music can be pretty politically moving. I do think you need to be careful about how hard you push it. You don't want to seem like you're preaching."
Unlike Bono?
"Well, Bono does what he does but that's his own subjective way of doing it. Sometimes, I don't want to hear reality in music. There's enough of that nasty stuff on the news and in real life, it's hard to escape. But there are times when it's good to raise social awareness."
As a decade in music that they helped to define draws to a close, what do the band hope to achieve in the future? Adam tells us of their humble ambitions: "I'd like to keep going as long as we can make a living from it. We're not really in it to become the biggest-selling band out there or to try and win the Mercury Prize.
"That never comes to bands like us, anyway. If you're a bigger band with a lot of media backing paying a lot of money, then that's fine. I don't really see us as that sort of band.
"We're more quiet and detached and unseen. We're not really that kind of pat-on-the-back Mercury band, or any of that T4 stuff. We're more your kind of meat and potatoes band, we just want to play."
"It's always been that way," says Babyshambles drummer Adam Ficek.
"The tabloids do have that power and that potency to make or break you by how they portray you. You just have to hope that people can see through that."
Then adds: "The shame is that people don't really see through that."
Most people, that is. But there are thousands who have handed over their hard-earned cash to see Doherty's post-Libertines band play.
Ficek admits it's not always worth it.
"When we're having a good day we can be an amazing band. The way I would describe us is that we are either the best band you've ever seen or the worst."
Famed in their early days for their chaotic and messy live performances, anyone who has seen the band in the last couple of years will have seen a far more professional and finely-tuned band than the Babyshambles who stumbled on to the scene in 2004.
"I do still really like the shambolic side of things, but we do work really hard in rehearsal and when you go out there and play you just get better. I think that just comes from playing – you just naturally shape up."
Following their upcoming UK tour, the band plan to release a third album.
"The new Babyshambles album is coming along okay actually. We're thinking of releasing a new EP in the New Year.
There will be an album out next year as well but it's quite weird as there's quite a lot of pressure, in terms of time.
"There's a lot more punky stuff coming out, as well as a lot of shoe-gaze type stuff too. It's sounding a lot less angular, but more melodic. Because there are so many influences within Babyshambles, there's no real overriding style."
He adds: "You always evolve as you make new music, you don't want to go back and do the same things again so you evolve.
"It's hard to describe the evolution in that respect. As you're evolving, different influences are coming from different areas."
Typical of Doherty, Babyshambles' new tracks sound colourful and poetic.
BNP Blues is a tirade against right-wing racism. As a multicultural band, racism is an issue that's close to the heart of Babyshambles.
"It's something that we all care about," says Adam. "I'm from Eastern European stock, Drew and Pete are from Irish stock, and we're all kind of shocked and disgusted that in the UK and in London that real xenophobia still exists.
"Personally, I try to not be too political. Some people just like to escape in their music, some people like to be told what to think, whether for right or for wrong. So sometimes music can be a pretty good means of escape, but other times music can be pretty politically moving. I do think you need to be careful about how hard you push it. You don't want to seem like you're preaching."
Unlike Bono?
"Well, Bono does what he does but that's his own subjective way of doing it. Sometimes, I don't want to hear reality in music. There's enough of that nasty stuff on the news and in real life, it's hard to escape. But there are times when it's good to raise social awareness."
As a decade in music that they helped to define draws to a close, what do the band hope to achieve in the future? Adam tells us of their humble ambitions: "I'd like to keep going as long as we can make a living from it. We're not really in it to become the biggest-selling band out there or to try and win the Mercury Prize.
"That never comes to bands like us, anyway. If you're a bigger band with a lot of media backing paying a lot of money, then that's fine. I don't really see us as that sort of band.
"We're more quiet and detached and unseen. We're not really that kind of pat-on-the-back Mercury band, or any of that T4 stuff. We're more your kind of meat and potatoes band, we just want to play."
12/17/2009
Peter + Lee?
From The Liverpool Echo:
HE’S known as something of a mysterious maverick in the music world, but it seems former La’s frontman Lee Mavers could be about to take a much talked about step back into the spotlight.
Only this time it won’t necessarily be with his old Scouse bandmates, but with a new partner ... Pete Doherty.
Insider’s spies report seeing the pair keeping each other’s company quite regularly and that’s prompted speculation that they could be working together on a new project.
Mavers penned the famous La’s anthem There She Goes but then disappeared almost without trace after the band split in 1992, until they got back together to play Glastonbury in 2005.
There were rumours of a highly belated follow-up to the one and only La’s album towards the end of last year, but nothing appeared.
But Mavers was spotted in the crowd watching Babyshambles at the O2 Academy on Monday, and it’s not the first time he’s been seen with Kate Moss’ ex.
He made a surprise appearance in Birmingham in March this year, joining Doherty on stage to play La’s classics Son of a Gun and There She Goes.
Our source says: “Pete and Lee have been spotted together on Bold Street and in the Albert on Lark Lane, so hopefully they’re recording in the Motor Museum together.”
HE’S known as something of a mysterious maverick in the music world, but it seems former La’s frontman Lee Mavers could be about to take a much talked about step back into the spotlight.
Only this time it won’t necessarily be with his old Scouse bandmates, but with a new partner ... Pete Doherty.
Insider’s spies report seeing the pair keeping each other’s company quite regularly and that’s prompted speculation that they could be working together on a new project.
