Pete Doherty stepped back on stage last night for his first London solo gig since his release from prison earlier this month. On a miserable bank holiday Monday, just 100 fans showed up at the Mass Club in Brixton to see the former jailbird perform a compilation of his greatest hits. Undeterred by the poor turnout, a coherent Doherty blazed through tracks from his Libertines and Babyshambles days, including Albion, Can’t Stand Me Now and Kilimanjaro.
The 29-year-old barely paused for breath as he ploughed through the set, giving a first airing to tunes from his upcoming solo album which is due out this summer.
A little rustiness on his guitar could be forgiven after his 29-day incarceration, and Doherty worked hard to justify the steep £20 cover charge.
After an hour of non-stop playing, the tousled-haired singer announced he was going off to learn a new song and returned 20 minutes later for a four-song encore.
Doherty’s weak vocal delivery was drowned out as the quarter-full club sang along to final song What a Waster.
Since his release from Wormwood Scrubs, he has vowed to go straight.
Last night’s performance was a welcome reminder of his talents when he manages to do so.
Where: Mass Club, Brixton.
When: Last Night
Three stars ***
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