Sunrise mystery and Rock Am Ring

As if Peter had not created enough confusion during his Paris adventure, we woke up this morning with this message of his posted to FDW:

"acoustic show upon the very dawn at Cafe Bergerac, beside Hotel France Albion, Place Saint George, Paris. A few hours time actually..... Puisqu'il faut partir sur les douzes coups de midi pour l'Allemagne, ce séjour à Paris -que l'on peut facilement qualifier de désastreux étant donné la malchance qui nous a frappé sitôt la Manche traversée- se clôturera "en beauté" par un concert acoustique au petit jour, sunrise special. Rendez vous au levé du soleil au café Bergerac qui jouxte l'hotel France Albion... il ne vous reste plus que quelques heure de sommeil..."

Since Peter does not even know how to say "sorry for being late" in French I assume there was someone else with him giving a French help. Anyway, what he said was that he was playing an acoustic show at the Cafe Bergerac in the early hours of this morning because he had to leave at noon heading to Germany.

Frenzy ensued. Then, another post:

"putain de merde, enculés de taxis! je me suis réveillé du mauvais côté de la rivière de rêve noirs à propos de libertines.org 'no show' my arse. personne n'est plus deçu que moi! d'accord maintenant café bergerac pour des chansons d'amour, il doit y avoir quelques personnes dans les parages... je sais que le barman sera là, double shots gratuits pour chaque couplet ralongé de for lovers, that's what i call happy hour! (screams from background) alright alright i'm fucking coming! ooooouuuggh...."

OK, this message said: 1. that Peter had seen a post on libertines.org ("Peter no show in Paris tonight") that drove him mad; 2. that he confirmed the Cafe Bergerac gig and the barman was going to be there so he would buy double shots for cute couples; 3. that somebody was calling him (screaming) and he was "coming" (screaming. I assume he's heard Hippy's Son).

Well, as I write I still don't have any clue as to whether this "Sunrise Special" happened or not.

But Peter and Babyshambles are in Germany now, expected to play at Rock Am Ring Festival at 21.30 (CET). At least, that's what Adam says: "so here we are - it#s so hot! somewhere between Frankfurt and Cologne, a place that was destroyed 82% in 1944, near a river, I still dont know what it#s called though. anyway its hot and we#re looking forward to tonights show".

Babyshambles announce new dates

Babyshambles have announced plans to play two shows at London's Brixton Academy later this month.
The band will take over the venue on June 18 and 19, with tickets costing £20.
Pete Doherty will play a solo acoustic show at the Brixton Mass club on June 17, fans can reserve tickets by emailing massbabyshambles@hotmail.com with the number of tickets they require and the date they wish to attend.
All three shows come before Pete Doherty's rescheduled solo date at the Royal Albert Hall on July 12.

P.S. I have edited my previous thread deleting some sentences that almost caused an eruption on FDW. I understand Peter, Adrian and the French kids were all pretty pissed off with what happened last night, although it wasn't anyone's fault, and certainly not Peter's. Anyway, I swear that IF Peter was an ordinary bloke who shows up at every fucking gig he's expected to, IF Babyshambles AND LIBERTINES were ordinary bands who BLINDLY follow all the fucking military corporate rules of musicbiz... I wouldn't be here, and this blog would not exist. Period.

Peter fails to show up at Le Grand Rex

Photo by Oliver Peel

But he made up later. I leave the word to Sweet Matilda, who had an awful night in Paris, albeit being able to see Lollipop Peter!

I went to the (no) gig with Anjali,we had some great 2nd row seats. The support act (Daniel Darc,no comment) began at around 9pm (not sure) then I was out smoking a cigarette when I began to hear some people saying that Peter wouldn't get there before 11h15 but that he was coming so we had to wait,so we did wait but at 11:30 the gig was officially canceled cause Peter was stuck in the eurostar... We were all very disappointed but we saw babybear outside the venue who told us that Peter was gonna play later in this bar/club called le Truskel (thanks bb!) so we headed there but still no news from Peter at 2:30(not sure again) then bb and the crowd arrived and installed some guitars on the stage so there was hope...everyboby moved to the stage ,I was at the front row,it was nice but we had to wait again 45 min I would say with people pushing (it was about 40 degres inside!) (oh btw thanks to this very nice scottish guy with the shotters nation jacket for the beer!) Then Pete finally arrived,it was about 3am(not sure again!),a beautiful Peter with a lollipop in his mouth,he went on stage,asked me how you said late in French and apologized for being "en retard",he had a beer and a cig and picked up his guitar,he played:(from what I remember and not in that order): Albion Death on the stairs Merry go round Fuck for ever What Katie did The boy looked at Johnny Back from the dead (beautiful!) ahhh can't remember... The crowd was AWFUL ! [... ] I heard Peter saying something about the crowd being terrible and a big "fuck you",which was so right!(and people just laughed...jeeez! I don't know if he played again after that... Well,that was my night... back to London now. I feel sorry for the people because the gig was canceled but I feel even more sorry for Peter because he still made the effort to come and play very late after spending a long time stuck in the train,and this is what he got...it's very sad and there is really something wrong with people!