Mavers penned the famous La’s anthem There She Goes but then disappeared almost without trace after the band split in 1992, until they got back together to play Glastonbury in 2005.
There were rumours of a highly belated follow-up to the one and only La’s album towards the end of last year, but nothing appeared.
But Mavers was spotted in the crowd watching Babyshambles at the O2 Academy on Monday, and it’s not the first time he’s been seen with Kate Moss’ ex.
He made a surprise appearance in Birmingham in March this year, joining Doherty on stage to play La’s classics Son of a Gun and There She Goes.
Our source says: “Pete and Lee have been spotted together on Bold Street and in the Albert on Lark Lane, so hopefully they’re recording in the Motor Museum together.”
12/16/2009
Svengali Christmas High Jinks
Carl Barat is allegedly dj-ing together with Glen Matlock tonight at the Pigalle Club in Piccadilly for the Svengali Christmas party. Alan Svengali McGee in person will be there as well. More info and tickets here. Stay tuned.
12/15/2009
McGee on Gary's new band
This article has just appeared in The Guardian's site and is written , of all people, by Alan McGee, former Libertines and Dirty Pretty Things manager (other than Oasis, Charlatans and a few others). McGee is an old fox and surely knows what he's talking about. As for his real motivations... he's not someone who does nothing for nothing. But he seems to have retired from business and maybe his appreciation for The Invasion Of... is sincere. Anyway, you can judge by yourself.
In early November, I interviewed Jon Bon Jovi for the Guardian. He was cool and a total gentlemen. When Jon mentioned he didn't know who Pete Doherty was, I suggested that the Babyshambles man was well worth hearing. In my opinion, both Carl Barat and Pete Doherty of the Libertines are iconic British artists, which is why I was drawn to working with them.
Last week, Libs drummer Gary Powell sent me demos of his new band, the Invasion of … I have to confess, I wasn't expecting the material to be on a par with that of his former bandmates. After all, how many rock drummers have gone on to great things? In this case, my assumption was wrong. Gary's new band are brilliant. Absolutely brilliant.
Defying the sceptics, Gary's group will soon be basking in critical acclaim. The anticipation surrounding the Invasion of ... is already building like an encroaching storm. Prepare for a heavy downpour of righteous rock'n'roll.
With the druggy fallout of the Libertines and the recent split of Dirty Pretty Things in his rear-view mirror, Powell is steadily proving his own talent for powerful, brutally honest songs. Having thrown himself into the rock'n'roll maelstrom with both of his previous bands, the Invasion of ... takes a subtler, more reflective stance. Singer Robin Coombes (aka Farma G) resembles a streetwise Sly Stone on the anthemic Invasion of Venice. Often he comes across like one of roots reggae's more philosophical singers: "And you feel like you were sinking, with your head in your hands submerged in deep thinking." It's a road less travelled by both Doherty and Barat, and one that is full of compelling moments.
Musically, the Invasion of … are full of high-energy charge and fearless experimentation. Imagine High Time-era MC5 with a heady infusion of soulful dub. As each song progresses, you hear the tap-tap-tap of the drumsticks that remind you this is the band of a world-class drummer. But The Invasion of … offer more than just rock-action antics. For all the fury of the music, the lyrics reveal poetic melancholy and stoic wisdom.
Invasion of Venice presents a troubling narrative. With steely precision, Coombes dissects the debasement and distortions of rock'n'roll fame. On other songs he is full of burning indignation as he levels the fallacies of the music industry with a mighty lyrical blow: "Now we are the talk of the town/The word on the grapevine/Is nothing but cheap lies." The Invasion of ... blend punk-rock rage with the power of soul in a way I've not heard since Drag City released the amazing debut album (and lost punk masterpiece) by Detroit band Death.
For me, this music almost constitutes a sequel to the unwritten story of Death. Who would have thought the Libertines drummer would emerge as a major songwriting talent? But it's true. Just listen.
Waiting for the great leap forward
Let's look at some scattered news:
Babshambles played at the Liverpool O2 Academy last night. We have one video (the other one was too sci-fi for my taste):
Delivery (get seasick!)
Adam Ant (FDW) wrote: "jus got back. shambles certainly lived up to their name tonight, pete was a fuckin mess- fallin over,throwin mics etc. Drew looked so pissed and think he tried to stop it early at one point but pete wasnt havin it. personally i had a great time, reminded me of the old shambles so gd in that respect yet i still feel for the boys trying to make them a credible musical force, it will always be the pete doherty show when hes like this".
Drusillo will participate to an event scheduled at the Flowerpot in Kentish Town on 22 December, to mark the seventh anniversary of the death of Joe Strummer. The line up so far includes Sam Duckworth (Get Cape Wear Cape Fly!), Drew McConnell (Babyshambles and Helsinki), Ray Gange (star of Rude Boy) on the decks and the Guvnor's of Punk - Night of Treason playing the Clash classics with their customary very special guests. There will also be special showings of the Jail Guitar Doors movie, Breaking Rocks, and clips from the documentary The Last Night London Burned with unique footage of Joe's last ever London gig at Acton for the firefighters where he was reunited with Mick Jones. If you're in London, don't miss it!
If you care about Carl Barat's acting career (I'm being serious!) you will know his stage partner Miss Frost has just "started rehearsing with carl B" (from her Twitter page). To this point you have taken us, Carlos. How will I ever forgive you?
Babshambles played at the Liverpool O2 Academy last night. We have one video (the other one was too sci-fi for my taste):
Delivery (get seasick!)
