Pete Doherty born Hexham Northumberland
Pete Doherty is the son of a British army officer. He spends much of his childhood moving between various military bases in the UK and Germany. Aged 16 he wins a poetry competition and travels to Russia sponsored by the British Council. After Alevels he goes to University College London to study English but quits the course after a year.

1997

Pete Doherty and Carl Barat form The Libertines
Pete Doherty meets Carl Barat a drama student who spent his formative years on a commune in Somerset. The pair quickly bond over a shared love of arcane English culture and music. They begin to write songs together and decide to form a band. After rejecting the name The Albion they team up as The Libertines with bassist John Hassall and 54year old drummer Paul DuFour to whom they give the nickname "Mr Razzcocks".

1998

Libertines play early gigs often at The Albion Rooms
The Libertines quickly gain a reputation on the underground circuit for their spontaneous and often riotous gigs at small venues private parties and even Pete and Carl's shared flat which they dub The Albion Rooms.

March, 2000

Libertines fail to impress record industry
The fledgling band are taken on by music industry lawyer Banny Pootschi who pledges to get them a record deal within six months. They record an eighttrack demo Legs 11 but this fails to impress record labels. Disheartened by their lack of success Hassall and DuFour leave the band in December.

2001

Libertines reform sign to Rough Trade Records
The arrival of US band The Strokes blows a fresh wind through the stagnant UK music scene. Suddenly guitar music is back in fashion and The Libertines reconvene with Johnny Borrell on bass and new drummer Gary Powell. By December the band finally clinch a deal with Rough Trade Records but Borrell quits to form his own band Razorlight prompting a return for John Hassall on bass.

3 June, 2002

The Libertines release first single What A Waster
First single on Rough Trade What A Waster produced by former Suede guitarist Bernard Butler enters the chart at number 37 despite a lack of radio play due to its expletiveladen verses and chorus.

5 June, 2002

The Libertines appear on NME front cover
Prompted by the band's growing wordofmouth reputation the New Musical Express hails The Libertines as the best new band in Britain and puts them on its cover. "Their world is an old school compendium of Union Jacks brittle English vocals and mod stylings" the paper proclaims.

6 October, 2002

Second single Up The Bracket charts at number 29

14 October, 2002

The Libertines release their debut album
The Libertines' debut album emerges to widespread acclaim. With a sound reminiscent of The Jam The Smiths and early punk and literate yet conversational lyrics often derived from British slang the record enters the chart at number 35 but tops endofyear critics' polls in several music magazines.

June, 2003

Doherty becomes estranged from The Libertines forms Babyshambles
Despite their growing fame Pete Doherty's increasingly chaotic drugfuelled lifestyle causes a split within The Libertines' ranks. The singer pulls out of a European tour leaving the rest of the band to complete the dates as a threepiece. He misses subsequent tours of Japan and the UK including the Glastonbury and Reading festivals. Doherty forms a new band which he initially and rather confusingly also calls The Libertines before changing the name to Babyshambles.

25 July, 2003

Doherty arrested and charged with burglary
Pete Doherty is arrested and charged with burglary after breaking into bandmate Carl Barat's flat. Among the items stolen are an antique guitar laptop video recorder CD player mouth organ and books.

8 September, 2003

Doherty jailed for six months
Pete Doherty is sent to prison for six months after being found guilty of burgling Carl Barat's flat. At the trial Doherty's lawyer Richard Locke said the singer had gone to the flat in a "highly emotional and drug befuddled" state to speak to Barat after being thrown out of the band due to his spiralling heroin and crack addiction.

29 September, 2003

Dohertys jail sentence reduced to two months on appeal

9 October, 2003

Doherty released from prison rejoins The Libertines
Hours after being released from prison Pete Doherty is reunited with his bandmates as The Libertines stage a comeback show at the tiny 200capacity Tap n' Tin venue in Chatham Kent.

5 March, 2004

The Libertines play their biggest gigs so far with a threenight residency at Londons Brixton Academy

12 April, 2004

Doherty appears on Wolfmans top 10 single For Lovers

10 May, 2004

Babyshambles release limited edition selftitled debut single

9 June, 2004

Libertines tour dates cancelled due to Dohertys illness
Despite their reconciliation Doherty and Barat's relationship continues to be tempestuous and fraught with arguments. Matters come to a head on 9 June when the band cancel festival dates and Doherty flies to Thailand to seek treatment for his drug addictions at a monastery.