Beautiful photos by Oliver Peel on Flickr.

For he's a jolly good fellow

Photo by Latchiko

All-Carl entry tonight, in view of his 30th borfday (tomorrow).

• Review of the Heineken Limerick Festival here.
• Some silly photos from the mobile blog.
• Extended version of the "culture" interview.

And finally, a Q&A from The Irish Times:

What's on your rider? Whisky, crisps, water, towels and the odd razor.

What would be on your fantasy rider? The cast of Blackadder.

What’s your pre-gig ritual/routine? Dutch courage.

What’s the best gig you’ve ever been to? Rage Against the Machine & The Prodigy, Reading festival. Can’t recall the exact year. It was the first time I went to see bands live that I knew.

And the worst? When I went to see Ray Davies play - for various reasons I missed the whole show.

Arena or pub gig? Pub gig every time.

Who is the most famous person to have shown up at one of your gigs? Liam Gallagher.

Most embarrassing on-stage moment? Running away from a wasp.

What’s your crowd pleasing number? At this point it’s probably Bang Bang You’re Dead.

Chatting between songs - good or bad? Good if you can do it, bad if you are me. The songs should speak for themselves.

Groupies - would you? Hmmm...

Touring - blessing or curse? Both really. It depends on where you are.

When did you last play a free gig? Last week at Filthy MacNasty’s in Twickenham.

Do you like to meet and greet fans after the gig? Yeah, usually.

Any useful stage tips? Don’t be late.

What’s the worst thing ever thrown at you? The Libertines were rained on by Converse shoes (all of them odd).

Peter and the gift of ubiquity

From the Teenage Kicks website:
In aid of the 'Teenage Cancer Trust', Noonan Media presents: Teenage Kicks 2008.
23/05/2008 NEWS! PETE DOHERTY confirmed to headline gig, with special guest appearance TBA... Teenage Kicks could well be the charity event of the year. We are giving some of the worlds top artist, designers, tattooist and rock stars, a pair of white canvas Vans Slip Ons to do what ever they want and be as creative as they like. The shoes - now custom works of art - will then go in to a live internet auction, running along side an evening of mayhem. A secret east London venue is secured to host the event, with Top Live Bands, World Famous DJ’s, Celebrity Hosts, Skaters, BMX, Live Graffiti (with 5 artists creating a collaboration mural throughout the evening), Doodle Wall, Interviews and off course the 20 pairs of shoes will be on display ready to be auctioned off. When: 5th and 12th June 2008 Where: Brick Lane E1 – exact location to be confirmed nearer the time. The whole event will also be simulcast (broadcast live) on the screens at Piccadilly Circus via Killahertz.tv. WHY: We feel strongly that its time to give something back for years we have all enjoyed the popularity of street art fashion and tattooing and now it’s our time to make a difference. And simply, because we can. HOW: The Event is an ALL PROCEEDS (and we mean ALL) charity event with everything going directly to our chosen charity, The Teenage Cancer Trust, via EBay/Paypal. This will show transparency, with no third party involvement (if your going to do it, do it right!). To create excitement and in keeping with the spirit of the event, all the tickets will be auctioned via EBay. Electronic tagging of the winning tickets via registration on the site with the final ticket arriving or the registered mobile (to limit touting). Our aim is to generate excitement and enthusiasm that is rarely seen in this cynical world, the kind that is normally reserved for the silver screen, the Charlie and the Chocolate Factory kind. With your help this event will deliver one hell of a kick to cancer. This is a fantastic opportunity to give real help where it’s needed. WE WILL and YOU CAN make a difference.

BUT. That's what Adam says:
…and I'd love to play myself, but, he's in France on the 5th and Sweden the 12th, perhaps we could do it early, think I'll try and blag an early roses set...

So: no Peter, yes Adam? It looks likely, because Adamski claims he’s gonna take his side project (i.e. Roses Kings Castles, i.e. himself and his guitar) on tour in Septermber/October, even though he’s “shitting himself”.
Things look rather confusing indeed.

Besides, Peter is not in Paris at all (sorry for the wrong tip), and last night he played a private gig at the Jazz After Dark (see photo above). There was also an exhibition of paintings of artist Sam Shaker (Peter bought 3) and Peaches Geldof was djing. Drew was also spotted there.