Adam Ant (FDW) wrote: "jus got back. shambles certainly lived up to their name tonight, pete was a fuckin mess- fallin over,throwin mics etc. Drew looked so pissed and think he tried to stop it early at one point but pete wasnt havin it. personally i had a great time, reminded me of the old shambles so gd in that respect yet i still feel for the boys trying to make them a credible musical force, it will always be the pete doherty show when hes like this".
Drusillo will participate to an event scheduled at the Flowerpot in Kentish Town on 22 December, to mark the seventh anniversary of the death of Joe Strummer. The line up so far includes Sam Duckworth (Get Cape Wear Cape Fly!), Drew McConnell (Babyshambles and Helsinki), Ray Gange (star of Rude Boy) on the decks and the Guvnor's of Punk - Night of Treason playing the Clash classics with their customary very special guests. There will also be special showings of the Jail Guitar Doors movie, Breaking Rocks, and clips from the documentary The Last Night London Burned with unique footage of Joe's last ever London gig at Acton for the firefighters where he was reunited with Mick Jones. If you're in London, don't miss it!
If you care about Carl Barat's acting career (I'm being serious!) you will know his stage partner Miss Frost has just "started rehearsing with carl B" (from her Twitter page). To this point you have taken us, Carlos. How will I ever forgive you?
12/14/2009
Shambles in Bath
"Bath was massive" Adam twittered 13 hours ago.
And ecudortne (.org) said: "gig was really fucking good, Doherty and the band were on good form... he seemed in really good spirits, lot of banter with the crowd [...]
Kicked off with Pipedown... Time for heroes was in there... covered I wanna be Adored... obviously finished with Fuck Forever, which was a riot. Good stuff all in all. Apart from some middle-aged prick afterwards complaining that Babyshambles weren't the Libertines... get over it".
And ecudortne (.org) said: "gig was really fucking good, Doherty and the band were on good form... he seemed in really good spirits, lot of banter with the crowd [...]
Kicked off with Pipedown... Time for heroes was in there... covered I wanna be Adored... obviously finished with Fuck Forever, which was a riot. Good stuff all in all. Apart from some middle-aged prick afterwards complaining that Babyshambles weren't the Libertines... get over it".
Photos by Brad Wakefield.
The Shambles tour goes on. This week we have...
Monday Dec 14: O2 Academy, Liverpool
Tuesday Dec 15: Southampton Guildhall, Southampton
Friday Dec 18: Barrowlands, Glasgow
Saturday Dec 19: O2 Academy, Birmingham
Sunday Dec 20: Rock City, Nottingham
(in the latter two dates support band will be Gaolers Daughters)
12/13/2009
Shambles in Cardiff and DPT reunion
photo by Steve BurnettShambolic gig in Cardiff last night, during which Babyshambles had to play together with the fire alarm. Steve Burnett was there and, beside taking fantastic pictures, he wrote in his blog:
You always know that an evening spent with Pete Doherty isn't going to be routine and tonight was no exception. Due onstage at 9pm the band fail to show and instead an unnanounced third support act, some long haired herbert, ambles on to play some aimless acoustic numbers for 20 minutes. He departs and Pete immediately appears, looking like death cooled down he signs a few autographs and then promptly disappears again for another 30 minutes. The increasingly restless crowd begin to get lairy and it is a huge relief when Babyshambles finally arrive, albeit about an hour late.
Having shot Doherty before I know that it isn't going to be much fun in the pit and, fearing for the safety of my cameras, I pray that they don't play any hits in the first three songs. Typically, they kick off with their biggest hit 'Killamangiro' and, right on cue, a monsoon of warm lager cascades over the band. That's the least of our worries though because the support band's free 7" singles are also being used as potentially deadly missiles. It's easy to criticise security at gigs for being heavy handed but the guys here tonight have to put up with absolute bloody murder. The are constantly drenched in beer and stand there and take it, carefully helping fans out over the barrier despite the bestial provocation from a minority of neanderthals in the audience. I doff my beer soaked cap to them.
Never mind the bouncers though as Pete is visibily not amused either, flicking the v's to the crowd with evident venom. The band struggle on through 'Beg, Steal or Borrow' and gradually the beer showers clear up allowing Babyshambles to finally hit their stride. As they begin the third song, however, something is clearly amiss and after many long, meaningful glances offstage the band suddenly drop their instruments and make a mad dash for the exit, with Pete rivalling Usain Bolt over 100metres.
This time it seems as though it isn't Pete's fault. Some clown has set off a fire alarm. Game over. Apparently the gig eventually resumes but it's too little too late".
You always know that an evening spent with Pete Doherty isn't going to be routine and tonight was no exception. Due onstage at 9pm the band fail to show and instead an unnanounced third support act, some long haired herbert, ambles on to play some aimless acoustic numbers for 20 minutes. He departs and Pete immediately appears, looking like death cooled down he signs a few autographs and then promptly disappears again for another 30 minutes. The increasingly restless crowd begin to get lairy and it is a huge relief when Babyshambles finally arrive, albeit about an hour late.