30 June, 2004

Doherty sacked from The Libertines
The Libertines release a statement saying they will continue without Pete Doherty for the forseeable future "due to his wellknown addiction problems specifically with crack cocaine and heroin". The development comes as Doherty appears in court charged with possessing an offensive weapon.

2 August, 2004

Doherty pulls out of solo shows angering fans

15 August, 2004

Single Cant Stand Me Now reaches number 2

30 August, 2004

The Libertines release their second album
The Libertines finally release their second album. Although critically and commercially wellreceived many predict it will be the band's swansong amid reports of fraught and chaotic recording sessions and Barat and Doherty's continuing estrangement.

September, 2004

Libertines play final tour without Doherty and effectively split

25 October, 2004

Whatever Became Of The Likely Lads EP released

25 November, 2004

Drugs charity condemns NME for making Doherty Cool Icon of 2004

5 December, 2004

Babyshambles single Killamangiro reaches number 8
Chart success for Babyshambles heralds a new period for Pete Doherty and first evidence that the singer can rebuild his career after the messy demise of The Libertines. With Killamangiro Doherty carries on very much where he left off with with a more roughhewn version of The Libertines' punkinfluenced sound. But his turbulent private life continues to rack up column inches in the press.

21 December, 2004

Doherty appears on BBCs Newsnight
In his first major TV interview the BBC broadcasts a 12minute interview with Doherty. Speaking to presenter Kirsty Wark the singer talks candidly about his battles with addiction and the breakdown of his relationship with Carl Barat.

16 January, 2005

Doherty begins dating supermodel Kate Moss

3 February, 2005

Doherty arrested on suspicion of assault and theft.
Pete Doherty is arrested after an altercation with filmmaker Max Carlish who was purportedly making a documentary about the singer. Mr Carlish tells the BBC that Doherty had attacked him after he had sold pictures of the singer to the News Of The World but that he would not be pressing charges. Doherty spends several days in prison after failing to raise a £150000 bail bond.

22 February, 2005

Babyshambles play riotous Brixton Academy gig
Pete Doherty's new band play their biggest gig so far at the 5000capacity Brixton Academy in London. Despite a rapturous reception the eventful 50minute show is interrupted by overcrowding and an onstage fight between Doherty and guitarist Patrick Walden.

April, 2005

Babyshambles record first album with Clash guitarist Mick Jones in the production chair

11 April, 2005

Robbery and blackmail charges against Doherty relating to Max Carlish incident dropped

June, 2005

Pete Doherty and Kate Moss attend Glastonbury Festival
Throughout the year the British press is awash with the latest twists and turns of Pete Doherty's turbulent relationship with Kate Moss. From furious bustups and reconciliations to reports of wild partying and even an engagement the couple are never far from the headlines.

2 July, 2005

Doherty performs a shambolic duet with Sir Elton John at Live8

7 July, 2005

Babyshambles pull out of Oasis support dates

21 August, 2005

Babyshambles single F Forever reaches number 4

15 September, 2005

The Daily Mirror publishes pictures purporting to show Kate Moss snorting cocaine at Babyshambles recording studio

2 October, 2005

Police raid the Babyshambles tour bus in Shrewsbury Doherty arrested

14 October, 2005

Babyshambles cancel gigs in Norwich and Coventry

14 November, 2005

Babyshambles release debut album
The muchdelayed Babyshambles album is finally released to a mixed reception. While some of its 16 tracks are hailed as gems there is criticism of its variable overall standard and muddy production. Despite this the album reaches number 10 in the charts.

29 November, 2005

Doherty quits US drug rehabilitation centre reportedly splits with Kate Moss

30 November, 2005

Doherty arrested in west London on suspicion of possessing dugs
Doherty is stopped while driving in what police describe as "an erratic manner" in Ealing west London. The singer is arrested after detectives recover "substances" from his car but released on bail and ordered to report back in January.

