Libertines

Formed in spring 2004, just as the Libertines were beginning to fall apart, Babyshambles became the main vessel for Pete Doherty's poetic, chaotic rock when he was ousted from the Libertines for his increasing drug use and erratic behavior. Babyshambles released their self-titled debut 7" in April 2004, and settled on the lineup of Doherty, guitarist Patrick Walden, bassist Drew McConnell, and drummer Gemma Clarke by that summer. That fall, things went relatively smoothly for the band, with a sold-out U.K. tour and the release of a second single, Killamangiro, on the Libertines' former label, Rough Trade. But by December, the band had to cancel or halt shows because Doherty was unable to perform; one of these sudden cancellations sparked a riot at the London Astoria. Clarke left the band early in 2005 and was replaced with new drummer Adam Ficek.

Funding Velvet Underground member John Cale performed the band’s 1967 masterpiece, The Velvet Underground & Nico, alongside selections from its follow-up, White Light/White Heat, during a gig at La Philharmonie de Paris. As previously reported, he was joined by a handful of guest performers including Animal Collective, Mark Lanegan, Pete Doherty and Carl Barât of The Libertines, and more…