BABYSHAMBLES // O2 ACADEMY GLASGOW
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐(5/5)
BABYSHAMBLES AT O2 ACADEMY, GLASGOW
PHOTOCREDIT: BAZZA MILLS
Incredible! A chaotic, nostalgic triumph at the highest level. Peter Doherty's Babyshambles are ragged, a poetic outlet for all things raw and unfiltered, and in Glasgow, for the second of a two-night stand, everyone loves them. After a 10-year-plus hiatus, their reunion tour (timed loosely around the 20th anniversary of Down in Albion) has been a powder keg of hype, and tonight’s extra date at Glasgow’s O2 Academy didn’t disappoint.
The Friday crowd buoyed by the terrific supports are already well fuelled and ready to erupt way before Babyshambles get anywhere near the stage. Local band Hazy Sunday's frontman Shuan Kenny kicks off the night as the doors open and is quickly followed by another Scottish artist, Emma Gillespie, who is introduced and joined for her first song by Drew McConnell. Both supports sound great, entertain the swelling crowd and thank the Babyshambles for the opportunity. It's a reoccurring theme, and it's not the first time Babyshambles have given other artists a platform to blossom from. Kyle Falconer of The View takes to the stage next, recalling giving a tape to the band all those years ago. Kyle is no stranger to Glasgow and rouses the crowd to boiling point with his infectious mix of solo and View tunes, no doubt all playlist staples of the crowd in attendance. The turnaround between artists is frantic, and another performer (whose name I failed to catch) takes to the stage for a couple of mellower songs as the crowd continues to swell with knowing grins in anticipation on the faces of a crowd knowing what is about to take over.
The floor is sticky, and the punters are primed 20s, 30s, 40s and older throwing back the years alongside many younger converts seeking the magic their elders have told them of through their wilder days. Traffic cones make a cameo (because, well, it's Glasgow), and the energy was electric from the off; think mass pogoing, spilt pints, and chants of “Pete! Pete!” echoing off the walls. Doherty, flanked by the classic lineup (Mick Whitnall on guitar, Drew McConnell on bass, and Adam Ficek on drums), looked every bit the rumpled rock poet, shirt half-unbuttoned, shoes off, and eyes sparkling with that familiar mischief. From the off, it erupts, and it's clear the band are loving it (almost) as much as the crowd. The set explodes with “Killamangiro” and is peppered throughout with covers ranging from the Stone Roses (“Waterfall”, “I Wanna Be Adored”) to Suede’s “Animal Nitrate” that all get the crowd singing along. Libertines' cover of "What Katie Did" goes down a storm, but to be honest, the band could have played anything, and the reaction from the adoring crowd would have been the same. Doherty’s between-song banter was gold: tales of Glasgow’s dodgy pubs, a cheeky nod to the cone on his head and impromptu harmonica wails that devolved into glorious chaos.
Despite the persona, the band are tight; Ficek’s drumming drove the punky barrages like a freight train, while Whitnall’s riffs added that melodic indie sheen. Vocals? Doherty’s vocal connects effortlessly and hits with a real emotional weight. It's captivating and infectious, with the sweaty crowd belting it back like a cathartic group therapy session. The sheer joy of hearing these songs live again after over a decade is tangible, with pogoing and crowd-surfing as emotions overflow. If you grew up on this stuff, it felt like time travel: sweaty, unpolished, and utterly alive. For the young team in attendance, this is the stuff they've heard and dreamed about! The main set closes with an amazing version of "Albion" before an encore including "Pipe Down" and finally "Fuck Forever" brings the Friday night fun to a rousing finale.
Babyshambles didn’t just play a gig; they reignited a spark that’s been smouldering since their last outing. It’s hectic, it’s heartfelt, and it’s proof Doherty and co. have still got that Albion magic. If they’re hitting your town next, grab a ticket, don’t wear your best shoes and have the time of your life. Glasgow gave them a hero’s welcome, and they repaid it with pure, unadulterated shambles. What a way to cap the week!
REVIEW + WORDS BY : BAZZA MILLS