Having shot Doherty before I know that it isn't going to be much fun in the pit and, fearing for the safety of my cameras, I pray that they don't play any hits in the first three songs. Typically, they kick off with their biggest hit 'Killamangiro' and, right on cue, a monsoon of warm lager cascades over the band. That's the least of our worries though because the support band's free 7" singles are also being used as potentially deadly missiles. It's easy to criticise security at gigs for being heavy handed but the guys here tonight have to put up with absolute bloody murder. The are constantly drenched in beer and stand there and take it, carefully helping fans out over the barrier despite the bestial provocation from a minority of neanderthals in the audience. I doff my beer soaked cap to them.
Never mind the bouncers though as Pete is visibily not amused either, flicking the v's to the crowd with evident venom. The band struggle on through 'Beg, Steal or Borrow' and gradually the beer showers clear up allowing Babyshambles to finally hit their stride. As they begin the third song, however, something is clearly amiss and after many long, meaningful glances offstage the band suddenly drop their instruments and make a mad dash for the exit, with Pete rivalling Usain Bolt over 100metres.
This time it seems as though it isn't Pete's fault. Some clown has set off a fire alarm. Game over. Apparently the gig eventually resumes but it's too little too late".
Angerjas (FDW) wrote: "first three songs were: killamangiro, beg steal and borrow, baddie's boogie, then everybody was thrown out and when we were let back in, they carried on where they left off during baddie's boogie then they played pipedown, side of the road, you talk, fuck forever, delivery, there she goes, sedative, i wish, ocean or natives.., carry on up the morning, psycho killer, hooligans on e, unbilotitled, back from the dead, stranger in my own skin, albion. then it ended with a fucking awesome fuck forever encore again. those were the songs but i probably got the order they were in very wrong".
Meanwhile we had quite a funny night at The Tabernacle bar Friday night when we witnessed a curious Dirty Pretty Things reunion one year after the band's official breakup. Rumours had been rife throughout the evening of course but they verged more on the Libertines-side than DPT (why is Kieran Leonard supporting Babyshambles when he's promoting a record produced by Carl? how come Shambles' tour has a day off today? Isn't that Babybear over there? (it wasn't)". Well, everything cleared out when we saw Didz, Anthony and a very sick Gary doing a ragged soundcheck. So, instead of hearing Carl's new material we got Deadwood, Gin and Milk, Wondering, Buzzards and Crows, Bloodthirsty Bastards, Doctors and Dealers and Bang Bang You're Dead (video by Anto Dust, who played earlier).
And Carl's solo stuff? Try again, next time you'll be luckier.
12/11/2009
Shambles in Sheffield
Thanks a lot to Miss May for her speedy report and videos:
"there wasnt a strict one [setlist], pete was pretty much playing what he wanted,
man who came to stay, killamangiro, fuck forever, stranger in my own skin, there she goes (a little heartache), I wanna be adored, i wish, time for hereos, french dog blues, carry on up the morning, pipe down, albion, badies boogies, beg steal or borrow, sedative... erm thats all i can remmember for now
(edit: setlist - stookie untitled and delivery)
he was VERY drunk, threw the drum kit in the crowd, erm i cant remember got some videos"
carry on up the morning
stranger in my own skin
beg steal or borrow
and french dog blues
man who came to stay, killamangiro, fuck forever, stranger in my own skin, there she goes (a little heartache), I wanna be adored, i wish, time for hereos, french dog blues, carry on up the morning, pipe down, albion, badies boogies, beg steal or borrow, sedative... erm thats all i can remmember for now
(edit: setlist - stookie untitled and delivery)
he was VERY drunk, threw the drum kit in the crowd, erm i cant remember got some videos"
carry on up the morning
stranger in my own skin
beg steal or borrow
and french dog blues
12/10/2009
More snippets
Something very light-hearted to get into Chrimbo spirit:
Peter's performance on MTV Germany (pre-launch of the glass) is now on youtube
The Bosh talks about Peter's desire to emulate Barry White (a few pounds more, love, and you're nearly there)
T5m rates Up The Bracket as a Top Musical Highlight of the Decade
The Bath Chronicle previews Shambles' gig of next Sunday
The Shockwaves NME Awards voting is now open. You know what to do dontcha.
Poor Jamie Fullerton twittered about having an exciting night round Carl Barat's. Of course he ended up "Predictabky drunk. Ugh,,,,,,".
Later!
Peter's performance on MTV Germany (pre-launch of the glass) is now on youtube
The Bosh talks about Peter's desire to emulate Barry White (a few pounds more, love, and you're nearly there)
T5m rates Up The Bracket as a Top Musical Highlight of the Decade
The Bath Chronicle previews Shambles' gig of next Sunday
The Shockwaves NME Awards voting is now open. You know what to do dontcha.
Poor Jamie Fullerton twittered about having an exciting night round Carl Barat's. Of course he ended up "Predictabky drunk. Ugh,,,,,,".
Later!
12/09/2009
Q & A with Adam Ficek
From Metro:
That’s an interesting surname. What are its origins?
My heritage is from Poland, second generation. They came over and brought all the food with them.
What’s your favourite dish?
What’s your favourite dish?
I can’t remember what it’s called now. We used to eat so much Polish food but that all stopped a long time ago when my grandma passed away.
Milton Keynes has a lot of roundabouts. What was it like growing up in a new town?
Milton Keynes has a lot of roundabouts. What was it like growing up in a new town?
It’s a lovely place but it was quite suburban and difficult growing up there. Musically, there wasn’t much going on. As with most satellite towns, you have to go somewhere a bit more on the ball, so London always drew my attention.
You used to teach drum lessons in schools – what’s the hardest thing for an aspiring drummer to get to grips with?
