Latest news with #DrewMcConnell
Yahoo
25-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Patrick Walden, Babyshambles guitarist, dies aged 46
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Patrick Walden, the guitarist best known for his work alongside Pete Doherty in the British post-punk band Babyshambles, has died aged 46. The news was announced through the group's social media. No cause of death was revealed. Doherty had formed the band after splitting from the Libertines in the early 2000s, his substance abuse a key driver in his departure. When assembling a new outfit, he confided in Walden as lead guitarist, who could be found with anything from a Gretsch semi-hollow to a Tele or a Jazzmaster draped over his shoulder. Proving to be more than just Doherty's foil, Walden co-wrote a host of songs featured on their 2005 debut album, Down in Albion. That included co-writing its big hit, Fuck Forever, a track driven by a chimey, edge-of-breakup guitar tone. It's one with both charm and attitude in equal measure, something that typified the band's – and Walde's – signature sound. Walden would leave the band in December 2005 in light of substance issues, and an assault case involving his then-girlfriend, although all charges were later dropped. Michael Whitnall took his place for 2007's Shotter's Nation. However, Walden linked up with two ex-bandmates, Drew McConnell and Seb Rochford, for a show in July 2007, and joined the Babyshambles at a gig at Halo in Battersea two years later. 'It is with deep regret and sadness that we share the news of Patrick Walden's death,' Babyshambles say in an official statement. 'We feel very fortunate to have known, loved, and worked with him, and we kindly ask for respect and privacy during these difficult times.' One commenter on the band's Instagram post, currently the only one visible on its timeline, compared his guitar playing to the Stooges maestro Scott Asheton, calling him 'the best guitarist of my generation.' As per an interview with blogger Olivia Collins for The Musical Acid Test in November 2024, Walden says he was pursuing a degree in jazz composition, citing the genre as his first love. His first job was working at Camden Jazz Café at 18, rubbing shoulders with some prestigious names, including Herbie Hancock and Ravi Coltrane. But it was in the indie rock world with which he is more commonly associated. 'I realised when I stopped drinking, the hunger for music came back and I wanted to do something new and different with that kind of music,' he had said. 'The way I played all the other music was very instinctive, I would just do it, by playing in bands, but this takes training, it's a lot of hard work, and I think it's a responsibility as well.'
Yahoo
23-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Former Babyshambles guitarist Patrick Walden dead at 46
June 22 (UPI) -- Former Babyshambles guitarist Patrick Walden has died at the age of 46. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Babyshambles (@babyshamblesuk) "It is with deep regret and sadness that we share the news of Patrick Walden's death," the British rock band posted on Instagram Saturday. "We feel very fortunate to have known/loved and worked with him and we kindly ask for respect and privacy during these difficult times. Peter, Drew, Mik, Adam." Details regarding the cause and circumstances of his death were not specified. Variety noted that Walden was an original member of the band when singer Pete Doherty and Drew McConnell formed it in 2004. Walden co-wrote six songs on the group's debut album, Down in Albion, then quit the band in 2005 to deal with substance-abuse and legal issues. Walden -- who also performed with the bands Fluid and White Sport -- reunited with Babyshambles for numerous shows over the years, but never officially rejoined the group. The current lineup of Babyshambles includes Doherty, McConnell, Mick Whitnall and Adam Ficek. Their other albums include 2007's Shotter's Nation and 2013's Sequel to the Prequel.
