Those who know little of Peter Doherty or his Libertines band tend to think of him as a pantomime rocker whose various personal struggles have generated acres of tabloid coverage. The Northumberland-born son of an army officer, Doherty - now 44 - was in a relationship with top model Kate Moss for some years and he was linked with many other women before marrying musician Katia de Vidas in 2021. But his tangled relationships and drug-related issues should not eclipse Doherty's very real talents – as a poet, artist, writer and musician. Despite all the headline-grabbing problems, Doherty is undoubtedly a great songwriter whose underlying gentle soul and engaged delivery have endeared him to a whole generation. With The Libertines he helped re-affirm the primacy of British indie-rock, injecting some real charisma into what was becoming a somewhat backward-looking and predictable scene. His recent performance at Oxford's O2 Academy was rather lower key, however. Eloquent and erudite, Doherty's finely-crafted lyrics were poetic and struck a chord with his audience of local fans and students. There was shimmering romance at times - but also some cutting observations on society. There were enlightening tales of riots, drugs and dissections of some other people but also classical allusions, nostalgia and historical and literary references plus some metaphysical beauty. The performance was unpolished, apparently sincere and very relatable. Peter Doherty was in trademark broad-brimmed trilby, standing front of stage armed with just an acoustic guitar, a memory full of songs plus a gentle smile. Promoted as the 'Stripped-back Battered Songbook' show, Doherty's performance saw him apparently a little nervous initially but delivering every song with great sincerity. And the absence of guitar theatrics allowed each song to really shine. A mellow start built up to 'Music When The Lights Go Out' highlights included 'Can't Stand Me Now' and the closing sing-along number 'Don't Look Back Into The Sun'. But this wasn't really a night of powerful anthems, more an evening of introspection and admiration for a fine wordsmith and multi-talented performer. It was an intimate occasion - especially when Doherty's dog ambled on stage, sniffed around a bit and made itself at home near the mix stand. Peter Doherty has previously commented that he likes to try to instil a love of lyrical imagery in his audience - especially in those who might not normally read a book of poetry. At Oxford on this early May evening, he certainly did his very best to achieve that!
Band Links:-
https://www.albionrooms.com/https://www.facebook.com/peterdohertyofficial
https://x.com/petedoherty
https://www.instagram.com/peterdohertyofficial
Play in YouTube:-
Picture Gallery:-



intro
Nick Dent-Robinson watches Peter Doherty play an intimate and introspective set at the O2 Academy in Oxford.
live reviews |
Blackheath Halls, Blackheath and Palace Halls, Watford, 18/3/2025 and 21/3/2025 |
![]() |
Steev Burgess enjoys two nights at the Blackheath Halls and the Palace Theatre on Peter Doherty's latest tour. |
Royal Albert Hall, London, 5/5/2023 |
Hangar 34, Liverpool, 27/1/2018 |
features |
(Raging Pages) Peter Doherty From Albion to Shangri-La (2014) |
![]() |
Lisa Torem examines the Libertines' Pete Doherty's recently published diaries and journals, 'From Albion to Shangri-La' |
photography |
Photoscapes (2023) |
![]() |
Amanda J Window takes photographs of Peter Doherty at a solo gig at the O2 RItz in Manchester. |
reviews |
Hamburg Demonstrations (2017) |
![]() |
Fantastic second solo album from the Libertines and Babyshambles Peter Doherty |
most viewed articles
current edition
Yardbirds - Interview with Jim McCartyPeter Doherty - Blackheath Halls, Blackheath and Palace Halls, Watford, 18/3/2025 and 21/3/2025
Johnny Cash - Video Vault
John Philip Shenale - Interview
Max Bianco and the BlueHearts - Troubadour, London, 29/3/2025
Armory Show - Interview with Richard Jobson
Deb Googe and Cara Tivey - Interview
Vapors - Interview
Waeve - Club Academy, Manchester, 18/3/2025
Loft - Interview
previous editions
Heavenly - P.U.N.K. Girl EPPere Ubu - Interview with David Thomas
Cliff Richard and The Shadows - Comment
Ken Loach - Interview
Beautiful South - Ten Songs That Made Me Love...
Paul Clerehugh - Interview
Barrie Barlow - Interview
Allan Clarke - Interview
Pixies - Ten Songs That Made Me Love...
Trudie Myerscough-Harris - Interview
most viewed reviews
current edition
Bryan Ferry and Amelia Barrett - Loose TalkIvor Game - When Will You Fall Into My Loving Arms?
Gabriel Moreno - Nights in the Belly of Bohemia
Doris Brendel and Lee Dunham - Big Blue Sky
Brooke Combe - Dancing at the Edge of the World
Bryan Adams - Live at the Royal Albert Hall 2024
Ringo Starr - Look Up
FKA twigs - Eusexua
Leon Bridges - Leon
Various - Ambientale
Pennyblackmusic Regular Contributors
Adrian Janes
Amanda J. Window
Andrew Twambley
Anthony Dhanendran
Benjamin Howarth
Cila Warncke
Daniel Cressey
Darren Aston
Dastardly
Dave Goodwin
Denzil Watson
Dominic B. Simpson
Eoghan Lyng
Fiona Hutchings
Harry Sherriff
Helen Tipping
Jamie Rowland
John Clarkson
Julie Cruickshank
Kimberly Bright
Lisa Torem
Maarten Schiethart