Pete Doherty back in old Rhythm

13 January 2010

INDIE rebel Pete Doherty is due to headline another intimate gig at his favourite east London venue, The Rhythm Factory, tomorrow (Thurs).

The troubled singer-songwriter is due back at the Whitechapel Road venue for what was scheduled to be a "mini-residency" across three nights, including Friday and Saturday.

However, at the last minute "reasons beyond The Rhythm Factory's control" meant that one of those gigs was brought forward a week and the other one was cancelled.

Indeed, it seems that "reasons beyond Pete Doherty's control" have dogged the Babyshambles and former Libertines singer for the whole of his public career.

In and out of court (and jail) for the past three years, it seemed that Doherty had kept out of trouble for the last half of 2009, only to be arrested on more drugs and driving charges in December.

But the 30-year-old still remains an enigma with a huge talent and a bigger fanbase.

Doherty's latest performance at The Rhythm Factory follows a similar solo appearance at the start of last year and his much-hyped reunion performance four months later with former Libertines partner Carl Barat.

That naturally fuelled rumours of a Libertines reunion, but Barat, of the Dirty Pretty Things, claimed to be "too busy in 2010".

Meanwhile, Doherty's solo success in 2009 saw him break through to the tricky American market with a Top 10 single on the US Billboard 100 chart with The Last Of The English Roses from his debut solo album Grace / Wastelands, which featured Blur guitarist Graham Coxon.

And now he seems determined to build on that individual success, starting at his "spiritual home" in Whitechapel.

Supporting acts for Doherty's gig include east London-based trio Moody Nelson, who have warmed up for Babyshambles in the past.

An intriguing act, they feature Jamaican/Irish guitarist/singer Aidan Connell, half Japanese electro DJ Cherif Hashizume on "bass and sound manipulation" and Israeli drummer Kapi.

South London indie-rocker Vaults and experimental reggae/ska outfit Red Roots, plus Goldmine resident DJs spinning '60s garage, are also on the bill.

The Rhythm Factory doors are open 7pm - 3am, with tickets £15 in advance or more on the door.

For more info call 020 7375 3774, email info@rhythmfactory.co.uk or go to www.rhythmfactory.co.uk.