Description
Peter Doherty is the last of the great rock ‘n’ roll stories. As an icon, he is on par with the early Rolling Stones and Sid Vicious – bad boy and public enemy. To his devoted fans, he is a cult hero, a modern-day Rimbaud. Musically, there is no doubt he has defined the past twenty years of British rock ‘n’ roll with his sound, lyrics, lifestyle and aesthetic.
Since The Libertines rose to international fame, Doherty has proved endlessly fascinating. A whirlwind of controversy and scandal has tailed him since his first spell in prison in 2003. He divides critics – for every award and accolade, there is a scathing review. All too often his talents as a songwriter and performer have been over-looked. Hard drugs, tiny gigs on the hoof, huge stadium shows, collaborations, obliterations, gangsters and groupies – Doherty has led a life of huge highs and incredible lows.
With astonishing frankness, Doherty explores his darkest moments – he takes us inside decadent parties, the jailhouse, in crack dens and his self-distruction. There is harrowing detail and acknowledgement of the damage hard drugs have done. With his trademark wit and humour, Doherty also reflects on his era-defining relationship with supermodel Kate Moss and other significant people in his life. He discusses poetry, Paris, philosophy, politics, the music business and his key influences (from Hancockto Baudelaire). There is humour, warmth, insight, baleful reflection and a defiant sense of triumph.
This is Doherty’s version of the story – the genuine man behind the fame and infamy. This is a rock memoir like no other.
