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.

Shambles in Cardiff and DPT reunion

photo by Steve Burnett

Shambolic 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".

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.

Carl and Didz spin records in Munich

Nobody thought it was true but actually it was! Last night ex-DPT best mates Carl Barat and Didz Hammond "reunited" to perform a dj set at the MusikExpress magazine's 40th birthday party in Munich (Germany).

Our friend Kjar, who was there, writes:

"yes it was really a surprise, i was there & had a great night,they played about 2 ½ hours... personal jesus, boys don´t cry,panic, blister in the sun, walk like an egyptian, twist & shout... sorry i can not remember more songs, was very busy drinking & dancing,but from my point of view the crowd was bit lame, think i have to apologize to the both for that hicksville manners here in munich, hope my friends here in town will wake up till end of november ;)"

For a few photos from the event scroll the gallery here.

Scattered news

• The Ficek has written a new entry in his blog. Check out the bits on Babyshambles' third album.
• The debut gig of The Invasion of... (Gary Powell's new band) last Sunday was witnessed by the other three ex-Dirty Pretty Things. Read the review here.
• Gary commented: "had a great nite at the waterrats on sunday nite! am looking forward to more madness in the not too distant future!!!!"
• Gary is also booked for a dee-jay set in the North on Saturday, but it's not too clear where.
• One more dee-jay set for Carlos Barat on Friday 6th November at Let's Go Disco, the Foundry, Sheffield University Students Union + Heebie Jeebies live, Nicola Bear (Ibiza Rocks), Deano (Threads). Tickets at £ 5.50.
• Oh nearly forgot: Hot Press has a joint interview with Carlos, Brett and Jon at the JDset. For subscribers only. Irish help needed.
• According to my (and Carl's) mate Fullo (the Italian King of the Decks) Peter was seen hanging in North Italy in the last days. Can't tell you more.

The Invasion of Gary

Legendary Libertines and DPT drummer Gary Powell is back! While keeping his lips sealed about any possible rebirth of his first band, Gary has been working in the shadow since DPT split up and now he is ready to introduce you his brand new project, named "The Invasion Of...". The band has a myspace page where you can hear thir first effort, an experimental affair entitled "The Invasion of Radio". The Invasion Of... describe themselves as "a juxtaposition of 5 like minded souls playing progressive, forward thinking music - born of friendship and other commonalities".

But this is not enough! If you're in London you will be able to see The Invasion Of... live at The Monto Water Rats next Sunday (25 October). Gary writes: "first show, 25th october at the Water Rats, kings cross, Londonia! if you can make it you should, it'll be a blast!!! catch you later!!!!! gary".

Other bands listed at the event are The IC1S, Sukie and The Guns Of Pig Alley, band led by guitarist Olie Barat, half-brother of the very famous Carl Barat.

All the roads lead to the Libertines in the end.

Gary to answer fans questions

Phew... how many Libertines reforming questions can you take?

Former Libertines drummer Gary Powell is to give a talk at Alan McGee's London clubnight Authentic next Monday (April 27). Powell, who also drummed for Carl Barat's post-Libertines band Dirty Pretty Things, will take questions from the audience on the night, as well as chatting with Alan McGee and former Oasis guitarist Paul 'Bonehead' Arthurs. Gary Powell appears at Authentic on April 27, at Notting Hill Arts Club. Entry will be free.

Source: NME.com

Anthony on Carl's solo adventure

The now solo Carl Barat, previous Dirty Pretty Things frontman, has been given the backing of a former bandmate. Dirty Pretty Things guitarist, Anthony Rossomando, told 6 Music Barat has a lot to offer: “Carl’s a gifted artist, an entity that people here should be proud that has come out of the soil.”

Since the announcement of Dirty Pretty Things split in October 2008, Barat has already joined the live scene as a solo act and it was confirmed this week that he is working on a solo album. Barat supported Glasvegas on a series of US dates and played two solo shows in Wakefield last month. “Good art moves people,” Rossomando explained. “Carl’s got a lot of integrity and he’s got something to say. It’s colourful people like that that makes the world a more vibrant and beautiful place to enjoy, so it’s awesome.”
The Dirty Pretty Things made two albums, Waterloo To Anywhere, in 2006 and its follow-up, Romance At Short Notice, last year. After second-album pressure was placed on the band, Rossomando admitted Barat needed time to do things on his own terms.

