Babyshambles Live

Who thought Pete Dohertys group would ever make it to Wembley Arena? Previously known for turning up late (or not at all) and putting in disastrous performances, Babyshambles confirmed a massive transformation here.

The live show is much helped by their under-valued second album Shotters Nation- which showed the bands clearer vision and proved Petes worth as a songwriter. Here they play much of the record to an arena thats half full.

Second track in the four-piece play Delivery which (weve said this before) is the best thing Babyshambles have written. Like much of the set Petes singing is almost drowned out by the ardent crowds own.

With Micks strong guitar lines they run through Baddies Boogie, punky Side Of The Road and new single You Talk- co written by Kate Moss fact fans!

For Lost Art Of Murder Pete goes solo and cuts a lonely figure on the huge stage- adorned with bunting and world war two imagery. He looks vulnerable and its hard not to feel sorry for the heroin-addict waster that the tabloids want locked up.

After that the group go lounge (with Drew on double bass) for their Love Cats influenced song There She Goes and bizarrely it works. The crowd then go understandably mental for Kilamangiro and superb finale F**k Forever.

Perhaps the group should have booked Brixton Academy rather than half fill an arena but forget the newspapers doom and gloom for a minute. The fans that were there seemed more than impressed despite The Star saying Petes Arena Gigs Leave Fans Cold.

This writer hated Babyshambles debut and the thought that Doherty had given his talent up for drugs. BUT the group are now more sober, tighter, smarter and better than ever. And apparently tickets are available for their last three shows.