Yahoo
22-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Indie Rock Band Mourns Death of Beloved Guitarist, 46
Indie Rock Band Mourns Death of Beloved Guitarist, 46 originally appeared on Parade. Indie rock band Babyshambles is mourning the death of its beloved guitarist, Patrick Walden, at 46. On Friday, June 20, the alternative group from London took to Instagram to announce the heartbreaking news. 🎬 SIGN UP for Parade's Daily newsletter to get the latest pop culture news & celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox 🎬 "It is with deep regret and sadness that we share the news of Patrick Walden's death," Babyshambles revealed in its update. "We feel very fortunate to have known/loved and worked with him and we kindly ask for respect and privacy during these difficult times." Babyshambles members Pete Doherty, Mick Whitnall, Drew McConnell and Adam Ficek signed the message. In the featured black-and-white image, Walden sat beside an electric keyboard with his hand folded and a thoughtful expression. No cause of death was provided. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Babyshambles (@babyshamblesuk) In the comments, Babyshambles fans posted tributes for Walden and expressed condolences for his surviving bandmates. One Instagram user shared, "💔💔💔 Sail into the sun Patrick." Another wrote in part, "Oh my god, this is terrible news. Patrick was such a sweet and loving soul who helped me get through some hard times recently. Always so willing to listen and give you a lift up." Someone else echoed, "THE best guitarist of his generation, such an exciting and original person to watch. RIP 😢." Meanwhile, a different follower commented, "Devastating 💔 A remarkable guitarist whose songwriting had a huge impact on my life. Thanks for everything, Pat. The music will live forever. Rest in peace x." Next: Beloved TV Personality Dead at 83 After Private Health Battle Indie Rock Band Mourns Death of Beloved Guitarist, 46 first appeared on Parade on Jun 22, 2025 This story was originally reported by Parade on Jun 22, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
21-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Patrick Walden, Guitarist for British Group Babyshambles, Dies at 46
Patrick Walden, the guitarist for British group Babyshambles, has died at the age of 46. Babyshambles, fronted by Pete Doherty, announced Walden's death on social media in a joint statement. 'It is with deep regret and sadness that we share the news of Patrick Walden's death,' reads the post. 'We feel very fortunate to have known/loved and worked with him and we kindly ask for respect and privacy during these difficult times.' No cause of death was given. Walden, a London native, had a short-lived stint with Babyshambles, which Doherty formed in 2004 after he was kicked out of the Libertines for drug abuse. He joined the group as lead guitarist alongside Doherty on vocals, Drew McConnell on bass and Gemma Clarke on drums, and co-wrote six songs on the band's 2005 debut 'Down in Albion' including 'Fuck Forever,' 'Pipedown' and 'Loyalty Song.' 'Down in Albion' was a moderate success in the U.K., peaking at No. 10 on the charts. 'Fuck Forever' became the group's biggest single, reaching No. 4 on the U.K. singles chart. Walden, who had previously played in bands including Fluid and White Sport, left the group in 2005 after dealing with drug abuse and accusations of assaulting his girlfriend, which led to a brief incarceration. The charges were inevitably dropped. Over the years, he would pop in for performances with Babyshambles, though he never officially rejoined the band. He was not present for a Babyshambles reunion that took place last year, and it was unclear if he would be joining the group for future performances. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Babyshambles (@babyshamblesuk) Best of Variety New Movies Out Now in Theaters: What to See This Week 'Harry Potter' TV Show Cast Guide: Who's Who in Hogwarts? 25 Hollywood Legends Who Deserve an Honorary Oscar
Yahoo
21-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Patrick Walden death: Pete Doherty pays tribute after Babyshambles guitarist dies aged 46
Babyshambles guitarist Patrick Walden has died aged 46. News of his death was announced on the rock group's social media page on Friday night (20 June). 'It is with deep regret and sadness that we share the news of Patrick Walden's death,' the band wrote. 'We feel very fortunate to have known, loved and worked with him and we kindly ask for respect and privacy during these difficult times. Peter, Drew, Mik, Adam.' Pete Doherty, who once called Walden 'the best guitar player I've ever worked with', reshared the post to his personal social media page. The indie rock band was formed by lead singer Doherty in 2003 during his hiatus from The Libertines on account of his drug use. His new group – made up of himself as frontman, drummer Gemma Clarke, Walden on guitar and Drew McConnell on bass – released hits including 'Kilamangiro', 'Delivery' and 'The Blinding'. Babyshambles were known for lyrics that touched on topics such as drug addiction, heartbreak, and isolation. The band remained active until 2014. Walden, however, left early in its tenure around 2005. While Walden continued to show up at several Babyshambles gigs following his official exit, issues with drug use halted his return. Walden co-wrote many of the band's most successful songs, including six of the 16 tracks on the band's 2005 debut album, Down in Albion, such as 'The Man Who Came to Stay'. Tributes poured in on social media for the late musician, with one fan writing: 'The best guitarist of my generation. Nobody's sounded as good since Asheton in the Stooges.' Fellow indie band, The Paddingtons, added: 'You're gonna be missed Pat, best guitarist we ever met, one of the good guys. Rest in peace mate.' One fan recounted a memorable exchange with the musician, writing: 'I'm devastated by this news. Pat was a kind soul. I remember his kind words and how he helped me after I was assaulted in Camden. An incredible musician. My deepest condolences to his family and loved ones.' 'He was an absolute legend and a huge part of the iconic sound of the first album and gigs around that time I was really hoping he would be part of the reunion absolutely devastating news,' said someone else. Doherty is due to perform with The Libertines on Glastonbury's Pyramid Stage in a week's time. The group's current members include Doherty, McConnell, Mick Withnall, and Adam Ficek.