2 December, 2005

Kate Moss has severed all ties with Doherty the Daily Mirror reports

7 December, 2005

Police drop charges against Doherty relating to his arrest in Shrewsbury

18 December, 2005

Doherty arrested in east London on suspicion of possessing drugs

10 January, 2006

Doherty formally charged with possessing drugs in relation to 30 Nov arrest

14 January, 2006

Doherty arrested in Clapton east London
Days after pleading guilty to possessing drugs Pete Doherty is stopped by police while driving in Clapton east London and arrested on suspicion of possessing drugs and driving under the influence. The latter charge is eventually dropped and the singer granted bail until 2 February while police examine recovered substances.

20 January, 2006

Doherty pleads guilty to possessing drugs in charges relating to 18 December arrest

27 January, 2006

Doherty remanded in custody
Pete Doherty is remanded in custody for a fortnight after being arrested three times in a day on 26 January on suspicion of possessing drugs. Judge Stephen Dawson refuses a bail application and says "I'm sorry if my order will affect your fans and people who go to your concerts." Babyshambles cancel tour dates in Bristol Glasgow Newcastle and London.

27 February, 2006

Doherty arrested in Birmingham on suspicion of stealing a car possessing drugs

8 March, 2006

Doherty is making positive progress in his battle against drugs a judge says
Speaking at a review of his community order District Judge Jane McIvor says "It seems that his determination is increasing." His solicitor tells Thames Magistrates' Court that doctors hope to put Doherty on an opiate replacement soon.

20 April, 2006

Doherty is spared a jail sentence but is arrested again hours later
Doherty is put on a twoyear supervision order by Thames Magistrates' Court and given 18 months in drug rehabilitation following his arrests in east London on 18 December and 14 January. He is also banned from driving for six months. However hours later the singer is arrested again in east London on suspicion of possessing class A drugs with intent to supply.

28 April, 2006

The Sun publishes images apparently showing Doherty injecting a female fan
Police begin an investigation after The Sun newspaper publishes pictures apparently showing Doherty taking drugs and injecting a female fan. The paper claims that the photos were taken in the singer's flat in the last five weeks.

29 April, 2006

Doherty arrested on suspicion of administering noxious substances but later cleared

21 May, 2006

Doherty parts company with Rough Trade records

2 June, 2006

Doherty detained at Barcelona airport banned from all EasyJet flights
En route to an appearance at a Spanish festival Doherty and four companions are briefly detained and questioned at Barcelona airport after flight crew discover bloodied syringes in a bin in an aircraft toilet. All are released without charge but Doherty is banned from EasyJet airways.

9 June, 2006

Doherty attends rehab clinic in Portugal

7 July, 2006

Doherty tells Jonathan Ross he is upping the stakes in his battle with drugs

25 July, 2006

Doherty says he will record a solo album
Doherty tells the NME that he is planning a solo acoustic album under the working title The Implant Sessions. "It differs from Babyshambles because it will be just me" he tells the paper before outlining plans for a possible rustic relocation "I've just been talking about getting a cottage. Just a little pond and my guitar."

7 August, 2006

Doherty arrested after being found with a pipe and small amount of crack cocaine

18 August, 2006

Doherty bailed ordered to remain in rehab clinic
Doherty pleads guilty to five charges of possessing drugs following arrests in April and August. District Judge Alison Rose grants bail but orders the singer to remain at a rehab clinic until sentencing on 4 September when she warns that her options "most definitely include the possibility of custody".

7 October, 2006

Babyshambles postpone UK tour to give Doherty more time to recover from drug treatment
The band postpone gigs in Liverpool Glasgow Nottingham Manchester and Newcastle but say tickets will remain valid for future dates. Doherty has been receiving treatment at a London clinic. EMI says "It has become clear that Peter embarked on this arduous and highprofile tour too soon after his discharge and still needs time to recover. Peter asks that he be given the time and space to continue with his excellent effort to recover."

18 October, 2006

Dohertys lawyer tells a court review his clients current battle against drugs has been mixed

25 October, 2006

Doherty denies starting a fight with an Italian photographer after a gig in Rome

8 November, 2006

Doherty is fined £750 in court after admitting assaulting a BBC reporter in March

19 November, 2006

Doherty is released on bail after being arrested on suspicion of possessing crack cocaine

4 December, 2006

Doherty is fined £770 for possessing crack cocaine and heroin and is disqualified from driving for four months

2 January, 2007

Kate Moss denies marrying Doherty while on holiday in Thailand

17 January, 2007

Doherty is making optimistic progress in his battle against drug addiction a judge tells a court review

19 January, 2007

Babyshambles secure a longterm deal with record label Parlophone
The deal follows the success of the group's The Blinding EP which was released by Parlophone in December. The group say they are "thrilled" with the deal. Parlophone's managing director Miles Leonard adds "They have a great reputation for crafting some of the most exciting music around today and in Peter Doherty they have one of the best songwriters of his generation."