You used to teach drum lessons in schools – what’s the hardest thing for an aspiring drummer to get to grips with?
You’ve got to look good. You’ve got to have a straight back, good posture. None of this American leaning forward business, you’ve got to be upright. And wear a good suit.
You play guitar in Roses Kings Castles and can also play the piano, flute, trumpet… how did you get so musical?
You play guitar in Roses Kings Castles and can also play the piano, flute, trumpet… how did you get so musical?
There was always a keyboard and a guitar in the house, it was just a case of picking them up and knocking out a little melody, which I suppose started all my composition stuff.
So you’ve been writing music for a long time?
So you’ve been writing music for a long time?
I’ve always written ideas, for Babyshambles as well, but generally that gets overlooked in the media. It has only recently come to fruition. I listened to a lot of pop music growing up – it helps when I’m trying to write songs now.
Was it nerve-racking playing without Babyshambles?
Was it nerve-racking playing without Babyshambles?
It was, yeah. I invented the name Roses Kings Castles as something to hide behind. I didn’t want to come out all guns blazing and say: ‘Look, here I am.’ I started a MySpace page when we were doing the arena tour and the NME picked up on it.
Are the other Babyshambles members supportive?
Are the other Babyshambles members supportive?
Yeah. Everyone does their own thing – Pete [Doherty] has just released a solo album. We’re just starting to reconvene and after that I’ll do more solo stuff.
Now you’ve got a taste for it…
Now you’ve got a taste for it…
Yeah, it’s nice to keep creative. We’ve got a Babyshambles tour this month, a new album out in February and I’m supporting Pete on a European tour. It’s great for me to play to that many people, 2,000 to 3,000 capacity.
Obviously people associate the band with Pete and his wicked ways – is it easy to get caught up in the rock’n’roll lifestyle?
Obviously people associate the band with Pete and his wicked ways – is it easy to get caught up in the rock’n’roll lifestyle?
You buy into this whole myth about what it must be like but the harsh reality is it’s probably the most extreme difference you can imagine. It can get to those self-destructive ways but it depends what you’re in it for. I’m in it for the music.
How do you unwind?
How do you unwind?
I don’t have much spare time and whatever time I’ve got I’m putting it into music. I need to find something completely disconnected from music.
What style is your music?
What style is your music?
I don’t know, that’s part of the problem. Indie-pop. I’d like to get a band behind me but it’s just been me with my guitar and I need more punch. So I use a semi-acoustic guitar now with a few pedals to make it more than one-dimensional.
What’s your best advice for young people wanting to make it in the music industry?
What’s your best advice for young people wanting to make it in the music industry?
Practise hard. Without a doubt. There’s so many people I know out in Camden that party hard and they’re so partied out they haven’t released one record. Let your hair down every now and then but it’s not about that.
12/08/2009
Carl is moving on up
And it's got nothing to do with acting.
As you already know, he's moving his first steps as a producer:
Newcomer Kieran Leonard is to release a Carl Barât-produced track on December 31.
The song, called 'The King, My Father' was produced by Barât at Ray Davies' Konk Studios in London.
Leonard is releasing the track digitally on New Year's Eve to coincide with the final full moon of the year. He has been releasing songs digitally on previous full moons in order to allow fans to burn them onto CDs and put them in a special box set which is available to buy from Kieranleonardmusic.com.
Leonard is set to support Babyshambles on their forthcoming UK tour. He also plays a full band show at Camden's Proud Gallery on December 14.
(Source: NME.com)
And secondly, it seems his solo album is coming out fine. Carl has been working with Brian Eno's collaborator, guitarist Leo Abrahams, who commented his recent fling with The Mighty Carlos with these words:
"Last month I spent a week producing Carl Barat. We’d never met before, and as I lugged all my equipment into a studio on Hoxton square on day one, I was rather nervous. Usually there’s at least a meeting beforehand. But within an hour of his arriving, we had written a new song and had a bit of a laugh, and we managed to record 4 tracks in a massive hurry. The imposition of time limits really is condusive to getting the best performances. Carl took this idea one further, by finishing lyrics only moments before going into the vocal booth. After one such last-minute addition, he observed “putting a new verse in a song is a bit like putting a new kidney in a person – you never know if it’s going to be rejected”. Findlay Brown, who co-wrote one of the songs, came down to help out and Carl kept a fairly constant supply of interesting people coming through the studio. Some artists like a ‘closed set’, and others like it to be more social. Generally I’m in the former camp, but this time it was fun. He and his manager thanked everyone on the last day by bringing in bottles of fine whiskey".
As you already know, he's moving his first steps as a producer:
Newcomer Kieran Leonard is to release a Carl Barât-produced track on December 31.
The song, called 'The King, My Father' was produced by Barât at Ray Davies' Konk Studios in London.
Leonard is releasing the track digitally on New Year's Eve to coincide with the final full moon of the year. He has been releasing songs digitally on previous full moons in order to allow fans to burn them onto CDs and put them in a special box set which is available to buy from Kieranleonardmusic.com.
Leonard is set to support Babyshambles on their forthcoming UK tour. He also plays a full band show at Camden's Proud Gallery on December 14.
