Fans hoping to catch Babyshambles will have to make sure they’ve got a ticket to Splendour In The Grass, as the Pete Doherty-fronted UK rockers are now playing exclusively at the three-day winter music festival following news that they have been forced to cancel their sideshows.
The four-piece who were set to play three headline shows to complement their festival appearance, starting at Melbourne’s Palace Theatre next Thursday 25th July – the day before Splendour kicks off – but have cancelled their scheduled appearance, along with dates in Sydney, Adelaide, and Perth, due to immigration issues.
A statement from Splendour In The Grass promoters Secret Sounds, who were also presenting the Babyshambles sideshows, explains that “the band will be playing exclusively at Splendour In The Grass and will not be touring to other Australian cities on this trip. This is due to various considerations, including advice from our immigration solicitor.” Refunds will be available at the point of purchase.
A statement from the band reads: “While we’re disappointed the tour hasn’t worked out this time, we’re very excited about playing our new songs at Splendour In The Grass and we’re hoping to reschedule the other shows for some time in the not too distant future.” “[Babyshambles] will not be touring to other Australian cities… due to various considerations, including advice from our immigration solicitor.”
Pete Doherty and co will be showcasing new material from the forthcoming release of their third album Sequel To The Prequel, which is due for release some time just after Splendour In The Grass on Friday 30th August; it is the band’s first new release since 2007’s Shotter’s Nation.
Sequel To The Prequel was produced by long-time Babyshambles collaborator Stephen Street, well known for his work producing Britpop icons like Blur and Pulp, who recorded with the band at Question Du Son in Paris. The record was then mixed at London’s The Bunker.
Speaking in an interview with Tone Deaf ahead of the cancelled Babyshambles sideshows, bassist Drew McConnell said he was looking forward to the Australian visit for Splendour In The Grass, while adding that the band were in high spirits.
“It’s been the happiest and easiest time to ever be in the studio with the boys. Everyone’s smiled and played well, we’re really at the top of our games,” says McConnell, explaining that the view of them operating as a dictatorship under former Libertines member Pete Doherty, was a miscontrued one.
“People’s perception is that Pete’s a fire-breathing, cocaine-filled vampire. He’s pretty rock and roll I’ll admit, but he’s also a beautiful soul,” says McConnell.
Babyshambles 2013 Australian Tour Dates
Thurs 25 July – Palace Theatre – Melbourne
Fri 26 July – Splendour In The Grass – Byron Bay – SOLD OUTSun 28 July – Enmore – Sydney Mon 29 July – HQ – Adelaide Wed 31 July – Metro City – Perth
