Babyshambles Equiment Given Away

Indie giants Babyshambles have had the past return to haunt them, with police set to give away equipment seized from them at a show in 2005.

Babyshambles formed out of the ashes of The Libertines, and in the beginning their gigs often ended in, well, a shambles. One such show took place at Islington's Duke Of Clarence back in 2005, and finished with the police being called.

After a series of noise complaints from residents police arrived, just a little past midnight. Despite protests from the band and their followers the police seized two guitars, a bass guitar, three amplifiers, a drum kit, a speaker, a melodica and a harmonica.

Quite a haul! The equipment has lain in storage for four years, but it is now set to see the light of day again.

Police announced recently that the instruments will be donated to Islington Council's EC1 Music Project. Former Babyshambles member Pat Walden has agreed to perform at a workshop in exchange for his guitar.

The EC1 project is aimed at kids between 8 to 19 years old, and seeks to help young people channel their energies through music.

Walden was a pivotal influence in the formative stages of the band, before leaving after their debut album. The guitarist recently joined Pete Doherty onstage at a charity show in London's Rhythm Factory venue, the same show where Doherty performed with former Libertines cohort Carl Barat.

Speaking to BBC Jan Hart, Islington Council's assistant director for public protection defended the actions of police by saying: "It was the only way of stopping the nuisance to our neighbours, which is our top priority."

"Now it's going to a good home and will help young people just starting out with music."

This isn't the only time Babyshambles have been involved in problems with the police. Last year the band's appearance at a small festival was pulled due to police concerns, who claimed they made the crowd just too excited for the force to safely deal with.

Former Babyshambles musician Pat Walden claimed he was delighted to be involved with the project.

"It's a very positive environment and I'm looking forward to working with the young people," he said.