Patrick Walden, former guitarist for the British rock band Babyshambles, has died on the age of 46.
The band, fronted by Pete Doherty, introduced Walden’s passing in a social media submit on Friday (June 20). A explanation for demise was not disclosed.
“It’s with deep remorse and disappointment that we share the information of Patrick Walden’s demise,” the band wrote on Instagram. “We really feel very lucky to have recognized/cherished and labored with him and we kindly ask for respect and privateness throughout these tough occasions.”
The assertion was signed by Doherty and fellow band members Mick Whitnall, Drew McConnell and Adam Ficek.
Babyshambles was shaped in 2003 by Doherty after his departure from The Libertines because of substance abuse points. Walden, a London native, joined as lead guitarist, alongside McConnell on bass and Gemma Clarke on drums.
Along with his guitar work, Walden co-wrote a number of songs on Babyshambles’ 2005 debut album, Down in Albion, together with “Pipedown,” “Loyalty Tune” and “F—ok Endlessly,” which peaked at No. 4 on the Official U.Ok. Singles Chart.
Earlier than becoming a member of Babyshambles, Walden performed in varied bands together with Fluid, the Six Chilly Thousand and the White Sport. His time with Babyshambles was transient, ending in 2005 amid struggles with drug habit and a authorized case involving his girlfriend that resulted in a short jail sentence. The costs had been later dropped.
Walden was changed by Whitnall for the band’s sophomore album, Shotter’s Nation, which dropped in 2007. Although he by no means formally rejoined the group, Walden sometimes carried out with Babyshambles at choose exhibits over time. The band has reunited sporadically throughout Doherty’s solo performances.
Doherty had beforehand hinted at a possible reunion tour to mark the twentieth anniversary of Down in Albion, although it was unclear whether or not Walden was anticipated to be concerned.
“It’s on the playing cards,” Doherty instructed NME in December 2024. “We are going to get again collectively and get in a room with the devices and play via the outdated songs, then get on stage and do it. But it surely’s the ‘who’ and the ‘when’ that must be labored out. I believe we’ll simply maintain that one on the horizon and take care of that one subsequent yr. Earlier than then, I’ve bought a brand new assortment of songs which I’m placing out alone label, which is tidy.”
