Pete Doherty is on fighting form these days, telling anyone who will listen that his group Babyshambles are “the greatest in the world”.
Babyshambles were formed from the ashes of The Libertines. Stung by his dismissal from the group he helped form, Doherty surrounded himself with friends and began to make music again. Debut album ‘Down In Albion’ was produced by Mick Jones of The Clash, who also worked on The Libertines’ albums.
It was poorly received, and soon after the group were chucked off a tour with Oasis after Pete Doherty failed to turn up for the opening date of the tour. Allegedly celebrating designer Hedi Slimane’s birthday, the singer then went through a period of drug abuse with fans fearing he was spiralling out of control.
However Babyshambles’ second album ‘Shotter’s Nation’ was an unexpected triumph. Fuelled by a love of mid 60s freakbeat, it spawned the single ‘Delivery’ and became a huge favourite with fans.
Since then, though, little has been heard of the group. Drummer Adam Ficek released a solo record, while guitarist Mik Whitnall was arrested on charges of possessing illegal drugs. Doherty, meanwhile, released his own solo album ‘Grace / Wastelands’ which features contributions from Graham Coxon and Stephen Street.
In a new interview Pete Doherty promises to release another Babyshambles album, which will knock Oasis off their perch. Speaking to NME the singer referred to Oasis’ new album ‘Dig Out Your Soul’.
“With Oasis stepping up a gear and proving they’ve still got it, they need to be shown there are people out there who can surpass them” he said.
“Can we match them? The quality is good (in Oasis), but there really is no competition because my band is the greatest in the world and we’re going to prove it.”
Tough talking from the indie icon. Doherty was also asked when fans could expect a Babyshambles album, and seemed convinced it could happen soon.
“It’s record company politics. Please, let it happen as soon as possible.”
Pete Doherty’s solo album ‘Grace / Wastelands’ is out now.