(Source: NME.com)
And secondly, it seems his solo album is coming out fine. Carl has been working with Brian Eno's collaborator, guitarist Leo Abrahams, who commented his recent fling with The Mighty Carlos with these words:
"Last month I spent a week producing Carl Barat. We’d never met before, and as I lugged all my equipment into a studio on Hoxton square on day one, I was rather nervous. Usually there’s at least a meeting beforehand. But within an hour of his arriving, we had written a new song and had a bit of a laugh, and we managed to record 4 tracks in a massive hurry. The imposition of time limits really is condusive to getting the best performances. Carl took this idea one further, by finishing lyrics only moments before going into the vocal booth. After one such last-minute addition, he observed “putting a new verse in a song is a bit like putting a new kidney in a person – you never know if it’s going to be rejected”. Findlay Brown, who co-wrote one of the songs, came down to help out and Carl kept a fairly constant supply of interesting people coming through the studio. Some artists like a ‘closed set’, and others like it to be more social. Generally I’m in the former camp, but this time it was fun. He and his manager thanked everyone on the last day by bringing in bottles of fine whiskey".
12/07/2009
Possible gigs of the week
Babyshambles
Thursday 10 December 2009 O2 Academy, Sheffield, United Kingdom
Saturday 12 December 2009 Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
Sunday 13 December 2009 Bath Pavilion, Bath, United Kingdom
Carl Barat
Friday 11th December 2009 CHERRY COLA Christmas Party
THE TABERNACLE BAR & GRILL (soon to be McQUEEN)
55 Tabernacle Street, Old Street, EC2A 4AA London)
**LIVE/DJ ACTS...
Carl Barat (Libertines)
Didz (Dirty Pretty Things)
Joe McAdam (New York Fund)
Alan (Cherry Cola Club Night)
The Langley Sisters
The Hugs
Belakiss
Kieran Lenoard
Dirty Harry (Acoustic)
Anto Dust
Chris McCormack (Gary Numan/3 Colours Red)
**£5 Entry (please come early as will be a complete sell out!)
Thursday 10 December 2009 O2 Academy, Sheffield, United Kingdom
Saturday 12 December 2009 Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
Sunday 13 December 2009 Bath Pavilion, Bath, United Kingdom
Carl Barat
Friday 11th December 2009 CHERRY COLA Christmas Party
THE TABERNACLE BAR & GRILL (soon to be McQUEEN)
55 Tabernacle Street, Old Street, EC2A 4AA London)
**LIVE/DJ ACTS...
Carl Barat (Libertines)
Didz (Dirty Pretty Things)
Joe McAdam (New York Fund)
Alan (Cherry Cola Club Night)
The Langley Sisters
The Hugs
Belakiss
Kieran Lenoard
Dirty Harry (Acoustic)
Anto Dust
Chris McCormack (Gary Numan/3 Colours Red)
**£5 Entry (please come early as will be a complete sell out!)
12/05/2009
Review of the Two-Day Doherty
While both Stockholm and Malmo gigs have been pulled allegedly due to "passport loss" (my ass) or alternatively "sickness" (my asser), Peter went to MTV Germany last night and appeared in a show called "MTV Home" with Klaas and JOKO, performing his "opium and tea" song (thanks to Sister Ray for the info).
Meanwhile, there's an interesting review (with videos) of the German dates here, for which you're granted my usual dodgy google translation:
Meanwhile, there's an interesting review (with videos) of the German dates here, for which you're granted my usual dodgy google translation:
TWO DAYS DOHERTY: WHAT REMAINS AFTER THE ANTHEM?
by Christian Ihle
So much was read into Doherty's Munich gig and the expression of those four words were scandalized, and unleashed a blitzkrieg in a teapot, it probably is inevitable that Doherty's last tour appearance in this country ended with the fronds of a flag of Germany. But more on that later.
Next: one is a little bit familiar with Doherty and his environment, so the two most commonly cited reasons for "Germany Germany contribute about everything" rather absurd. Doherty sang that neither a "Nazi anthem" nor a "Hymn to Hitler" - as newspapers said - as Mr Erk in the well yet most intelligent articles on the whole Chose beautifully presented. That it furthermore includes a certain absurdity in the argument, he implicitly Doherty vorzuwerden was) a) or b wanted the Nazis to claim omnipotence, the desire for world domination of the Germans sing affirmatively (which would be a context that would make those four words really inexcusable) should be clear to everyone with a small reflection.
The fact that Doherty is controlled to produce beautiful a minor scandals of the tour, when you have a vague knowledge of the Doherty-"management" and its Betreung (unfortunately) also deny. Throughout the rich history of events Doherty was not a single target provoked scandal there. The sad truth is much more: the man is a junkie, his entire self-chosen environment over the years as in league with drugs. Some have apparently made the jump (Carl Barat - sang about Pete "You gave me my first pipe anyway"), Others are on the London scene as crack and heroin dealer known (former (?) Manager, for example), not to mention the fellow musicians altogether. This, I fear that even a somewhat well-read and interested people like Doherty, the sensitivities and changes in the German national anthem are not known in depth, as we assume that in this country - perhaps speaking from the presupposition that knowledge and the somewhat unpleasant subtext that it everyone would be interested so much for Germany in order to know those sensitivities. The fact that Germany is still very navel of the world. I think not.
But enough about the subject of endless at this point. Eric Pfeil reported even from the Cologne concert in a way that could not be more appropriate (please read!). I attended the concert in Hamburg and Berlin to highlight its analysis. It is the very fragility, spontaneous, the desire to present themselves and their own songs completely skeletar and all the meat, all the muscles, which otherwise confer on the plates of the Libertines or Babyshambles gitarrenkrachenden the songs their force to leave out that this Appearances do so extraordinary. Basically, despite continued commercial failure Doherty is still too large to adequately present his songs to be - these songwriters, these songs, they do not belong in an airplane hangar (Berlin Festival) Or in large event space and the "evil and dangerous" in Hamburg, but in the pub next doorIn the living room of his friend.
