Babyshambles kick off UK tour without guitarist

Babyshambles kicked off their UK tour last night at London’s Koko without guitarist Patrick Walden (January 9).

The band have been playing as a three-piece since their Christmas show at the capital’s Rhythm Factory (December 22), and following two low key intimate performances over the weekend at Soho’s Jazz After Dark (January 6-7), they are heading out on the road without him following.

With Pete Doherty taking over on guitar duties, Babyshambles treated fans to a set of live favourites including ‘Fuck Forever’, ‘Killamangiro’, ‘Sticks And Stones’, ‘A’rebours’, ‘In Love With A Feeling’, ‘Back From The Dead’ and ‘Albion’.

The group also tore through a handful of classics including ‘What A Waster’, ‘Time For Heroes’ and ‘Don’t Be Shy’.

At one point during the set, Doherty unfolded a charge sheet and read out that he will be appearing in court tomorrow (January 11).

He also quipped that if the band’s tour gets cancelled, it may be due to his court appearance not going to way he would like it to.

As previously reported on NME.COM, Doherty was arrested last year after “driving erratically”. Police allegedly recovered Class A substances from the vehicle.

Later, referring to their departed guitarist, Doherty pretended to read again from the charge sheet, saying: “Patrick Walden - misuse of the guitar act. I’m paying my penance for it now.”

Babyshambles ran through some rare songs such as ‘Palace Of Bone’ and ‘Upon The Numbers’ on which collaborator, and Doherty’s former cellmate, The General guested. He also joined the group for an extended version of the ‘Down In Albion’ track ‘Pentonville Rough’.

Earlier in the gig, Doherty joked with the crowd: “It’s my New Year’s Resolution not to throw my clothes into the crowd,” before adding, “Oh, I’ve already lost a coat.”

Babyshambles continue their tour tonight at Sheffield’s Plug (January 10) and are scheduled to appear at Stoke’s The Underground on Wednesday (11).

For the full story on Patrick Walden quitting Babyshambles be sure to pick up this week’s issue of NME, out in London today (January 10) and nationwide tomorrow (11).

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