“He was never the, ‘hey’ showman kind of guy,” said the musician. “He is his own guy and he’ll make his own record in his own time. “I’m sure he’ll work with some different people. Knowing him, it will all have to happen very organically and not be a pressured thing.” And, according to Rossomando, Barat’s in no hurry. “Hopefully Carl will have a solo record out next year, but I don’t think he’s rushing anything at all,” he said.

Rossomando once temporarily replaced Pete Doherty in The Libertines back in 2004, as second guitarist, when the Babyshambles singer was arrested. 6 Music asked him if he thinks Doherty and Barat will reunite for the megabucks deal, they have been offered. “I bet it will happen but I don’t think it will be anytime soon,” Rossomando responded. At several points, Doherty has said he’s up for getting back together with Carl Barat - with whom he made Up The Bracket and The Libertines - but revealed Barat still needs some persuasion.

Getting rather philosophical, Rossomando said: “People’s lives change, they find a new reality for themselves and that old reality doesn’t exist for them. “On the inside their lives have changed and they’ve moved on to different things, and are surrounded by different people.”

Adding: “Who knows? Like five years, two years. I know they’re not scamping around and talking about it, it’s not a big deal to them anyway.”

Georgie Rogers

Proud is the place to be

Peter will play at Proud Galleries on 22 April:

Off the back of his tremendous success and tour Peter has decided to play an exclusive and intimate gig in his favourite part of London, Camden. Get your Pete Doherty and Guests tickets delivered instantly now
Date . 22 April 2009
Time . 19:30:00 hrs - 01:00:00 hrs
£22.00 Per person

Tickets here (limited availability!).

Last night Proud Galleries also saw the launch of the new Younger Than Yesterday clubnight, held by ex DPT Didz and Anthony. In an attempt to give a hand to his former bandmates Carlos Barat experienced some kind of ubiquity, and after attending Kieran Leonard's gig at the Gaslight he went to Proud and also played some DPT numbers with the others, namely Deadwood, Gin & Milk, BURMA and Bang Bang. Gary Powell also showed up.

What ever happened to Stan and Didz?

Photo by Ritskayaph

It feels like ages since Dirty Pretty Things split up, but maybe not for them. The two were spotted at Tony Linkin's farewell party last week ("The music industry is losing someone of impeccable taste" said Anthony Thornton), and now they seem to be ready to launch themselves in a new territory. This comes from NME.com:

"Former Dirty Pretty Things members Didz Hammond and Anthony Rossamondo are launching a new club night in London. The inaugural Younger Than Yesterday Sunday session takes place at Camden's Proud Galleries this Sunday (April 5) and boasts DJ sets from Klaxons member Jamie Reynolds and The Big Pink. Additionally, the two hosts will be performing an acoustic covers set of old and new favourites, and the pair promise some 'very very special live guests'. Named after the Byrds' album from 1967, the session is designed to encourage collaboration, with musicians encouraged to bring instruments along. There is also a concessions list for musicians. Hammond describes the night as like "Scotch Of St James, the Crawdaddy Club, Exploding Plastic Inevitable, the Heavenly Social and Sonic Mook Experiment, minced together and flat on their backs, wasted, yet hyper-conscious". For more information go to Proudcamden.com while a Facebook group for the night can be found here".

Besides, Didz and Gary are DJing in Dublin, at JAM @ ThinkTank, Eustace St., Temple Bar on 2 April; and Didz is dj-ing (alone) at Dirty South on Friday 3 April, and at the Old Blue Last (launch party for the Tatianas' new single) on 8 April. Dance, dance, dance!

All the small things

My fellow blogger David has put up some beautiful photos and a review of DPT's last gig in his blog.

There are a few videos taken at Peter's Liverpool gig on youtube:

• Fuck Forever
• Peter drinking champagne from his hat
• Up The Bracket

Carlos and his ex buddies talk to This is Swansea (after the Swansea gig, of course).

Gary Powell is doing two dj dates in Germany early next year:

• 31.01.2009 22:00 Berlin - Diamond Lounge “WHITE NOISE CLUB”
• 02-07-2009 23:00Cologne, Rose Club "SUPERCONNECTED"

And Didz Hammond is spinning records at the LEARNER DANCER NYE PARTY, Monto Water Rats theatre, 328 Grays Inn Road, London (next Wed, of course).

