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Pete Doherty, co-frontman of recently reunited indie rockers The Libertines, has admitted that his drug use has killed his creativity and affected his family life. The singer has also said that he’d like to kick his habit, which has been well-publicised for many years.
In an interview with the Daily Star, Doherty has opened up about how drugs have affected his career and his relationships.
“My past life is a fucking mess, a real mess,” the 35-year-old says. “It’s gone wrong in so many ways. Although I don’t believe in regrets – ’cause that offers nothing – but clearly some things I would like to change. I wish I had better contact with my family. I have caused so much crap,” he continues.
Doherty, who also fronts the band Babyshambles, reveals that he no longer finds drugs enjoyable, and that he knows it will be hard to stop using them. “I would like to get rid of the damn drugs,” Doherty says. “It’s no longer fun. On the contrary, it’s just shit and kills all my creativity. But it’s difficult to stop.”
That creativity has helped him through some of the toughest periods of his life, including his time in prison. “I’m a dreamer, that often helps me, no matter how crappy things become,” he says. “Even in prison I told myself it was a good thing to be locked up, because at least I would have time just for me… Maybe I’m actually an optimist. I have other choices, right?”
Earlier this year rumours spread that The Libertines were set to reform, with suggestions that it might be in the form of a headlining slot at Glastonbury.
The band later announced that they will perform at the British Summer Time festival in London’s Hyde Park on 5th July. Doherty told NME that the band will also play a warm-up gig prior to their festival slot, and possibly even “a free one for people who can’t get into Hyde Park”.
Doherty discussed the significance of the upcoming Hyde Park concert with the Daily Star, recalling that he used to busk in the park when he was in his late teens.
“I was busking as I had no money and no home,” he recounts. “I sat down with the guitar in a corner and played for a few pounds until the police chased me out of the park. So from that to playing a show we could only dream of when we started The Libertines,” he continues. “Everything has come full circle.”
Doherty is now based in Germany, where he is currently working on a solo album.
Watch: The Libertines – Can’t Stand Me Now
