Peter Doherty - o2 Academy, Bristol - 29th April 2023

While the wait for new Libertines music enters its ninth year (the hotel’s up and running chaps, chop chop!), it seems even their biggest firebrand is struggling to fill his days.

This Battered Songbook tour is not in support of a new or old album under any of his various guises, but seems to be little more than an excuse for the former tabloid favourite to rattle around the country and keep himself occupied.

Alternatively it’s a reminder of Peter Doherty’s hefty back catalogue, a fact which seems to be forgotten. Despite his public perception as something of a wastrel, the (former?) Babyshambles man has 11 studio albums to his name across a 21-year career, as well as countless one-off singles or unreleased material, all of which is well represented tonight.

Befitting the travelling troubadour vibe, Doherty takes to the stage with a minimum of fuss and opens with a new number entitled ‘Black Cloud’.

It’s a low-key affair, and he explains afterwards that his voice is slightly shot and thus continues with a series of subtle, under-stated tracks.

https://www.live4ever.uk.com/2023/05/review-peter-doherty-bristol-o2/