Pete Doherty Saves Pub

Babyshambles frontman stands in the way of demolition

21 March 2008 - Pete Doherty played a tiny acoustic gig last night (March 20) at the Torriano Pub in Kentish Town London

The gig was in aid of saving the pub from demolision as it is threatened with being flattened to make way for blocks of flats.

After playing 'Death on the Stairs', Doherty invited the landlady of the pub to make a brief speech thanking everyone who had turned up for lending their support.

Doherty asked the owners of the pub, just that afternoon, if he could play a gig in the downstairs bar area.

There was a quick clear out and the space was made available for the show which was watched by only 70 fans.

There was a £20 entry fee, and the audience were treated to a brief acoustic support slot, introduced by Doherty, by female singer/songwriter Coco.

Doherty appeared relaxed and played a 13-song set including songs by both The Libertines and Babyshambles

It was fairly in keeping with Doherty's ethos which, as he has told 6music previously, is to sell his records not "sell out".

Doherty closed with the track 'Can't Stand Me Now' before putting his guitar down and posing for photographs with fans

The full track listing was:

’Back From The Dead’
‘Dilly Boys’
‘What A Waster’
‘The Ballad Of Grimaldi’
‘Smashing’
‘Death On The Stairs’
‘Albion’
‘Pipey McGraw’
‘What Katy Did’
‘Beg, Steal Or Borrow’
‘Music When The Lights Go Out’
‘The Whole World Is Our Playground’
‘Can’t Stand Me Now’


Elizabeth Alker