Now YOU vote!

Normally I don't do these things, I know these charts are generally useless and after all it's only a matter of taste, but I'm totally fucked with the idiot comments I've read yesterday in the press about the NME "Best album of the decade" chart. You know, the "Up the Bracket of the Libertines, former band of the junkie rocker Pete Doherty...", the "Pete Doherty has 3 best albums of the decade!" (excuse me???), the "Arthritic Monkeys are the best band ever, not those drugged losers!" (yeah I read that too).

So please guys, get voting.

Here for Up The Bracket
Here for The Libertines

Vote for the junkies, for the losers, for the tossers! Whatever. But vote!

Up the Bracket is the best British album of the decade

At last the truth has been restored! The NME's chart of the 50 best album of the last decade is out, and the Strokes' "Is This It" tops the chart, followed by the Libertines' first album at number 2. "The Libertines" is also in the chart (at number 24) and so is "Down in Albion", Babyshambles' first effort, at number 35.

You can see the whole chart here.

It's a great achievement for the guys, and maybe it will help to give them a little perspective of their real value.

Peter, Carl, John, Gary, you were the best musical thing of the last 10 years.

We want you back.

Together.

Can't Stand Me Now song of the decade?

Yeah, for Russell Brand.

Read on (from Xfm.com):
Russell Brand has taken a stand in our search for Song Of The Decade. The comedian, broadcaster and squeeze of Katy Perry has nominated ‘Can’t Stand Me Now’ as the best song of the last ten years.
Brand was effusive in his praise of one of The Libertines’ best known songs.
“I like it because of the romance of The Libertines as a group”, he said. “This song is like the zenith and nadir of [Karl and Pete’s] relationship. It’s perhaps their best creative achievement and also a beautiful hymn to the demise of their friendship”.
You can hear Russell’s full comments here.

Well, I would have said Time for Heroes. But it's ok somebody still remembers how great the Libertines were. All you seem to get in these "decade" charts nowadays is that Muse are the greatest band ever and Alex Turner the hottest hearthrob (ew).

The 50 Best Albums of the Decade

The first decade of the millennium is coming to an end, and people are starting to make lists of what was best and what was worst. When it comes to music of course the lists are about the best music produced in these last 10 years. To me, the best musical thing of this decade were the Libertines and their two albums, but it seems many people, and particularly the (Bristish) music press, are slowly forgetting them. "Uncut" has already published their list of the 25 best albums of the decade, with the White Stripes' first CD "White Blood Cells" topping the chart. "Up the Bracket" and "The Libertines" are nowhere to be seen. Of course there's no mention of Peter and Carl's other projects either. We might have a long discussion on this, but for the moment I'm showing you this other chart from Paste magazine, which sees Up The Bracket at n. 49:

49. Libertines: Up The Bracket [Rough Trade] (2002)
As the baffling boyband/poptart craze was finally fading into oblivion, this vile, filth-ridden, substance-addled masterpiece of a rock record was projectile-vomited onto the U.K. charts by brilliant but reckless London band The Libertines. Following in the footsteps of their classic-punk heroes (The Clash’s Mick Jones produced the record), the Libertines preferred their sound raw and their subject matter depraved. Sadly prophetic, the band’s name was derived from the Marquis de Sade’s Lusts of the Libertines. But before Pete Doherty’s infamous binges derailed what might’ve been one of the greatest bands of the modern era, he and co-frontman/songwriting partner Carl Barat (along with drummer Gary Powell and bassist John Hassall) cut this simultaneously apathetic and adrenaline-jacked speedball of a classic. Steve LaBate.

I think we'll see many other charts like that. For the record, Paste has Sufjan Stevens' Illinois topping the chart.

No Libertines until 2011

Errrrr... I'm not commenting this. I only hope Carl Barat knows what he's doing (because actually nobody else does).

From NME.com:

"Carl Barat has said he will not reform The Libertines until at least 2011, because he is too busy. Speaking at the premiere of the 'Breaking Rocks' film at Proud Camden in London last night (October 1), Barat told the BBC that The Libertines will not reform in 2010, adding that he doesn't want to simply regroup for money.

