Review: Secret Babyshambles Gig – Proud Galleries, Camden

Live4ever’s Peter Cornish-Barlow got lucky yesterday….here’s his review of Babyshambles, live at Proud Galleries.

Word of a surprise concert by Peter Dohertey’s indie rebels Baby Shambles quickly spread via 

Twitter yesterday afternoon (02/02) and then was confirmed on the band’s official myspace page. It went off in true Babyshambles fashion: off the cuff, highly energetic and definitely one for the fans! I was thankfully one of the lucky few who managed to get in and what a great set it was too. We were treated to 5 new songs last night and also played a collection of old favourites which included ‘Pipedown‘, ‘French Dog Blues‘ & ‘Delivery‘.

As always there seems to be an air of mystery surrounding Mr. Doherty and last night was no different. The band came, on ripped through an amazing set, and did not say much in between songs. Not that it mattered to the fans, as everyone was on their feet and rushing towards the front of the stage. There were mass sing-alongs and a feeling of unity in the audience. It’s that amazing crowd reaction you rarely get with some bands and that gang mentality still holds strong with them even till this day.

The impression you got from the band was one of a re-invigorated group. It was energetic and full of life and each member, including Pete, were on top form. The sound too, seemed less straight-foward punky indie guitar, but more of a groove orientated vibe. It definitely was not as ramshackled as some Babyshambles gigs have been in the past. This was a re-vitalised Babyshambles and a band that finally seem like they mean business.

A part of me was expecting some kind of hi-jinx that would go down in the history of Rock ‘n’ Roll myths. But last night’s set went without a hitch, and the small taster the fans got of the new songs, was something that will be remembered over the next few months.

Peter Cornish- Barlow