Babyshambles (The Frog Tour) - Carling Academy - 01/10/06Has anybody ever heard of that bloke who used to be in The Libertines? You know, the one who has been in and out of rehab for the past year? The one who has a tendency to either not turn up for gigs or just turn up ludicrously late? The one who has allegedly married Kate Moss? Have I jogged your memory yet?  | | Babyshambles |
The name is Pete Doherty and he brought his new Babyshambles line-up to headline the Birmingham Academy as part of The Frog Tour. Not only has the tour got the most unpredictable headliners but it has two of Britain’s brightest prospects, The Holloways and Noisettes! Due to Pete Doherty’s poor punctual skills it was no surprise that the night did not fully sell out. And with the curfew set for 10:30 there was no room for Babyshambles to turn up late. The HollowaysThe night began with The Holloways who played a storming 30 minute set full of the quirky indie tunes that have followed them around over the past year.
The band played songs such as “Generator” and “Two Left Feet” to great applause. After this performance I would love to see them play a headline set. NoisettesAfter a short sound check Noisettes took to the stage seemingly trying to follow The Holloways example. Noisettes were completely different to The Holloways and were not gratefully received. After two songs they left the stage completely. Babyshambles | | Babyshambles |
It was now time for the headliners to shine. As the lights went off the crowd erupted yet again as Peter took to the stage. The set opener “Killamangiro” was played with the crowd jumping and singing constantly. A number of objects were thrown on stage for Pete, which he gratefully received. This continued for the rest of the night. As the set continued with more songs taken off “Down In Albion” it’s clear that Babyshambles were trying to wow the crowd a little bit too much. But old favourites such as “Pipe Down” and “The Man Who Came To Stay” brought the crowd to life. Peter was growing on stage. Many a time he has been seen swaggering around, barely able to sing. This of course is not the case tonight, as a fairly plumper Pete is able to sing clearly and talk to the crowd on more then one occasion. As the set continued newer songs were added like the recent song “Beg, Steel Or Borrow”. As Babyshambles continue their set they played the brilliant “Albion”. This song is played superbly with the rest of the band filling in their bits perfectly. Their main set ended with one of the first Babyshambles single, “F*** Forever” was played with the crowd still dancing and singing away in the hot Academy. Libertines | | Babyshambles' Pete Doherty at Glasto |
With the night seemingly coming to a close there was one final treat in store for the crowd. Two special Libertines classics were about to be played. The first was “Up The Bracket” taken off the first Libertines album with the same name. With the crowd singing along and all the old school Libertines fans pushing to the front to get a piece of the action. The final song was my favourite. “Can’t Stand Me Now” was played with great applause. The crowd went madder then they had throughout the night and the singing got even louder. On occasions they drowned out Pete’s vocals on stage. After the song had finished Babyshambles said a quick goodbye and left. With the night over, the sweaty crowd left the Academy happy. It was a brilliant night and all my expectations were fulfilled. All the tales of forgetting gigs and late turn ups will never be forgotten, but this night is a great start point to continue in this fashion. Pete Doherty is back, and better then ever. By Paul Tift | 