"I'm too busy next year. Maybe the year after that," he said. "See how it goes. When it needs to happen, it will fall into place. It's more a way of life than a band for me. I’m not going to jump up there and play the songs for some money – if it feels right then it will fall into place."Barat also stated that he hasn't spoken to Pete Doherty "for a while", though he keeps being sent text messages from fans pretending to be his old bandmate." I keep getting kids texting me pretending to be Pete, which is a bit confusing because I never know when it actually is [Doherty]," he revealed. "Without realising, I could be harming my diplomatic relations with Pete by sending reactionary texts."

In March this year, Pete Doherty told NME.COM that The Libertines have "unfinished business", and was keen to get the group back together".

Post-hols round-up

Scan by Zegia

So, we are back. And while waiting for Peter's headlining stint at V Festival, let's have a look at the last shenanigans:

Peter gave an interview at the Lokerse Festival in Belgium (part 1 and part 2)

And another video-interview was shot in Colmar, France (here)

Peter is also in the new NME, interviewed by Jamie Fullerton. He doesn't seem to take the Libertines reunion too seriously though... (click on the image above to read the article, and thanks to Zegia for the scan)

Following the interview, a horde of articles have been published worldwide in the last 2 days, all screaming "DOHERTY WILL REFORM THE LIBERTINES WITHOUT BARAT!!!". Very funny, Bilo, but also predictable.

Of course, Biggles wasn't available for comment.

Adam spoke instead, not about Libertines but about Shambles and other things. To the Daily Star.

Going back to serious things, tickets for Babyshambles' December tour go on sale at 9am tomorrow, Friday 21st August.

Their tour dates are as follows:

• Thu 10 December O2 Academy, Sheffield
• Sat 12 December Cardiff University SU, Cardiff
• Sun 13 December The Pavilion, Bath
• Mon 14 December O2 Academy, Liverpool
• Tue 15 December Guildhall, Southampton
• Sat 19 December O2 Academy, Birmingham
• Sun 20 December Rock City, Nottingham

Mick calling!

Take everything with a grain of salt, but really, this piece of news has just put a huge smile on my face:

Mick Jones has told The Quietus that he would be interested in producing any new material with The Libertines.
Speaking at a special preview showing of his Rock n Roll Public Library exhibition, he said that although he hadn't heard from Pete Doherty or Carl Barat, he would be keen to get back in the studio with the pair.
Earlier this year, Barat told The Sun newspaper he was interested in recording "new material" with his former bandmate.
And when Jones, who produced both their debut Up The Bracket and eponymous swansong The Libertines, was asked if he would be interested in working with the band again, he replied: "Oh yes, please, you know? I haven't heard anything from them, but I hope they do [get back in the studio]. I love them.
"If it's meant to be it's meant to be, and if it's written then it's written. I hope it happens."
The former guitarist was speaking ahead of the official opening of his Rock n Roll Public Library, a display of music memoribillia he has collected over the years that will be on display at two Acklam Road, Portobello Green until August 25.
He said: "I grew up in a really exciting times with the big five beat bands - The Beatles, The Stones, The Who, The Kinks and The Small Faces - and they made me want to be in a band. They lived how I wanted to live.
"It's fantastic to see it now. I really want it to be a hang out place where people can interact with the stuff."

Something for the weekend

Babyshambles played the BBK Live Festival in Bilbao last night. Earlier in the afternoon Adam twittered "10 mins until plane leaves, one shamble down, place yer bets...". I guess this means Mik is out of the band again. Anyway, there's a review (in Spanish) here, and a video (Fuck Forever).

Today it's Oxegen Festival, and tomorrow it's T in The Park.

Not excessive emphasis was given to Carl's words yesterday in the press. The Sun came out with an "exclusive" interview with Carl where he said "he and ex bandmate PETE DOHERTY have busy been putting their heads together to get a date in for THE LIBERTINES reunion next year". Of course if finding a date was the only problem we would be already queueing for tickets. But I'm afraid the "date" seems to be the last of the things that matter. "Pete's very keen and persuasive" Carl said "He rings me up and tells me he going to keep on the straight and narrow."

