Babyshambles, Thursday December 7, Hammersmith Apollo

Turning up to a gig later than Pete Doherty has gotta tell you somethings up.

After numerous media reports suggesting it would be a no-show it was quite a thrill to arrive at the Apollo to the sounds of 'Killamangiro'. More thrilling still to see how much the band were enjoying playing, with the music taking centre stage.

Dont get me wrong, like a child whos never quite been sent to the naughty step Pete didnt entirely reject the rock star thing, encouraging the fans who managed to invade the stage, and chucking the microphone into the crowd.

But with encouragement from the rest of the band, in particular drummer Adam Ficek, the band steamed their way through the set with obvious highlights including 'F*ck Forever', 'Albion' and 'What Katy Did Next'.

No chat at all really, just song after song in a well rehearsed, vibrant performance. No surprise then that the the gig was over within the hour, despite an encore break long enough to nip to the loo and back.

Although there were boos as the band left the stage, the crowd filtered out entertained and happy - you could hear snatches of Babyshambles tunes being sung all the way to the tube.

With polished performances like this you begin to remember that Pete Doherty is in a bandfunny that!

'This review was provided by Lucy Youngman from London.'