Peter Doherty, The Leas Cliff Hall, Folkestone
The Leas is more often host to works of drama so it seems appropriate that tonight's spotlight is on Albion's beloved son.
The Leas is more often host to works of drama so it seems appropriate that tonight's spotlight is on Albion's beloved son, a man who remains the relentless focus of the tabloid rumour mill. With the release of acoustic-driven solo album 'Grace/Wastelands' it seems his creative focus has been successfully channelled, and this accompanying tour is the perfect barometer for ascertaining how this new direction fits with a pick and mix audience of diehard fans, Libertines/Babyshambles admirers and the plain curious.
Tonight it's all about Pete and his acoustic guitar as he performs solo, with the exception of the occasional guest appearance. After what seems like an eternity he toakes the stage to generous applause from a venue packed with lively punters and a veritable clutch of Doherty impersonators. Opening with the crowd-uniting 'What A Waster' this sets the scene for an evening mixing solo material with classic Libs & Babyshambles tracks, the songs often segueing into each other with delicate instrumental bonds.
Strikingly, Pete appears to be the picture of health, clad in denim jacket and jeans and strutting purposefully around the full length and breadth of the stage with the occasional swig of a Coke-like substance to sooth his vocal chords. For the first half a dozen songs it seems as if certain crowd members are more intent with drunken disorder than the events unfurling around them but this is their loss as they miss out on stunning renditions of 'New Love Grows On Trees', 'Arcadie' and an extended 'Killamangiro' which is sung in unison from the opening chords.
A solo rendition of Wolfman collaboration 'For Lovers' is simply spellbinding, ending in Doherty attempting birthday shout-outs to audience members he's previously met but couldn't remember the names of. This is followed by the exhortation to "have a drink" as he duly threw cans of beer into the audience to obvious delight. 'Palace Of Bone' sees him pluck away at his guitar like a man possessed with the spirit of the great Bert Jansch whilst deftly throwing in a snippet of Oasis's 'Hello' for good measure. This is followed by a beguiling stripped-down shuffle through current single 'Last Of The English Roses', its quietly sung verses contrasting with a triumphantly loud sing-along chorus.
Hitherto unaccompanied he is joined by Babyshambles cohort Mick Whitnall on electric guitar, whose playing adds texture to a slew of tracks including the rapturously received 'Fuck Forever' and a ska-tinged cover of Dennis Browns' 'Money In My Pocket', with the pair sharing vocal duties.
The latter half of the set is made up mostly of Libertines numbers with 'Don't Look Back Into The Sun' and 'Time For Heroes' performed back to back with the crowd finding their dancing shoes, fingers aloft in appreciation. Impressively Pete manages to retain his composure throughout despite being hit near full on with a flying pint during a heartfelt rendition of 'What Katie Did'. When performing his own compositions he proves that he is more than the spent talent that many had labelled him. The biblical 'Salome', with his vocal echoing from the mike, is only bettered by a stunning 'Lady Don't Fall Backwards', which brings a rowdy crowd to appreciative silence by its jaw dropping beauty.
There was time for one final guest appearance in the shape of the crocodile-skinned Wolfman who joins his mate on stage for a the lesser-known Libertines number 'Made In France', its plain-talking lyrics sung with utter conviction. After teasing the crowd that he was obviously going to play 'Albion' to close proceedings he tears though a havoc-inducing 'Can't Stand Me Now' with no need for the predictable formality of an encore.
Looking more healthy and focused than ever, Doherty is blessed with a deceptively strong voice which stands the test of a full-blooded 90 minute work out and a seldom appreciated guitar prowess to match. By cherry picking the best bits of a career rife with feud, abuse and heartbreak it's the undoubted strength of the songs and consummate delivery that stands as a testament to his prodigious ability tonight.20/03/09
Greg Inglis
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