More on Saturday

At last, some reports from the LMHR bash and the Underground show. From:
NME
Independent

Plus! Our friend Alicepooh tells us about the Carnival:

"Was an extraordinary day. The sun shone, the sound quality was totally amazing, brilliant, and lots of 'our' lads performed and did really well. Drew sported an unravelling stripey jumper and has got some more sticky hair goo since the mohawk-droop at the RF the other week. Kieran sounded incredible, and Peter arrived only three minutes after his scheduled stage-time complete with the two ballerinas. He played with Drew and the keyboardist from Helsinki. Think the organisers were tearing out their hair fretting as to whether he'd show up in time to perform, and the eleventh hour trick is more effective at little venues than at a bloody stadium. That being said, he sounded absolutely excellent, the pa really made everyone sound so crisp, like listening to a good quality stereo. Eddie Izzard compered, Mick Jones did a set, and Rev. and the Makers finished off the event with a huge flourish. Confess I didn't devote much attention to Kelly Rowlands, but the crowd loved it all, and it was great to see Peter finally managing to perform at a big LMHR event, previous attempts having been disrupted by HM pleasure".

And No Judy Garland recounts his Underground experience:

"This must be one of the most exceptional gigs that Peter has done in a long time. He was blazing drunk … in the most good-humoured and agreeable way. Early on, to shouts of ‘down in one’, he managed neck more than half of a bottle of run and (a little) coke without coming up for air. The next two hours were a treat. He sat in an armchair with bottle in one hand, fag in the other and conducted the crowd in an extended rendition of ‘Deliah’. Later he tossed the armchair into the crowd. He responded to the chant of ‘Get your rat out’, by videoing those responsible on his phone and threatening to put it on YouTube. He sniffed a pair of pants sent on stage by ‘Greg’ (‘They’re clean; I knew you wouldn’t do that to me’) and then incorporated references to ‘yellowing boxers’ and ‘Gregory’s bum’ into Albion. He held forth on ‘the state of Stoke’ (‘There’s blokes eating mobile phones and policemen asking barmaids for the time’). He played about 28 songs (depending on how much of a song has to be covered before it counts as ‘played’ …. two lines? … one verse and chorus?). Fairly standard Libs/Shambles/solo stuff plus covers like Any Old Iron, I Wanna Be Adored, The Boy with the Thorn in His Side, Gangsters, and lots of other bits and pieces (including a few bars of Ian Brown’s Corpses to demonstrate how hard it was). I could go on and on … very funny, very endearing. Thanks largely to a great bunch of blokes in the middle. ‘These are my people’ Pete said when BB suggested it was time to go. Still laughing. Cheers, Stoke".

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GIGS OF THE WEEK

• Tonight Peter is playing in London. Details by Babybear: "Venue is called The Den, the night is 'Shine' and the address is 18 West Central Street, WC1. Doors open at 10pm till 4am, its £10 on the door".
• Saturday 6 June: it's Camden Rocks day. The fest's official site has updated the ad but details are still uncertain. It is generally thought that Peter and Carl will start separately at two different times (and different venues) but somehow they'll join forces along the night.

LIBERTINES

Could one week pass without mentioning the Libertines reunion? No, of course. Peter talked about it to Gordon Smart (!) after the LMHR bash. Without adding anything new, but keeping up the buzz.

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

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

Reform the Libertines party

Back in London, I feel like advertising this. I know it's still early and there's still stuff to arrange and there's a new Shambles album round the corner. And.

Just allow me.

We are having a Reform The Libertines Party just to encourage the boys to reform after the recent rumours.
It takes place at i love the Noughties @ The Fly in Central London on Saturday 18th April
You will hear loads of Libertines/Babyshambles/Dirty Pretty Things and Peter Tunes and maybe a Yeti tune or 2 as well plus tunes from all your other favourite bands of the Noughties
in room 2 will also be i love the 80s and entry gets you into both
It’s going to be quite a night , spread the word
£3 entry b4 11.30pm £5 after £3 NUS all night
Get there early
Drinks are cheap too
THE FLY IS JUST A FEW MINUTES WALK FROM BOTH HOBORN TUBE AND TOTTENHAM COURT ROAD TUBE
http://www.barflyclub.com”

Saturday news

• Last night Babyshambles played at Garorock Festival in Marmande (France). Adam twittered: "well, we made it....a funny old show, my drums fell apart on pipe down..a few forgotten tings but we made it..knackered,sleep. then Spain. x"
• As every year, Babyshambles will play at the Celebrity Soccer Six Tournament at Chelsea's Stamford Bridge on May 24. The View are announced too.
• Drew and Mongrel (currently on tour in France) are supposed to be in Venezuela from 12 to 17 April, guests of President Hugo Chavez, to record their second album. Some gigs are expected too. Carl Barat is thought to join them.
• Carl is also (vaguely) supposed to make an appearance at the Gaslight tomorrow night (Sunday).
• And he's also "acting" in a Svengali episode coming soon (on youtube).
• More from Twitter! Anthony Thornton writes: "Paul DuFour has put 6 amazing pre-2001 Libs posters online for first time. They can be bought in limited numbers here".
• "The Libertines will be back" Peter said a few weeks ago. But how do you feel about it? Join the debate here!

