Babyshambles
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 2003 in London, England |
| Founder | Pete Doherty |
| Headquarters | London , England |
Area served | United Kingdom, Europe, Australia |
Key people | Pete Doherty (lead vocals, rhythm guitar), Mick Whitnall (lead guitar), Drew McConnell (bass, backing vocals), Adam Ficek (drums) |
| Products | Music albums, EPs, singles |
Babyshambles is a rock band from England, established in London by Pete Doherty (lead vocals, rhythm guitar) during a break from his work with the Libertines. The group has featured prominent members such as Mick Whitnall (lead guitar), Drew McConnell (bass, backing vocals), Patrick Walden (lead guitar), and Adam Ficek (drums). Their discography includes three studio albums — Down in Albion (2005), Shotter's Nation (2007), and Sequel to the Prequel (2013) — alongside three EPs and numerous singles.
Formation and early tours (2003–2005)
Following his ban from performing with the Libertines in 2003 due to substance-related issues, Doherty initiated Babyshambles. Originally, the band was to be named T'Libertines and primarily consisted of musicians from Yorkshire. On the evening of their debut show, Doherty was arrested for breaking into Carl Barât's residence. After legal proceedings and a shortened prison sentence, he rejoined The Libertines but continued recording with Babyshambles, releasing their first single, "Babyshambles," in April 2004 through High Society Records.
By mid-2004, Doherty faced exclusion from The Libertines once more, leading him to concentrate on Babyshambles with members Patrick Walden (guitar), Gemma Clarke (drums), and Drew McConnell (bass). The band built momentum via multiple live performances and a UK tour culminating at London's Scala. Their second single, "Killamangiro," launched in November 2004 on Rough Trade Records, climbed to number 8 on the UK singles chart. However, Doherty's drug issues impacted shows; notably, a December 2004 Blackpool concert was cut short due to intoxication, and a London Astoria event sparked a riot after Doherty's absence.
In January 2005, drummer Gemma Clarke departed amid management disagreements and concerns about the band's drug culture, especially Doherty's habits. Adam Ficek, formerly of the White Sport alongside Patrick Walden, took over drumming duties.
Down in Albion era (2005–2007)
During April and May 2005, Babyshambles recorded their first album in Wales, collaborating with producer Mick Jones, who had also worked on the Libertines' records. Released on 14 November 2005, Down in Albion reached the Top 10 on the UK Albums Chart. Its lead track, "Fuck Forever", debuted on 15 August and peaked at number four on the UK Singles Chart, followed by "Albion" in November, which attained number eight.
In July 2005, Babyshambles were scheduled as support for Oasis on their UK tour but were removed after Pete Doherty missed the opening show due to attending a fashion event with Kate Moss.
The band conducted a UK tour named Pipe Down throughout September and October 2005 across 19 dates, supported by groups such as The Paddingtons and Littl'ans. Several smaller concerts took place later that year.
In January 2006, Babyshambles played four club gigs without guitarist Patrick Walden, with Doherty assuming guitar responsibilities. Walden briefly returned for a February UK tour but performed his final show at Shepherd's Bush Empire and has not appeared with the group since.
In February 2006, Babyshambles received the Naomi Award for Worst Live Act and earned multiple NME Award nominations; Doherty secured the "Sexiest Man" title during an event where the band performed "Albion."
By August 2006, the band signed with major label Parlophone to release an EP and headlined the Get Loaded in the Park festival. They issued limited singles like "Beg, Steal or Borrow" exclusively for festival attendees and distributed "The Blinding" through The Big Issue magazine.
October 2006 featured the charity single "Janie Jones," a cover of a song by The Clash, released via B-Unique Records to support Joe Strummer's foundation Strummerville. This track included contributions from bands such as Dirty Pretty Things and The Kooks and marked the first collaboration between Carl Barât and Pete Doherty since the Libertines disbanded, although they did not record together.
The Blinding EP, released on 4 December 2006 to positive reviews, contained videos for "The Blinding" and "Love You But You're Green," plus an acoustic set performed on The Culture Show. Despite being ineligible for singles charts due to its track count, it reportedly would have reached number four on UK charts during Christmas.
