Did you hear? The Libertines came to Nottingham this week to perform at Rock City. However, Pete Doherty also played a small intimate solo set at Nottingham's newest music venue The Grove a few hours before...
The Grove is nestled in the heart of Sneinton Avenues. They only opened a couple of months back (Saturday 24th August - check out our launch day photo gallery here) and since then acts including Catmilk, Thousandfurs, ACHB, Swallow Tail and Victory Lap have all graced their stage. The night before this gig they were also a venue for Hockley Hustle. However, the name Pete Doherty is sure to make a lasting impression on the newly found venue.
If you haven’t heard of him by now, Doherty is best known as a British musician, songwriter, and frontman of two influential indie rock bands: The Libertines and Babyshambles. He rose to fame in the early 2000s as part of the indie rock revival, becoming a key figure in British music.
Given the size of the venue (capacity of 60) it truly is an intimate gig, with a crowd of about 3% of what he'd be playing to later that evening. As you would expect it was a complete sell-out, with eager fans gathered outside, trying to catch a glimpse and hear Pete perform from beyond the doors. Support came from Me and Thee, a band from Wolverhampton performing for the first time in Nottingham. Known for their indie rock energy and growing presence on the UK music scene, they contributed to an afternoon filled with memorable performances. Their addition of a violin alongside guitars added a rich depth to their performance, introducing an emotive, often haunting quality which complemented the raw energy of the guitars. Supporting an artist as renowned as Pete Doherty is a big moment for any up-and-coming band and it certainly highlighted their potential.
Pete Doherty exuded his trademark charm as he casually strolled onto the stage, instantly signalling to the crowd that this was a performance not to be missed. His cheeky charisma was undeniable, and as the set unfolded, he brought a wave of nostalgia, delighting fans with hits from The Libertines, including crowd favourite Can’t Stand Me Now, sung complete with the original demo lyrics of the song. The crowd was fantastic, enthusiastically singing along to every song and responding with energy throughout the performance.
We were fortunate enough to hear Pete's new track, Dandy Hooligan. The song delivers a laid-back vibe, combining his signature poetic lyricism with a gritty rock edge, creating a sound that feels both nostalgic and refreshingly raw. He treated the audience to a few new songs from his upcoming solo album, giving us a special preview of what's to come. It was a real privilege to experience such impressive new material first hand. As the set drew to a close, Pete Doherty asked the crowd for one last request before needing to dash off to prepare for his show at Rock City. Without hesitation, someone called out for Dilly Boys and, without missing a beat, Doherty obliged; delivering a final performance of the fan-favourite.
This gig will undoubtedly be remembered as a historic moment for The Grove, solidifying their position in the local music scene. We're excited to see who will play there in future.
Pete Doherty performed at The Grove on 21st October 2024, with support from Me and Thee.
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