Let's put a bit of order

Shall we do the Bismarck joke again?

Peter played Norwich last night. "Pete was on from 9-11 30 and was more than happy to play whatever requests were shouted" says Ricky Foley "After DLBITTS the order gets blurred....New One "I haven't finished that one yet"/ Can't Stand Me Now - Palace Of Bone -Merry Go Round - Unbilotitled - A Fool There Was - Lost Art Of Murder - Breck Road Lover - Killamangiro - Don't Look Back Into The Sun - East Of Eden - Love Reign O'er Me - Ballad Of Grimaldi (instrumental) - Tell The King (intro only) - What Katie Did - Gang Of Gin - Arcadie (with Chris Rotter, I think that was he's surname) - Sheepskin Terraway (with Dot Alison) - Death On The Stairs - Salome - Beg, Steal or Borrow - Fuck Forever/The Blinding/Fuck Forever - Time For Heroes - Albion (dedicated to Johnny Rythmn who died last night RIP) - I Wish - What A Waster - Music When The Lights Go Out - Up The Bracket. He played a few that seemed to be covers requested as well and or perhaps new ones I haven't heard., I remember some ska number and a funky one with a lyric "I don't know what the future may be/bring". It was a good performance with Pete having a lot of banter with the crowd and as I say willing yo play songs when shouted to him in the usual way. There seemed to be times when people didn't know the song he was playing and would just talk which was frustrating. I think at one point he said "well if your bored the door is over so piss off". I sooooooo glad to hear Breck Road Lover as that's my favourite and was good to hear Merry Go Round and A Fool There Was, which took me by surprise. He started off playing and singing brilliantly, however the more alcohol he drunk and the long he play the shitter he's playing got and he forgot lines. Ironically I think he played best on the songs fewer people knew and when it came to the likes of What A Waster, Up The Bracket and Albion he played some shockingly bad guitar lines but people didn't seem to care as long as it was one of the old hits they could sing along to".

There's an appearance on Jonathan Ross scheduled at the end of the month. From NME.com:

"Pete Doherty will finish his current solo tour by playing London's Troxy on March 29. It is currently unclear whether Doherty will be joined for the gig by his solo band, who include Graham Coxon, members of Babyshambles, producer Stephen Street and a string section.In other Doherty news, the former Libertine has confirmed he will appear on BBC1's 'Friday Night With Jonathan Ross' on March 27. It is the third time Doherty has appeared on the show, although this time he will primarily appear as a performer rather than an interviewee. Doherty is midway through a UK solo tour".

Last night Zane Lowe aired an interview with Peter where he talks Libertines reunion (see photo above). The interview was done before the NME awards shenanigans so it's a bit old (you can dowload it here), but according to Peter John Hassall is "up for it" and Gary Powell "will do as he's told". Carl is still pictured as the naysayer. So much comedy in all this. Who wants to bet the famous 1 million pound (or was it 2?) is already inside their pockets?

Speaking of which, Peter has left his Marlborough cottage and moved to a farmhouse in Chiseldon, near Swindon, Wilts.

Peter tomorrow on NME radio

The man knows how to do good promotion doesn't he? He should teach something to... Yeah Bilo is on NME radio tomorrow and confirms the Libertines will be back before you can say "What became of the likely lads".

Nearly.

Apparently he also fell out with Wolfie... sorry about that, but this looks like serious business.

Check it out (of course, from NME.com):

Pete Doherty has declared that The Libertines reunion will definitely happen. The singer outlines his plans for his former band with Carl Barat in an interview with NME Radio which will broadcast tomorrow (March 6) at noon (GMT).

"Well, its going to happen," he told presenter Neil Cole. "Its unfinished business, isn't it?”. In the interview Doherty also discusses his plans to bring Graham Coxon on the road with him for his solo tour, though revealed that old friend and collaborator Wolfman would not be coming as the pair recently fell out.

