What images do you conjure up when you hear the name Peter Doherty? Some of you may know him as the frontman for The Libertines and Babyshambles. Others might be familiar with his peculiar yet alluring mixed media & collage art (often blood splattered w/ text accents). Bibliophiles are probably familiar with his assorted published journal/poetry/art books. And a few of you perhaps recall him as the infamous tabloid bad boy, coupled up with Kate Moss or Amy Winehouse. With global press keeping him under constant scrutiny since the early 2000's, he's been subject to public exhibit (mostly skewed thru the lens of the paparazzi & journalists hoping to make a quick buck). He does make for an interesting case study of talent, intelligence, style, charm & charisma vs. of addiction, legal troubles, health concerns, and relationship roller coasters (bandmates, friends, and lovers alike). Whether intentionally or not, at some point Mr. Doherty seems to have embraced this invasive lifestyle exposé, putting him at the forefront of daily documentation that social media has since normalized. In 2022, Peter penned a biography (A Likely Lad), to finally present his version of the narrative thus far. The current form of Pete is a happily married, middle-aged, father of a toddler (& 2 older offspring), who seems to have cleaned up his act (so to speak). Now carrying himself with a true peace and wearing his heart on his sleeve (sometimes even getting teary eyed during interviews), he seems more approachable and even relatable. Has he finally sowed all of his wild oats? All things considered, it's impossible to deny that he's a brilliant singer/songwriter, performer, and storyteller. 

Announced as a promo for Peter Doherty's new release (Felt Better Alive), this was a highly anticipated show celebrating his 1st solo album in 9 years!

Note: Although it had been a bit, it's worth sharing that he has kept himself busy in the interim. For instance:

• He just had a solo art exhibit at Janine Bean Gallery in Berlin.
• In 2024, The Libertines gave us an impressive comeback (All Quiet On The Eastern Esplanade), followed by loads of tour dates.
• Pete and Carl co-designed some outerwear w/ Blue Flowers UK.
• He's also created a zine to accompany his new music (which we hope to snag a copy of somehow).

All of these projects pocess the essence of Mr. Doherty and it's clear that art and music are simply who he is, not what he does. So, yes, I'm clearly a bit biased & I won't try to deny it. Truth be told, it's hard to play it cool when you're a proper fan who considers an artist an absolute respectable enigma & sincerely humble creative genius. That being said, it was a major milestone for our crew to be granted media passes to Mr. Doherty's show/signing at Rough Trade East (Brick Lane, London). Sincere thanks to the reps at Strap Originals who made this all possible and believed in a small-scale L.A. zine to cover this exclusive & much coveted event. We are forever grateful for the opportunity.

But I digress ...

The show sold out quickly, which resulted in a waiting list for those left ticket-less. Apparently, the demand became so high that they decided to add a 2nd show, a matinee, the same day. Firing off the latter gig, Jack Jones (of Trampolene) played a short but enjoyable set, endearingly suited up in a Felt Better Alive t-shirt. Of course, we'd heard the news that Mike Joyce (The Smiths) was playing drums for Peter's solo shows and wondered if he'd take the stage here as well. It wasn't so, as Pete came out sans group (no Puta Madres to back him up), w/ an acoustic Gibson guitar (w/ taped feedback buster) & gave us an intimate (almost unplugged) performance. Peter has a way of making everyone feel like there's no divide between the artist and the audience. The barrier was extremely close to the stage, with fans crowded tight, leaning in attentively, arms raised as they sang along & matched Pete's varying energy. The lyrics & melodies just seem to slide out of him so naturally & beautifully. Max Bianco (who we understand was the opening act for the earlier slot) joined Pete for the end of the show, in a trademark fuzzy whimsical top hat. It's really interesting to witness the change of vibe when Pete has someone to exchange musical communication with while performing. Upon conclusion I looked for a set list but there wasn't one to be found. I really wish I had a better memory, had taken notes, or could find one on-line (we're only seeing one re: the 5pm show). All I can tell you is he does a mix of solo, The Libertines, Babyshambles, and unreleased material. I think it's safe to say he just plays what he feels at the moment. 

" ... since you said goodbye. The polka dots fill my eyes. And I don't know why ..."

As people began to lineup for the signing, Pete's toddler ran around barefoot on the stage, giving it a real down to earth, family feeling. No rock star high horse to mention.

Super glad we got to be there!!!

Now all we need is an L.A. show!

*fingers crossed*

And congratulations to Pete (& all involved) on the success of Felt Better Alive! Well deserved, indeed!

The queue was long and slow moving but Peter was extremely kind to every fan, treating each one like they were the 1st. Keep in mind that this was the 2nd event of the night too. I decided to ignore my media pass and stand in line with a friend. Observing the interactions, it seems that he is genuinely interested in humans and intrigued by conversation. When it was finally my turn, I was excited that he immediately noticed that I was wearing the trench he'd designed with Blue Flowers UK. I explained how I couldn't afford any of his actual art so the coat (which is lined in a fabric patterned with a few of his pieces) was in lieu of. He reached over to point out a tiny secret pocket in the design. I suppose it's for a lucky charm, or cash stash, or what have you - haha! He must have picked up on my American accent and asked me where I was from. When I told him I was a Los Angeles native, he proclaimed that he liked the old tv show Columbo. Oki doki - that was really random and it caught me off guard. I had no quick witted response so we took a blurry & awkard photo & he signed a book for me. I told him my name, which he repeated, and replied it was nice to meet me - such a gentleman. And that was that. I was too nervous to remember to ask him about a Babyshambles reunion or how I could obtain a copy of his new zine. I really wish for both of those things to happen in the near future! I'm over the moon, ecstatic that I got to meet Peter Doherty & it was such a pleasant experience!