Babyshambles
> Barrowlands, 20th February
Usually you go to a gig and you expect at least some kind of uniformity in the crowd. Tonight at the Barras, however, this is definitely not the case. Up at the bar there are neds in shiny tracksuits and white trainers battling for a spot in the queue, whilst down by the stage stripey shirted adolescents stand scowling at middle aged former rockers.
Babyshambles - the band that have inspired this peculiar melding of scenes - are due on at nine and it’s now quarter past. Having been brainwashed by the tabloid’s avid commentary on Pete
Doherty’s erratic pre-gig behaviour, I begin to wonder just how long I’ll be
left staring at roadies as they tinker around with wiring and microphones.
I’m not kept waiting that long though, and it’s a pleasant surprise to witness the band jangle onto stage
just fifteen minutes after their scheduled start time. Doherty, armed with a
bottle of champagne which he soon sprays all over the crowd, appears at
least partially coherent as to what’s going on around him. Strapping his
guitar on over the top of his trademark white shirt and tie, he leads the
band into a couple of up-tempo agit-rock numbers which leave the sweaty
crowd gasping for more. I’m become slightly puzzled at the sight before me,
and find it terribly odd to behold a man who has been widely publicised
as a good for nothing junkie float easily about stage in a rather charming
and inspiring manner.
As the night progresses, the band exhibit a firm air of professionalism but at the same time maintain a high level of excitement, and the crowd seems to be lapping up every gritty guitar wave like a pack of obedient dogs. At one point somebody hurtles an empty water bottle at Doherty’s head, knocking his hat clean off. He simply chuckles “good shot” and continues playing.
Maybe I’ve just been lucky enough to catch Pete on a good night, but judging by his performance during this set, he’s certainly proven he’s got the talent to challenge the gossip.
> Vicki Cole
Usually you go to a gig and you expect at least some kind of uniformity in the crowd. Tonight at the Barras, however, this is definitely not the case. Up at the bar there are neds in shiny tracksuits and white trainers battling for a spot in the queue, whilst down by the stage stripey shirted adolescents stand scowling at middle aged former rockers.
Babyshambles - the band that have inspired this peculiar melding of scenes - are due on at nine and it’s now quarter past. Having been brainwashed by the tabloid’s avid commentary on Pete
Doherty’s erratic pre-gig behaviour, I begin to wonder just how long I’ll be
left staring at roadies as they tinker around with wiring and microphones.
I’m not kept waiting that long though, and it’s a pleasant surprise to witness the band jangle onto stage
just fifteen minutes after their scheduled start time. Doherty, armed with a
bottle of champagne which he soon sprays all over the crowd, appears at
least partially coherent as to what’s going on around him. Strapping his
guitar on over the top of his trademark white shirt and tie, he leads the
band into a couple of up-tempo agit-rock numbers which leave the sweaty
crowd gasping for more. I’m become slightly puzzled at the sight before me,
and find it terribly odd to behold a man who has been widely publicised
as a good for nothing junkie float easily about stage in a rather charming
and inspiring manner.
As the night progresses, the band exhibit a firm air of professionalism but at the same time maintain a high level of excitement, and the crowd seems to be lapping up every gritty guitar wave like a pack of obedient dogs. At one point somebody hurtles an empty water bottle at Doherty’s head, knocking his hat clean off. He simply chuckles “good shot” and continues playing.
Maybe I’ve just been lucky enough to catch Pete on a good night, but judging by his performance during this set, he’s certainly proven he’s got the talent to challenge the gossip.
> Vicki Cole
