Coventry gig feels like a homecoming
After more than a decade of radio silence, Babyshambles are back taking a bit of a victory lap — kicking off a tour at the hmv Empire in Coventry to mark 20 years since Down in Albion. Pete Doherty says it feels less like a reunion and more like returning to a place that always mattered to him.
Roots, friendships and a little local pride
Although he now lives in Normandy, Doherty grew up nearby in Bedworth and still has ties to the town. His long-term friend and manager, Jai Stanley, is someone he met at school, and together they launched an indie label called Strap Originals based there. So this run of shows has a proper hometown vibe.
Putting the songs back on the map
Many of these tracks haven’t been played live in around 15 years, so the band are ready to dust them off and treat them to a fresh spin. Doherty says it’s about giving the material another chance to breathe — playing the songs with new perspective rather than reliving old drama.
From chaotic past to calmer stage
Back in the day, fame with the Libertines came with chaos: breakups, trouble and headlines about addiction. Doherty doesn’t shy away from that history, but he’s clear it’s time for a different energy. Expect fewer police-cell anecdotes and less onstage mayhem — not because the band lost its edge, but because chaos isn’t the only fuel for great music.
What the shows will sound like
According to Doherty, the songs are solid — strong melodies and lyrics that deserve to be heard without all the pandemonium. The plan is to get inside the tunes, take some of the roughness off, and sing them properly (and loudly). In short: same songs, different delivery, lots of heart and a fair bit of joy.
Final note
For fans, it’s a chance to reconnect with familiar anthems played in a setting that actually makes sense for the band. For the band, it’s closure, celebration and — yes — a little bit of fun. Bring your singing voice and leave your drama at the door.
