Music Review | Babyshambles at O2 Academy Brixton

Babyshambles brought their high-octane reunion tour to their first London appearance since 2014. 

The crowd generated an immediate charge, and the sense of occasion felt unmistakable, setting the tone for a night driven by restless energy..

Author | Teddy

Stepping out to a wall of noise and a wave of affection, the band launched into Killamangiro. The room reacted instantly to Pete Doherty’s raw and forceful vocal, which landed with a mix of vulnerability and grit. Mick Whitnall’s sharp, spiralling guitar lines cut through the dense sound to establish a standard that held firm throughout, creating an early peak that many in the room will remember for some time.

They kept that momentum alive with a fierce rendition of Delivery. Adam Ficek’s tight drumming and Drew McConnell’s fluid basslines provided the pulse, highlighting the musical bond that continues to define the group. 

That connection carried into Carry on Up the Morning, where the band moved with clear shared purpose, offering one of the evening’s most cohesive moments. The percussion on Beg, Steal or Borrow pushed the atmosphere to another level, sending the audience into a unified rush that filled every inch of the venue.

The intensity of the performance held until the final stretch. 

There were moments when flat vocals, an occasionally muted stage presence and a lukewarm reaction to their newer reggae-ska-pop track Dandy Hooligan briefly disrupted the flow, but the band delivered their strongest statement in the encore. 

Pipedown arrived with renewed bite, before a tribute to the late Patrick Walden led into the inevitable F**k Forever. The venue shook as the crowd roared back, and the band embraced before making their exit to a final swell of cheers.

This return to the capital was far more than an exercise in nostalgia. Babyshambles showed they are not simply trading on former glories but remain a compelling and relevant live force. Their performance suggested a group still committed to their chaotic yet oddly tender musical identity, offering a show that felt both unruly and undeniably captivating.

More reaction to a memorable night

Jamie Pugh was in attendance. He said: “That was a proper rock gig. It was bouncing in there.”

Aimee added: “Up there with the best gig of 2025 for. Great to see Babyshambles back and rocking again.”

Pete told us: “That was like Babyshambles at their best. What an absolutely amazing gig.”