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Growing up in a military family, Doherty spent much of his childhood moving from military base to military base, living in Germany, Northern Ireland and Cyprus for a time. After a brief jaunt at Queen Mary college of the University of London, Doherty dropped out after a year, moving in to a flat with friend and fellow musician, Carl Barât in London, UK. The pair decided to form a band, which was to become The Libertines, along with bassist John Hassal and drummer Gary Powell, signing to Rough Trade records in December 2001.
Their debut album, "Up The Bracket," released in 2002, brought Doherty and his band mainstream success, gaining a huge following and being regarded as the next big thing in British music. Shortly after this success, Doherty spiralled into drug addiction and was even arrested for burgling Barât's flat. With an ever increasing drug problem, Doherty was asked to leave The Libertines, after failed rehabilitation attempts. However, the band did manage to record their self-titled second album during this time (August 2004), receiving critical praise. The band went on an indefinite hiatus following its release, unable to continue due to Doherty's personal problems.
Doherty went on to form Babyshambles, who released their debut album "Down in Albion" in 2005, which whilst being a rough and unfinished record, it still showed the talent and skills of Doherty's songwriting. A second Babyshambles record, "Shotter's Nation," was released in 2007, following which the band went on a hiatus.
Doherty became the fascination of the British tabloid press, due to his infamous behaviour and drug problems, as well as the much publicised tumultuous relationship with supermodel Kate Moss His continued problems with the police led to a 14-week arrest, detained at Wormwood Scrubs prisoning 2008.
Doherty has frequently played solo gigs, often doing so at short notice, sometimes holding guerrilla gigs at various places, including his own North london flat. In 2009, he released his first solo album, titled "Grace/Wastelands," which was received with critical acclaim. Doherty has also reunited with the Libertines and Babyshambles for some high profile performances at European festivals since 2009.
An indie musician like Pete Doherty cannot be understood until you see him live. I was a casual listener of Pete Doherty's music when I bought a ticket to see him perform. I was blown away!! I was with a friend, who had never heard of him. I was in a really bad mood before I went so I was kind of expecting to have a horrible experience, but Pete Doherty is far too talented to feel anything but awed in his presence.
First off, I didn't expect him to be so stylish and cool. He performed in this well-tailored suit and awesome fedora. Doherty might seem like a shy guy, but he plays and sings like nobody can bring him down. He's one of those people whose entire persona transforms when he's performing. He had such a magnetic personality. The entire crowd was drawn to his crooning voice and his British accent. In between performing songs, he cracked jokes and engaged the audience.
He gained so much of my respect because of the way he played with passion, but kept true to who he was. I clapped my hands with the others in the crowd, and we cheered for him to keep singing. None of us wanted the performance to end.
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