Pete Doherty is a man of many talents. He is a modern-day poet whose writing ability has been compared to that of some of the best. He fronted the Libertines, one of the most critically acclaimed bands of the last decade. He has had an on-and-off-again relationship with supermodel Kate Moss. From the looks of it, you could say Doherty is living the rock n' roll dream.
There is one problem - Doherty's success has come at a price. As of Oct. 1, Doherty is awaiting trial on a cocaine possession charge. He has spent much of the last year in and out of rehab, and several neighbors have recently accused Doherty of forcing his cat to consume cocaine.
This is nothing surprising, however, as it is nothing new for the 28-year-old British star. Doherty has been arrested nearly 15 times on various drug-related charges, including twice in one day. In most cases, he has evaded prison, agreeing to attend rehab or perform hours of community service. The drugs have led to a personal downfall. The Libertines folded over issues of his commitment to the success of the band. Doherty cannot go beyond the borders of the United Kingdom to tour in support of his new band, Babyshambles. Perhaps worst of all, he has squandered his remarkable talents and potential to become one of Britain's most successful musicians.
Growing up amidst the influential punk movement in London, Doherty seemed to live an eerily similar early life to that of one of his greatest influences - Joe Strummer of The Clash. Like Strummer, Doherty moved frequently because of a father in the military, attended a prestigious public school on the outskirts of London, and studied writing and literature at university.
During his time at the University of London, Doherty moved into a flat with fellow classmate and musician Caral Barat. Upon realizing that they had something special when they put their minds together, both dropped out of school and soon formed The Libertines. They began putting on public performances in the basement of their flat, and they were recording within weeks. As word of the band spread, which was comprised of Doherty and Barat on guitar, John Hassall on bass, and Paul Durfur on drums, they started booking gigs and record companies came calling. In December 2000, Rough Trade Records signed them to a deal and they soon found themselves supporting the likes of the Strokes and the Vines.
In 2002, the Libertines began recording their debut LP, Up the Bracket. Produced by Clash guitarist Mick Jones, the album was a huge success (topping out at no. 29 on the UK charts) and earned critical acclaim. The legendary UK music magazine NME deemed them the "Best New Band." The band's live shows earned a reputation as legendary.
Playing over 100 shows in 2002, Barat and Doherty expressed incredible emotions while on stage, prompting several fans to question whether the two were involved in a relationship.
This initial success was short-lived. With the acclaim and money came Doherty's developing drug habit. He would often use a mix of cocaine and heroin multiple times a day. His emotions became erratic, and this began to distance him from the band. Barat refused to let Doherty participate in any band activities until he cleaned himself up. Doherty soon found himself in prison for burglary. In the end, it was Barat waiting for him when he was released.
They reformed the band and played a series of show that were rated by several publications as the best live performances of that year. They eventually recorded their second album, The Libertines, in 2004. That year they were awarded best band of the year by NME, and all seemed well. Doherty's drug habits returned, however, and tensions rose once again. Within a year, the band disbanded again and Doherty was alone.
Doherty has since formed Babyshambles. Their first album, Down in Albion, earned some acclaim, but the success of the band seemed stunted by Doherty's continued problems.
As the end of 2007 approaches, Doherty and Babyshambles have returned with their second effort, Shotter's Nation. Due out Oct. 23 in the United States, the album is a true expression of Doherty's immense talent. His lyrical abilities are clearly on display throughout the collection of songs. The styles feature fast-paced songs like "Side of the Road," which is reminiscent of the early sound of The Clash, while others take a page from bands like the Strokes and Blur.
Of course, there is also a hint of the Libertines in each tune. Ultimately, however, the album is a true representation of Doherty's talent - clever lyrics and beautiful melodic sounds. He has shown that despite the hardships, the talent has not dried up.
In the latter part of 2007, Pete Doherty is at least trying to clean up. He has rekindled his friendship with Barat and has spent several months in rehab. Babyshambles have played a number of dates, which have gotten above average reviews.
The potential for success is there for Doherty. Now it is a question of him willing to take the first step towards it.
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