The Ficek is hitting L.A.: catch him this afternoon (allow him 8 hours of delay due to frigging time zone) at the itunes store in Santa Monica, tonight at the Spaceland, and tomorrow at the Echoplex.

One last thing: the News of The World appreciates Peter's solo album and claims it's going to be "one of the records of next year". When you think you've seen everything...

Carl & Co talk about the split

Interview on Clash music site (to be downloaded) with all the band, plus a gallery of pictures from the final gig, the interview and the rehearsal.

Besides, Carl is expected to turn up at Radio1 tonight at a special Christmas party with Glasvegas (from 7 to 10 pm).

Recap

Photo by MynameisKaty

OK, let's do a recap of all the things that happened in the last 48 hours, right?

Dirty Pretty Things said their last goodbye.
NME.com reviews the gig and talks with Carl and Anthony (with video).
Plus, we have very beautiful photos of the gig by Tom Watkins and Mynameiskaty.

Peter's shows at the Rhythm factory are all postponed to January 8, 9 and 10. Apparently the man hurt his arm last week and could not play guitar. This is once again fron NME.com:
Pete Doherty has pulled out of three nights of solo shows at London's Rhythm Factory. A spokesperson for the venue told NME.COM that Doherty called staff at the venue late last night (December 20), "at the 11th hour - just before he was due on", to say he wouldn't make it. The Babyshambles man blamed an arm injury as the cause of the cancellation. He had been due to play at the venue last night, tonight (21) and tomorrow (22). Last night's show was due to be filmed for a DVD to be released with his forthcoming new album. The trio of dates have been rescheduled for January 8, 9 and 10. Tickets for the December dates remain valid for January. For further information, see Rhythmfactory.co.uk

Something new

Peter at Bataclan on March 9 - presenting his solo album:

"Revoici Pete Doherty. Nouveau résident parisien, le chanteur britannique se plait décidément à jouer dans les salles de la Capitale. Son producteur de concerts, Alias, vient d'annoncer dans un communiqué de presse que le leader des Babyshambles et ex-Libertines sera en concert le 9 mars au Bataclan, à Paris. Les places pour cet événement sont disponibles dès le lundi 22 mars à 10H. Pete Doherty prévient ainsi le public un peu plus en avance... alors qu'il a donné le 28 novembre 2008 un concert quasi improvisé, à la Maroquinerie (à Paris). Le concert, qui avait été décidé au dernier moment, sur un coup de tête, avait été pris d'assaut par les fans.
Pete Doherty, qui a mis pour un temps de côté Babyshambles pour se consacrer une tournée solo et acoustique, devrait sortir son premier album solo en mars prochain. L'artiste a par ailleurs laissé entendre qu'il pourrait reformer les Libertines avec Carl Barat qui a quant à lui mis fin à l'aventure des Dirty Pretty Things".

The above info comes from this French site.

Another info is that Peter is playing at the O2 Academy in Liverpool on 27 December (here).

Babybear told us that Peter is doing great and nobody will be disappointed by the RF gigs.

Dirty Pretty Things played Hatfield last night, the last (rescheduled) gig before The Grand Final (tomorrow). As you know, guests of tomorrow's shindig will be Tim Burgess and The Paddingtons.

And The Mighty Carlos is expected to appear on Gonzo (MTV2) tonight.

Later!

Something about the Round Chapel event

Photo by Anjali

The best report comes from our friend Alice (here). Apart from Dirty Pretty Things, the other musicians involved were Billy Bragg, Jon McClure, Kieran Leonard, Mick Jones and Drew. We also have some very beautiful photos of the event, from Anjali, Parfait Amour (you fancy Drusillo too, dontcha?) and David Wala. I couldn't find any articles in the press. Of course, X Factor looks much more appealing...

Guerrilla gig at 126 tonight!

Hoping Peter will take it more seriously than the other night...

"same as Tuesday, shambles antics from 9pm, see you later

x" (Dropper)

Plus! I hate the NME polls but here we are voting Bilo and Biggles as best songwriting partners , so get your fingers working (ahem) here.

