Pete Doherty has shared a moving tribute to Patrick Walden, his former Babyshambles bandmate, following the guitarist’s death at age 46.
In a message posted to social media on June 24, Doherty recalled their creative bond and the joy Walden brought to others. “Jesus that’s a shot in the heart. You brought joy to so many f—ing people, mate,” he wrote. The Babyshambles frontman remembered nights spent writing music together, including their work on the band’s 2005 debut album Down in Albion, and recounted stories from their early days, such as both crashing on the floor at Rooz Studios or staying up until dawn working on songs like “Pipedown.”
“Used to call me Petey! Huh!?” Doherty began. “I was in Mexico lately, and a kid in the street had a tattoo of you and a Shambles French dog on his chest, so I got the French dog tattooed the next day. I meant to call and tell you. I’m telling you now, Pat mate.”
Doherty’s tribute followed a statement from Babyshambles on June 20 confirming Walden’s passing. No cause of death has been disclosed. The group 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.”
Walden joined Babyshambles in the band’s early days, co-writing several tracks on Down in Albion including fan favorites “Pipedown,” “Loyalty Song” and “F— Forever,” which peaked at No. 4 on the Official U.K. Singles Chart. He left the band shortly after the album’s release and was replaced by Mick Whitnall for 2007’s Shotter’s Nation. Despite his departure, Walden occasionally rejoined the group on stage over the years.
Earlier this year, Doherty, bassist Drew McConnell, and drummer Adam Ficek performed a surprise Babyshambles reunion set featuring “Albion” and “F— Forever,” leading to speculation that a full reunion might follow.
Walden’s work with Babyshambles—and his influence on early-2000s British indie rock—remains an essential part of the band’s legacy. “To know you were loved and will be missed. To all your friends and family, be at rest in peace, Pat,” Doherty concluded.