Doherty, however, that it succeeds in drawing an unbiased audience under his spell, is neither to his guitar skills nor the Sangesperformance. Especially the latter is suffering greatly from his health problems. He croaked these days more than he sings. But precisely because he presents his songs in this openness and is not afraid, could be under attack en masse, he also shows the size of the songwriting. The fact that most of his songs just carried away even in the worst possible starting point and touch a nerve, as could almost any other songwriter from the island over the past ten years.
Doherty's concert is always wonderful in the arbitrariness of the setlist. He did not present his new album, but played out on your mood (and audience wishes) by his immense back catalog. How many great songs he has written already, it is noticeable when he can leave in Hamburg, for example, "Time For Heroes," "Albion" and "Killamangiro" - three of his best songs - or indeed even in the Berlin boiler house to "Fuck Forever" a large consensus on the song he has written up to now (and unfortunately also extended his fan base to a sometimes awkward corner) had waived. To be b-sides from old-time Libertines (Mockinbird "in Hamburg) as well as album tracks (" The Good Old Days ", Berlin and Hamburg) played or even taken old unreleased demos from the closet with the Libertines uniforms. The latter used Doherty in Hamburg, then to persist for a beautiful Diss the Munich fans who provoked him with Kettcarrufen to "Germany above all" singing ": "The next song is for those shitty Kettcarfans a couple of days ago - Hooligans On E ...".
Was the Hamburg concert well, was the Berlin of an event. In much better shape than the day before, finally appearing without a hat, Doherty was a huge joy. But he, the tabloid hysteria surrounding his "Nazi gaffe" was recorded and Germany with a flag on the stage and spontaneously slipped into a little parody of Hitler, had this been a history of sovereignty, so we could not wait.
The setlist in Berlin was written about his own songs out yet with cover versions of "April Skies (the text on his own arm and while reading off of the song) by The Jesus & Mary Chain and" Another Girl Another Planet ", the great hymn of heroin Only Ones, also bolstered. "Delivery" as the first song showed even at an example, why in Doherty solo is the secret: (video)
While the Babyshambles recorded Version was of "Delivery" is a bit too Quasicover straddle the Kinks, is his solo performance as the early demo of the song and once again underlines the vulnerability out of his text ( "Oh now what use am I to anyone / I'm fucked, forlorn, frozen beneath the summer ") But also his hope for escapism, for the better world in which we love wegfeiern all the self-doubt, and can-drink ("Where all you skins and mods you get together / Make pretend it's 1969 forever / Find a girl, have a drink, have a dance and pray"). And here, in the desire for unconditional escapism staying with him a figure of thought, lies the whole problem of Peter Doherty. The boy kicked out at the world / The world kicked back a lot fucking harder now: (video)
Clip of Carl and Kieran Leonard in the studio
Carl Barat, the multifaced artist. Musician, actor and producer. Here's is the latter incarnation.
Oedipus Rex is out now on Wisewolf Records.
12/03/2009
Berlin, 2/12
The Germans are still a bit irritated but the last gigs have received goodish reviews. This is from Morgenpost:
Berlin is not easy Munich. There, the British musician Pete Doherty had recently received boos for his appearance. Not so in Berlin. Here is applauded after the Romantics has finished the Rock n 'Roll, including Germany flag and alcohol his acoustic solo appearance in the culture brewery.
They had already thought he was now clean. At the Berlin Festival last summer, Peter Doherty surprised with punctual attendance and pleasure in their presence. In the gossip columns, the English singer emerged on the other hand, increasingly rare, since the chaotic relationship with supermodel Kate Moss has ended. Of new prison stays for drug escapades, nothing has been reported. On top of surprised to be released in the spring solo album "Grace / Wastelands" with a more mature artistic expression.
DISPLAY
But now this! Doherty voted last weekend at a gig in Munich, Germany, the first line of the song and took it far beyond the borders of the Bavarian capital, also for outrage.
Through its recent misstep that was already long ago announced a solo acoustic concert in the boiler house of Kulturbrauerei even more interesting. On the morning of the first day, the competent agency reported that no cards were having. Once again, therefore, had confirmed that affronts and controversy to boost the business wonderfully.
And so that too for a while that way, does the singer also in Prenzlauer Berg is anything but tasteless. Before he ascends the stairs to the stage, he announces his coming from below with the fronds of a Germany flag, which he then puts on his guitar amplifier.
In addition, alcoholic beverages are plentiful, for nothing is the singer a greater abomination than the thought of an impending hangovers. He mumbles and attacked varies a bit, the voice seems bad. Doherty sounds like one who sings behind the next, and Bechert, although the landlord had closed the pub doors already and only have guests that are already part of the inventory.
Basically, one has expected nothing else. Doherty is among the young musicians of the last true romantics of Rock 'n' roll, his tendency to blunder makes him seem authentic. Of course, he has also written a few songs, in which there is a certain something. In "What a Waster" puts both the rebellion of the Clash as well as the sensitivity of the Smiths. With "Down In The Tube Station At Midnight", he thanked another hero, the group The Jam. Finally, of course, can not praise the missing Albion, the ancient name for England and the British Isles.