5 February, 2007

Doherty is charged with four driving offences following an arrest last year
The singer is is charged with failing to produce driving documents and driving with no insurance. He also faces charges of driving with no MOT and failing to comply with driving licence conditions.

13 February, 2007

A twomonth driving ban and £300 fine are imposed on Doherty in court

16 March, 2007

Babyshambles announce their biggest shows to date with an arena tour later this year
The UK dates which include a gig at Wembley Arena kick off at Manchester MEN Arena on 22 November. The tour will also take in Newcastle Brighton Bournemouth Birmingham Nottingham and Glasgow.

18 April, 2007

A judge tells a court review of Dohertys drug treatment he is more than cooperating in his battle to beat his addiction

7 May, 2007

Doherty is arrested on suspicion of possession of a Class A drug
The Babyshambles frontman is stopped in a car by police officers in High Street Kensington west London at about 2200 BST. The 28yearold is taken to a police station and remanded on bail until June.

3 July, 2007

Doherty avoids jail after a judge decides to defer sentencing for drugs offences if he goes into rehab
The judge warns him he will go into custody if he fails to take up a place he is offered on a detox programme. Doherty pleads guilty to four counts of possessing illegal drugs. As well as crack cocaine and heroin he also pleads guilty to possessing quantities of cannabis and ketamine as well as to two driving offences.

7 August, 2007

Doherty is warned by a judge he could face jail or a community order over drugs offences
The case is adjourned for four weeks so the judge can "assess his Doherty's motivation". The judge says "As far as I am concerned I have either a custodial sentence or a community order in mind. Depending on what detrmation I have when you next come to court the decision will be made." Doherty's hearing at West London Magistrates' Court is adjourned to 4 September for presentence reports.

21 August, 2007

Charges against Doherty over breaching bail conditions are dropped by a London court

4 September, 2007

A judge adjourns sentencing of Doherty on motoring and drug charges after the musician checks himself into rehab.

8 October, 2007

Claims that Doherty attempted suicide while in rehab are totally untrue his manager says.
Johnny Jeannevol described as the singer's minder tells the News of the World that Doherty took an overdose at the Clouds House clinic in Wiltshire. He claims the singer who was upset over his breakup with model Kate Moss was just sick from taking the pills but Mr Boyd denies the incident ever happened.

26 October, 2007

The Babyshambles singer is given a twoyear suspended jail term for drug and motoring offences.
Doherty had previously admitted driving while uninsured and with no MoT while in possession of crack cocaine heroin ketamine and cannabis. He is sentenced to fourmonths in jail suspended for two years at West London Magistrates' Court. He is also given an 18month supervision order and a 12month drug rehabilitation order.

7 November, 2007

Doherty admits suffering a drug relapse and vows to seek further help
The singer pledges to go back to rehab after mobile phone images of him apparently injecting heroin are published in The Sun newspaper. In an interview with NME magazine published earlier in the week Doherty admits that staying off drugs is "hard work".

22 January, 2008

Doherty receives a caution for criminal damage following an alleged clash with a photographer.

11 February, 2008

Doherty reveals he is to play his biggest solo show to date at Londons Royal Albert Hall in April.

4 March, 2008

Doherty and his former bandmate Carl Barat say they are writing a stage musical together
A spokesperson for the Donmar Warehouse in London confirms its associate director actor Douglas Hodge is working with the former Libertines members. The project however is "very much in the early stages of development with no deadlines attached".

8 April, 2008

Doherty is jailed for 14 weeks for violating his probation and for using drugs.
Judge Davinder Lachar hands the musician the sentence at a court hearing in west London after he misses a meeting with his probation team.

E-mail this to a friend

Printable version

Bookmark with:

What are these?

Related BBC sites

Pete Doherty timeline

Bookmark with:

MOST POPULAR STORIES NOW