Gig news

Photo by Simon Rossi

• Saturday night Babyshambles played a short set at the Papillon de Nuit Festival, at Saint Laurent de Cuves, France, in front of 50.000 people (see photo above). Comment (in French) by local site maville.com "On savait Pete Doherty sulfureux, on a été gâté. Le leader des Babyshambles s'est montré plutôt minable dans son show samedi après-midi. Titubant, essoufflé, le regard perdu, il a fini par jeter guitare et micro dans le public pour tout arrêter. Finalement reboosté par ses musiciens, il a tenu encore quelques minutes avant de partir sous les sifflets. Le concert n'a duré que 30 grosses minutes". Major stars of the night were the Hives.
• It's confirmed that Peter will play his rescheduled show at Le Grand Rex in Paris next Thursday (June 5th). Pete is rumored to be staying in Paris this week, at the Libertines famed France Albion Hotel. Shall we expect a new youtube video then?
• Adam Ficek has posted three bulletins in a row today: 02 Jun 2008, 02:59 Subject: Un projet du batteur de Babyshambles; Body: Des petites demos acoustiques et delicates faites a la maison. 02 Jun 2008, 03:54 Subject: live Roses web chat etc http://chat.gigwise.com (Wed) Body: 4pm I might play a few bits.. on Wednesday tha is. 02 Jun 2008, 05:21 Subject: Sparkling 7", album, free Cd's, Babyshambles etc Body: Firstly 'Sparkling bootz is being released on limited 7", see www.myspace.com/alphavillerecords to order. Have just sent another batch of Cd's off so I'm up to date now, see blog if you want one. I'm just starting to prepare the next release before the album. The album is finished it's entitled 'Roses Kings Castles' it was the only appropriate choice! That will be released in Aug, further details as they come in, it's a ten tracker..... Hopefully will get round to putting some more stuff on you tube, check out - brass winter or folk song if you haven't already done so. I have a gigwise web chat on Wed 4pm. Shambles wise, we're still trying to knock these demos into shape, Peter's in France on Thursday, then we all head out to Germany so all well. if youwant to air some views go to www.ficekforever.net. tc see you there. Also starting to build a web site for roses hopefully be able to order stuff online then...
• Dirty Pretty Things played in Belfast last night and as I write they're about to play at the Heineken Green Spheres Festival in Limerick (Ireland). For some snippets go to their mobile blog.
• Oh back to shambles: Drew McConnell played a charity concert last night at the Scala, for the populations of Burma (ahem, not the DPT song), or Myanmar, devastated by the cyclone. Other acts included Enter Shikari, Editors and Get Cape etc. Photos here.
• Oh and one last thing, Bo Diddley has passed away. And so has Yves Saint Laurent.

What's in my Ipod: Accelerate - R.E.M.

Tonight's gig: Sex And The City THE MOVIE!

Tired of England?

On my way back to my beautiful Mediterranean island it suddenly struck me: my iPod features 60% American music, 30% Brit rock and 10% world stuff. Tired of England? Not really. When British music sparkles it really sparkles a lot, and my three top bands ever are British (and very British they are: Clash, Smiths and Libertines). I can't let a single day pass without listening to Morrissey's voice (hey, he's got a new album out in Autumn!) and fucking hell, I'm writing this blog dedicated to two 100% British songwriters. OK? BUT. There are times when britrock gives me claustrophobia, and long spells when albionic music seems to shrink into itself, and I'm afraid this is one of those times. As crazy as I am for the Libertines I can't help but admit that they spawned a whole population of awful clones. And to me this is the major limit of britrock: a new band is born, they make wonderful music, they set a new trend. Hordes of kids want to be like them, they start a band of their own. And the next generation is only made of clones. Awful clones. Until a new original band is born again and a new cycle starts, but it takes years. Having been born in 1981 I've had the time to witness the long tail left by the Smiths in early 90s (the infamous shoegazers) and most of all the Beatles revivalists of mid 90s (Oasis and Blur) but I've never been into them at all. I chose to listen to old stuff, or dedicate myself to Yank rock. Until the Libertines came. Now their cycle is over and we need fresh stuff. I've had enough of clones. Tired of England? No, tired of clones.

Anyway, since we still have Peter and Carl, let's have a look at what happened to the boys in these last days. Peter played with Babyshambles on the third night of his Brixton Mass residency last Friday. The gig was crowded ("Where were you all on the other two nights?" Peter joked) but the security staff behaved horribly, hitting kids and doing the fascist thing until Peter shouted at them and left the stage in a huff.

Carl is on the Irish leg of the DPT tour and last night played in Dublin. I've found a very nice review by my fellow blogger Mark, who also met Carlos at a Guinness convention before the gig. For review and photo go to his blog.

As for the "Libertines wish" allegedly expressed by Carl you'll find splattered all over the press today... of course it was taken out of context. Of course Carl Barat can't go around promoting a new DPT record talking about his desire to make music with Peter again. Of course if journos didn't ask him about the Libertines all the time he wouldn't mention it. Of course his bandmates get irritated when he speaks about his current commitment with them as if it was a little more than a burden. That he can't wait to be finished with.

Of course.

What's on my iPod: Sunday at Devil Dirt, Mark Lanegan and Isobel Campbell.