Listen to the full interview tomorrow at noon (and repeated again on Saturday, March 7) via Sky 0184, Virgin Media 975, Freesat 727 and NME.COM/radio. You can also listen to NME Radio in London on 87.7fm.

More (from NME blog):

So, excitment was building all day today as we awaited for Peter Doherty to arrive at NME Radio. Would he show? Would he be late? Would he confirm those rumours of a Libertines reunion which he let slip to Neil Cole when he grabbed Pete and Carl for their only joint interview after last week's NME Awards? Well, first up - Pete's on time. Actually, scrub that - he's early! Twenty minutes early, to be precise. He saunters into the studios, still wearing the rather dapper hat he was sporting at the awards, and is keen to get the interview under way. You'll have to listen to Neil's show on NME Radio tomorrow for the entire thing, but I can reveal that the subject of the Libertines reunion WAS discussed (of course!) and....well, it looks like it's on. The interview covered a wide range of topics - as you might expect, and pulled no punches. By far the most intense moment came when Pete was shown a copy of this week's NME, and reacted to Marianne Faithful saying that Pete had done smack "...to get attention and make him feel special". Pete reaction seemed saddened,angry and exasperated, and his response was equally forthright, calling Marianne Faithfull "..a despicable old hag"(!), and denying that heroin use was all about attention, rather that it was all about hiding away. Amazing stuff - make sure you catch the whole thing with Neil tomorrow on NME Radio.

The Milan gig and other stuff

"Great show" says George from the Pete Doherty Italian Forum "all acoustic performance. Peter looking sombre and smart in a black suit, and a magnificent setlist, mixing new stuff with Babyshambles and Libertines".
"It lasted so little..." says the besotted Silvia82 "I think he only played one hour. But he was in top shape, looking very relaxed. While he was singing I was totally ecstatic... "

Beautiful photos by Emanuele Barboni.

There's a lot of stuff in the redtops on the 2010 Libertines reunion:
The Mirror hooks up with the boys.
And Zoe Griffin mistakes Carl's numbness for sobriety.
The Sun has something to say too.

Here's when you can see the Awards on the telly.

And finally The Ficek gives an interview to Female First.

More from last night

The radio interview with Peter and Carl is downloadable here.

Thanks a lot to the people at Libs Daily for their effort in decyphering and writing down the mumbles:

NME: Pete, it was lovely to see you win that award. In fact, now live on NME radio we're playing your song!

P: Oh yeah? Lovely.

NME: So, does it mean a lot to you to win that? You've got Carl behind you... It's been a tough year and a half for you, really.

P: Yeah, you know, in and out of jail... turning up late for probation... cats are playing up... but, yeah, managed to get a few tunes down, with the help of Stephen Street, Graham Coxon, Dot Allison, the Wolfman, Mik, Adam, Drew, and John Robinson from The Bandits, who've made it into the record and... yeah, hopefully it's being recognized and... awarded!

NME: Now you're fiddling with the Award you've got in your hand... How -

P: I've complained years ago about it! You know, NME, you know, great British institution - two fingers, surely? (woman's laughter heard in background)

NME: I think that's supposed to be a little more extreme! Pete, how much did it mean for Blur to hand over your award to you? That was an amazing moment for me to watch.

P: I dunno, how much did it mean for him to hand over the award, but his other bandmates who were playing a tune, you know? I dunno... Hello, who's this?

NME: Oh, and there's Carl, as well. A few years ago I would have had the Libertines in front of me, but I'm not allowed to say that now... Carl -

C: The Libertines are in front of you, what are you talking about?

NME: Okay, so it's still the Libertines in front of me. I saw you out there, when Pete went up to get his Award, Carl, you looked quite, sort of, emotional about that.

C: Yeah, I know, I felt - I felt I might have left the oven on.

NME: (laughter) So, apart from leaving the oven on, what does it mean for you to be here tonight at the NME Awards, still going strong, and will we see you performing together soon?

P: Oh I’ve just been trying to twist his arm about that one, like, y’know? I’m the one who’s been getting emotional...

C: I don’t know about that, pal...

P: ...I’m the sensitive one...

C: Because he doesn’t leave the oven on. Alright, alright, if you go and see this guru… That - that was a joke.

P: That's not true though, is it?

C: No it's not! Well, it's obviously hogwash!

P: That's what I was told!