Doherty has never made any secret of the fact that it sees itself as a pop-patriot. Not even the flag of Germany does not change, which he shortly before midnight, along with the many drinks resumes backstage. In Munich he earned boos in Berlin, but he received for his eccentric sympathetic imagination much applause.
Berlin is not easy Munich. There, the British musician Pete Doherty had recently received boos for his appearance. Not so in Berlin. Here is applauded after the Romantics has finished the Rock n 'Roll, including Germany flag and alcohol his acoustic solo appearance in the culture brewery.
They had already thought he was now clean. At the Berlin Festival last summer, Peter Doherty surprised with punctual attendance and pleasure in their presence. In the gossip columns, the English singer emerged on the other hand, increasingly rare, since the chaotic relationship with supermodel Kate Moss has ended. Of new prison stays for drug escapades, nothing has been reported. On top of surprised to be released in the spring solo album "Grace / Wastelands" with a more mature artistic expression.
DISPLAY
But now this! Doherty voted last weekend at a gig in Munich, Germany, the first line of the song and took it far beyond the borders of the Bavarian capital, also for outrage.
Through its recent misstep that was already long ago announced a solo acoustic concert in the boiler house of Kulturbrauerei even more interesting. On the morning of the first day, the competent agency reported that no cards were having. Once again, therefore, had confirmed that affronts and controversy to boost the business wonderfully.
And so that too for a while that way, does the singer also in Prenzlauer Berg is anything but tasteless. Before he ascends the stairs to the stage, he announces his coming from below with the fronds of a Germany flag, which he then puts on his guitar amplifier.
In addition, alcoholic beverages are plentiful, for nothing is the singer a greater abomination than the thought of an impending hangovers. He mumbles and attacked varies a bit, the voice seems bad. Doherty sounds like one who sings behind the next, and Bechert, although the landlord had closed the pub doors already and only have guests that are already part of the inventory.
Basically, one has expected nothing else. Doherty is among the young musicians of the last true romantics of Rock 'n' roll, his tendency to blunder makes him seem authentic. Of course, he has also written a few songs, in which there is a certain something. In "What a Waster" puts both the rebellion of the Clash as well as the sensitivity of the Smiths. With "Down In The Tube Station At Midnight", he thanked another hero, the group The Jam. Finally, of course, can not praise the missing Albion, the ancient name for England and the British Isles.
Doherty has never made any secret of the fact that it sees itself as a pop-patriot. Not even the flag of Germany does not change, which he shortly before midnight, along with the many drinks resumes backstage. In Munich he earned boos in Berlin, but he received for his eccentric sympathetic imagination much applause.
12/02/2009
Back to music
OK, forget sitcoms, forget nazis, forget apologies, forget silliness. Babyshambles third album is on the way.
From NME.com:
Babyshambles have outlined their plan to release a new album in 2010.
The band, speaking in the new issue of NME out today (November 2), said they had around 18 songs in contention for their third album, although it was still in its early stages and they have yet to book studio time or recruit a producer.
Pete Doherty said that guitarist Mik Whitnall had been working on demos in London for the foundations of the album.
"Mik spent a year on eBay buying shitloads of equipment," he explained. "He's written loads of amazing music which mostly just needs lyrics. So, one by one, they're getting turned into songs."
He added that older songs including 'Stone Me What A Life', 'Cuckoo 1440', '352 Days' and 'Tinker's Daughter' may make the album, plus 'Fixing Up To Go', 'Bonjour Trieste' and 'After He'.
Speaking of the latter song, Doherty explained: "Musically it's the perfect – I won't say rip-off – but combination of classic ska and the riff from [The Smiths' 'This Charming Man'."
For the full interview with Babyshambles see the cover feature of the new issue of NME, out now.
To celebrate the news, NME.com has also a gallery of piccies of Peter, accompanied by some of his famous quotes (argh).
From NME.com:
Babyshambles have outlined their plan to release a new album in 2010.
The band, speaking in the new issue of NME out today (November 2), said they had around 18 songs in contention for their third album, although it was still in its early stages and they have yet to book studio time or recruit a producer.
Pete Doherty said that guitarist Mik Whitnall had been working on demos in London for the foundations of the album.
"Mik spent a year on eBay buying shitloads of equipment," he explained. "He's written loads of amazing music which mostly just needs lyrics. So, one by one, they're getting turned into songs."
He added that older songs including 'Stone Me What A Life', 'Cuckoo 1440', '352 Days' and 'Tinker's Daughter' may make the album, plus 'Fixing Up To Go', 'Bonjour Trieste' and 'After He'.
Speaking of the latter song, Doherty explained: "Musically it's the perfect – I won't say rip-off – but combination of classic ska and the riff from [The Smiths' 'This Charming Man'."
For the full interview with Babyshambles see the cover feature of the new issue of NME, out now.
To celebrate the news, NME.com has also a gallery of piccies of Peter, accompanied by some of his famous quotes (argh).
Pete Doherty on Photo Sevices.mp4
Peter stricken by the acting bug! As if Carl's was not enough!!! Well, anybody remember when whe announced Peter was going to star in a Swiss TV series called Photo Sevices? Here we are! Enjoy the trailer.
12/01/2009
Shambles in the new NME
New album. New tour. New Pete. So says this week's NME cover. Well, as for the new album and the new tour it's OK.
But the new Pete...
Kidding. The issue is out tomorrow.
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