On 18 January 2007, Babyshambles secured a long-term contract with Parlophone reportedly covering three albums. That summer they appeared at major festivals including Oxegen, Glastonbury Festival, V Festival, T in the Park, and Paredes de Coura Festival.
Shotter's Nation (2007–2010)
Babyshambles unveiled their sophomore album, Shotter's Nation, on 1 October 2007, with production handled by Stephen Street. This 12-track record includes a special contribution from Bert Jansch on the acoustic closing song. Drummer Adam Ficek described the album as a "polished snapshot" reflecting the band's condition at that time.
The album's lead single, "Delivery", was released on 17 September 2007 and debuted at number six on the UK Singles Chart. Ahead of this, a 7-inch vinyl containing a demo track and an interview with the band was distributed alongside NME magazine.
In November 2007, Babyshambles launched their inaugural arena tour, performing at prominent venues such as Newcastle’s Metro Radio Arena, Manchester’s MEN Arena, and London’s Wembley Arena. The follow-up single, "You Talk", was released on 3 December 2007.
Early in 2008, the group completed their most extensive European tour to date, appearing at festivals including Norway’s Hove Festival and headlining the RadioOne/NME Stage at the Reading and Leeds Festivals. Nevertheless, several shows were canceled due to Doherty’s incarceration.
On 2 June 2008, Babyshambles issued a live CD/DVD entitled Oh! What A Lovely Tour, which captured their performance at Glasgow’s SECC during the UK arena tour. They also appeared at Madrid’s Saturday Night Fiber festival in May alongside artists like Morrissey. Doherty confirmed his commitment to fulfilling all scheduled live appearances but announced a hiatus from further gigs until his solo album was completed.
On 12 January 2009, Babyshambles performed a one-off charity concert with Roger Daltrey at the O2 Academy Bristol in support of the Teenage Cancer Trust.
Sequel to the Prequel (2010–2014)
In June 2010, drummer Adam Ficek departed from Babyshambles to pursue his solo endeavor, Roses Kings Castles, with former Supergrass drummer Danny Goffey stepping in temporarily. By early 2013, reports indicated that Babyshambles were working on their third studio album, with Stereophonics drummer Jamie Morrison joining the lineup. Although producer Stephen Street denied these claims, bassist Drew McConnell confirmed them to NME. On 29 April 2013, Babyshambles announced a UK tour scheduled for September and October, commencing at Glasgow’s Barrowlands. Their album Sequel to the Prequel was released on 2 September 2013 after performances in Australia during July and achieved a peak position of number 10 on the UK charts. Despite frontman Pete Doherty’s other band, the Libertines, reforming in 2014, Babyshambles continued to perform intermittently at festivals such as Rock am Ring, Rock Werchter, and Best Kept Secret Festival.
Return and Patrick Walden's death
Following a reunion on stage during a Doherty solo concert in August 2024, Doherty suggested in December that a Babyshambles reunion was "in consideration." The band came together again during a March 2025 Doherty solo show in Watford and soon after announced a UK tour.
Former lead guitarist Patrick Walden passed away on 20 June 2025 at age 46. The band expressed their appreciation for having known and collaborated with him and asked for privacy amid this challenging period. The statement was signed by Peter Doherty, Drew McConnell, Mike, and Adam.
On 1 September 2025, Babyshambles revealed plans for a 10-date UK tour in November and December—their first in over a decade—to commemorate the 20th anniversary of their debut album Down in Albion.
Band members
- Current lineup
- Pete Doherty – lead vocals, rhythm guitar, sitar (2003–2014, 2025–present)
- Drew McConnell – bass guitar, backing vocals (2004–2014, 2025–present)
- Adam Ficek – drums, percussion (2005–2010, 2014, 2025–present)
- Mick Whitnall – lead guitar (2006–2014, 2025–present)
- Past members
- Gemma Clarke – drums, percussion (2004–2005)
- Patrick Walden – lead guitar (2004–2006; died 2025)
- The Duke – guitar
Discography
- Albums
- Down in Albion (2005)
- Shotter's Nation (2007)
- Sequel to the Prequel (2013)