Babyshambles reunite with old friend at secret show

Babyshambles reunited with original guitarist Patrick Walden at a gig this weekend (August 3).

The band played a surprise show at the Scolts Head pub in north London.

With the venue laid out more for dining then a gig, frontman Pete Doherty’s arrival was the first many present knew the show was taking place.

Still sporting his bleached blonde hair and wearing a hat with a flower in it, Doherty took up residence in the pub’s back room, playing most of the gig sat on a leather sofa next to his bandmates.

With the set featuring a reggae-ish feel to celebrate the birthday of Doherty’s friend and collaborator Wolfman, the band were joined by him and 'Down In Albion' toaster The General for duets.

However the crowd were most surprised to see original guitarist Patrick Walden play with his old band.

Walden left the group at the end of 2005, but has recently performed with old bandmates Drew McConnell and Adam Ficek, at the Love Music Hate Racism show at Hackney Empire on July 19.

At the show, the healthy-looking guitarist joined the full band on several songs, even playing with replacement guitarist Mick Whitnall on ’Fuck Forever’ and ’Eight Dead Boys’, while Babyshambles also included The Libertines’ Up The Bracket’ in their set.

Although it’s not clear what Walden’s future is, there are already some rumours that he may rejoin Babyshambles permanently.

Meanwhile, the gig was brought to a close with Doherty smashing two light bulbs next to the makeshift stage and declaring “lets smash this place up”, although the singer’s hoped-for-riot did not materialise.

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