It wasn’t supposed to happen like this.
When “troubled” singer Pete Doherty was exiled from the Libertines earlier this year it seemed there were two possible fates awaiting him. Least likely of these was the prospect that Doherty would clean up his act and be welcomed back into the Libertines fold by fellow band leader Carl Barat. A more realistic scenario saw Doherty continue his descent into drug fuelled tabloid fodder hell, his career abruptly ended and his talent tragically squandered.
Yet here we are in Dublin’s Village venue and the room is full to capacity. The crowd is here to see Doherty’s new outfit, BABYSHAMBLES, and the weight of expectation hangs heavy in the air. But just what exactly is it that the audience expects? Perhaps Pete will pull one of his frequent no shows prompting riotous behaviour from the disgruntled crowd? Perhaps the band will stagger onstage frustratingly late and we will be treated to an up close and personal demonstration of the perils of serious drug abuse? Perhaps they might even get it together and we’ll be treated to an incident free and competent performance from the makeshift band?
What actually occurs however, is perhaps the most unexpected event of all. Babyshambles, it transpires are not only one of the best and most exciting new bands around right now, they are simply one of the best and most exciting bands around full stop. Despite the fact that the vast majority of material aired tonight is, to my ears at least, previously unheard, the strength of the songs is unquestionable. Doherty proves himself to be a songwriter of considerable talent, drawing inspiration from soul, doo wop and music hall as well as all the de rigeur rock ‘n roll influences. He is also a performer of notable charm and prowess. His unusually strong rapport with his audience ensures a constant barrage of gifts flows from audience to stage. One fan is so impressed he even donates his passport which the singer duly pockets!
Doherty’s new bandmates prove equally impressive, providing accomplished and assured backing. During their front man’s frequent and lengthy sojourns into the crowd the band continues playing unfazed without missing a beat. It seems months playing with Pete Doherty can instil a band with the type of road hardened professionalism normally found only in seen it all rock ‘n roll veterans.
|
What really makes this show so thrilling however, is the constant sense that at any given time anything might happen. It is a feeling which is all too sorely missing from live performances and one which I have only recently encountered when confronted with the reformed Stooges. Eventually, and it would seem inevitably, it all ends in chaos. As more and more audience members rush the by now crowded stage Babyshambles disappear into a sea of bodies broken only by the sight of burly security guards desperately trying to reclaim the stage.
Later on Doherty is seen outside the venue, sprinting towards the safety of his tour bus as a steady stream of fans follow suit down Wexford St. Later still the same bus becomes the location for one of the singers’ famed “guerrilla gigs” when Doherty plays a 20 minute acoustic set out the back window for those lingering at the rear of the venue.
There can be little doubt that Pete Doherty’s troubles are far from over. One also wonders just how healthy the idolatry manner in which his fans and sections of the music press treat him can be. On this evidence though, his career and creative life are also far from finished. With a strong and growing collection of new material awaiting release, and with rumours that Kevin Shields and Bobby Gillespie have signed up as future producers, Babyshambles are suddenly looking like a very exciting and enticing prospect.
|
