Pete Doherty is a man who usually gets in the newspapers for all the wrong reasons. A very charismatic and creative man, his musical career is so often derailed by the events of his personal life. Arrests, court appearances, and attempts at drug rehabilitation punctuate his life with alarming regularity. However, Doherty has received critical acclaim for his ability as a songwriter and he has a loyal fan base. He was born in 1979 in Northumberland, England but lived in Liverpool until the age of nine. His father was a British Army officer and Pete mainly grew up on a series of army bases.

After dropping out of college, Pete Doherty and roommate Carl Barat founded The Libertines, sharing the vocals and writing the songs together. Pete played rhythm guitar, Barat was on lead, and they were joined by John Hassall on bass and Gary Powell on drums. The band hit the big time in 2002 with their debut album, Up The Bracket. Pete’s problems with drug addiction resulted in cancelled gigs and his estrangement from the band. They still managed to release another album, called The Libertines, but Pete was sacked in 2004. The intention was to take him back when he had kicked his drug habits, but the band broke up later that year.

Pete Doherty bounced back with another band, called Babyshambles, who released an album, titled Down In Albion. The third single from the album reached number four in the UK charts. Throughout this, the band had to contend with changes in personnel and Pete’s constant legal battles. Drummer Gemma Clarke left and was replaced by Adam Ficek whilst guitarist Patrick Walden left but then returned. Drew McConnell is the bass player. Pete and Walden share the songwriting. Babyshambles were to support Oasis on tour but Pete failed to turn up on time for the first gig, so Oasis pulled the plug on them. Noel Gallagher sang Oasis hit The Importance of Being Idle, with a rather sarcastic dedication to Pete and the others.

It’s reported that Babyshambles are working on a new EP and that Pete Doherty is also recording some acoustic material. Patrick Walden has left temporarily and been substituted by Mick Whitnall. They don’t have a record contract or manager at the moment. The band says they have been approached by the former managers of Roger Daltry and Elton John.

Press interest in his personal life has been dominated by his on and off relationship with supermodel Kate Moss. Pete Doherty has a son from a previous relationship with singer Lisa Moorish, who also has a child from her relationship with Liam Gallagher.