C (to the interviewer's inaudible question): I read it, I read it, yeah. I want to meet him!

P: He doesn't exist, then?

C: The guru? No, no, I was talking about a marriage guidance counsellor!

NME: What about the cats? Can you offer any advice about his cats?

P: Two factions have formed, the good cats and the bad cats. I didn't just want to kill the bad cats, that's wrong, so I took them to the woods, but... they found their way back to the house. (To Carl:) You should come and see my house, Carl. I've said that before.

C: Are you still there? They say it's a dump.

P: Huh?

C: They say it's a dump!

P: The Daily Star!

C: Ah...

NME: Ah, Daily Star...

C: (???) it's a dump, I've lived with you before.

NME: So you were offered a lot of money to perform together again this year, which isn't going to happen, but what next? What next, come on?

P: What next? 2010, innit?

C: Yeah, but we'll do it for nothing.

NME: You'll do it for nothing?

C: Didn't say what, exactly. (laughter)

P: Ten pennies and half a Cronenberg, that's something, innit - if Stella McCartney married David Cronenberg, she'd be Stella Cronenberg.(laughter of incomprehension)

C: That's a good thought.

NME: So, we love "Last of the English Roses," and looking forward to the album coming out. Any advice to all your fans out there listening, who haven't heard from you in person for a while?

P: Really? They have. Er, buy it, I suppose, yeah. Why not? I’m going to. Be like me.

NME: So, Pete wins Best Solo; Carl, what's going on in your life at the moment? (laughter)

C: ...Fucker. (laughter) Well, I don't know, man. I always put Peter forth as a little guinea pig, and, er, I dunno, he's (done good?), Best Solo, that works out, I'll do that next year. Lovely. *comedic cough*

P: We're all looking forward to Carl's solo album, hm? Not more than me.

NME: So that's Pete saying he's looking forward to Carl's solo album. Thank you guys, you're being moved on, but it's lovely to talk to you. Pete, well done. Thank you.

Off to the NME awards

Great stuff tonight, Peter will be there and Adam said he's going too, so I'd expect a line up similar to the other night (that is with Coxie). In the meantime, enjoy some snippets and gossip:

• Backstage video interview at the Empire.
• Pete'n'Carl fight for the sexiest male award.
• In any case, Peter is ALSO up for the Best Solo Artist award.
• David Wala took some beautiful photos at the Glasgow gig.
• More photos of Peter surronded by fans in Glasgow.
• From the "Libertines" Twitter: Bound Together will be published in America next July (Dear Anthony there are a few people who are willing to translate Bound Together in Italian. At the moment it's only an on-line thingy but nonetheless I think we should ask for your permission).

LATER!!!

Gigs of the week (and something else)

PETER:

• Tuesday 24 February - NME Awards - Glasgow Barrowlands (support act: Exlovers)
• Wednesday 25 February - NME Awards Main Show??? - Brixton O2 Academy (only a vile rumour!!!)
• Thursday 26 February - Myspace Secret Show - Alcatraz Club, Milan

Plus!

• Photos of last night's gig here
• And here

Videos:

• LOTER
• Time for heroes
• Sheepskin Tearaway

Good old Anthony Thornton has put up a Twitter page. He's called it (cough) "Libertines".

And finally, Gigwise reviewed G/W and gave it 2 stars and half (I only read the first lines and I couldn't bother to carry on).

Proud Gallery at NME.com

Today NME.com has some gorgeous pictures taken from the Proud Gallery, two of which are Peter's. The caption of the photo above says: "Pete Doherty, photographed by John Wright. The Babyshambles frontman is a new addition to the Proud Galleries archives in 2008. Rumours of a potential Libertines reunion in 2009 have been stoked by the recent split of Dirty Pretty Things, the band fronted by Doherty's former Libertines bandmate Carl Barat".

The NME special Christmas issue (out tomorrow) has also a poster showing Peter and Carl from the famous article of Christmas 2003 (below).

Speaking of the Libertines, read this beautiful review of Up The Bracket I found in the net.


Back to the present, there's a third article talking of Peter's album coming out on 9 March. Guess what, it's French: "Selon le label EMI, le premier album solo de Pete Doherty sortira le 9 mars prochain. Parallèlement à sa carrière avec les Babyshambles, le leader a donné régulièrement des concerts solo en acoustique en 2008".