And! DPT are playing Hackney Chapel tonight. Drew will be there as well. So if you don't feel like seeing Pizza move your ass to Hackney.

Dirty Pretty Things: The Swan Song

Don't laugh, this time it's for real. From the band's official site:

Dirty Pretty Things will be performing their final show on Saturday 20th December at the Astoria 2 (formally LA2) in London. Tickets will be available from Wednesday 10th December direct from the venue.

Let's all go to Paris!

Photo from "The sound of violence"

Babybear is in Paris ("Any French writtlers with nothing to do on Friday keep an eye out here. I may be taking a wee trip over to visit some pals currently billeted in your beautiful city to enjoy Paris' wonderful hospitality. We may pop to La Maroquinerie for a small musical soiree on Friday. The simple sounds of a voice and a melody cause great joy in the heart ...")

Carlos is in Paris (see photo above): review and photos of DPT's last night gig (with video) here

And YYEEEESSSSS wow wow wow Peter is in Paris too and playing a gig indeed:

PETE DOHERTY
TO PLAY THE ---MAROQUINERIE--- IN PARIS

ON FRIDAY 28TH NOV
Tickets on sale NOW on Digitick and tomorrow on other sites.

Update from Adrian:

"As I hinted last night I am off to Paris Friday to se a mates band. That'll be Peter playing at La Maroquinerie. http://www.lamaroquinerie.fr/content2/ Doors 2030. Advance Tickets. http://www.fnac.com http://www.ticketnet.fr http://www.digitick.com Book now as this is the official French Dog Upfront Announcement. This'll be going online real soon".

And me, why am I going back to London tomorrow? Aaargghhhh... something called work innit?

Shamblesville and DPTsville

From Adam's blog: "All is calm in shamblesville Peter still finishing his solo album art, found out the first single…it’s a good one". Anxiously waiting for the revelation, I keep my fingers crossed for New Love.
There is nothing suggesting the Shambles' German dates are cancelled. The dates should be the following: Lipsia (4), Munich (5.), Düsseldorf (7.), Hamburg (8.), Berlin (9.) Frankfurt (11.). What's strange is that Drew is playing with Mongrel on the 6th in Manchester (from NME.com).

It seems an interview with Carl Barat is featured in the NME's new issue (out tomorrow). Apparently Carlos talks about his solo material and live solo dates with Glasvegas.
Meanwhile, Dirty Pretty Things are wrapping up their Euro tour with a gig at The Bataclan in Paris. Reports from the last gigs are scattered here and there in the various communities but tend to focus more on meetings with the band and things like that than on the shows. After all DPT have no future, and maybe these are the last days when fans can hope to exchange a few words with the four guys all together.

Sunday news

• Adrian and a few other writtlers are organizing a protest gig against form 696 (see my post from yesterday). If you are seriosuly insterested in collaborating go here.
• Positive review of DPT's Amsterdam gig (in Dutch. I'm sparing you the babelfish mess).
• The Ficek has updated his blog. Good to hear about Pat. It seems the two (Adam and Pat, that is) are planning to arrange something together at Chrissie.
• A very busy Christmas ahead indeed!
• Pity that I absolutely loathe Christmas.

Quiet days

While I'm busy reading the Shambles' book (ha ha gone to page 228, Babybear... nothing about private parts as I expected!) there's nothing really crucial happening in the guys agenda.

Dirty Pretty Things are touring Europe and last night they wowed Cologne's crowd (beautiful photos by Christoph on Flickr) and after the gig they went to play bowling with a few fans.

Anthony Rossy gave a short interview (in French) to Luxembourg site "L'Essentiel".

We have also some gorgeous photos taken by Arcadian Dreamer at the Berlin gig

Carl Barat hasn't been talking for an eternity. His four date US mini-tour supporting Glasvegas in January 2009 is confirmed at the Glasvegas website:

• Jan 8, Popscene San Francisco
• Jan 10 Chop Suey Seattle
• Jan 12 Doug Fir Lounge Portland
• Jan 14 Troubadour L.A.

Peter seems to be back from Paris (he was spotted cycling in Earl's Court a few days ago) but has no gigs planned in the following days. Babyshambles are expected to enter the studio in December (see Adam's blog) and this means some European dates had to be postponed (the Italian ones among them; not that I care cause I'll be back to London by then).