Babyshambles

Babyshambles are a London group formed by Peter Doherty as a side project to The Libertines, and later becoming his main band after he leaves that group. The band is active from 2003 and is based in London, United Kingdom. Its line-up includes Gemma Clarke, Peter Doherty, Adam Ficek, Drew McConnell, Mick Whitnall and Patrick Walden. Their sound is associated with garage rock revival, indie rock, post-punk revival and rock.

Early releases and first success

The band’s first single, Babyshambles, is issued in April 2004 on High Society Records in a limited run of fewer than 1,000 CD and 7-inch copies. A UK tour follows in September and October 2004, ending with two sold-out shows at the London Scala and drawing critical attention. Their second single, Killamangiro, is released on Rough Trade Records in November 2004 and reaches number 8 in the UK charts.

Changes in membership and touring problems

During later touring in 2004, the band’s live activity is affected by concern over Doherty’s drug use. In one Blackpool performance the group leaves the stage when it becomes clear that he cannot perform, and a riot breaks out at the London Astoria when he does not appear for a scheduled gig. Gemma Clarke leaves in January 2005, saying she disagrees with the management’s handling of the situation. She is replaced by Adam Ficek, who has previously played with Patrick Walden in The White Sport.

Down in Albion and later 2000s releases

Work on the debut album continues in Wales with Mick Jones, who has also worked with Doherty on The Libertines’ records. Down in Albion is released in November 2005 after leaking online beforehand. It reaches number 10 in the Radio 1 Album Charts. The singles Albion and Fuck Forever follow, with Albion reaching number 8 in the Radio 1 Single Charts and Fuck Forever reaching number 4 in the UK Singles Chart. In late 2005, Doherty appears on Newsnight and plays a series of small, secret gigs.

Further line-up changes and Shotter’s Nation

At the start of 2006, Babyshambles announce a run of small club shows in London, Sheffield and Stoke. At the first London date, the band performs without guitarist Patrick Walden, with Doherty taking over guitar duties. Walden later leaves to pursue other projects and is replaced by Mick Whitnall. In December 2006, the band releases an EP that includes The Blinding EP, the July single Beg, Steal & Borrow and the new track I Love You (But You're Green). In January 2007, the group signs a long-term album deal with Parlophone. Their second album, Shotter’s Nation, is released in October 2007, produced by Stephen Street, and includes a guest guitar appearance by Bert Jansch on the closing track Lost Art Of Murder.