Babyshambles

As London garage rockers The Libertines went up in flames in 2004, Babyshambles rose from the ashes to inherit their pop-tinged–punk mantle and chaos-fuelled legacy. Fronted by tumultuous lead singer Pete Doherty, Babyshambles released their explosive self-titled debut 7-inch in April 2004 and quickly sold out a UK tour, but Doherty’s erratic behaviour led to many cancelled dates, nearly sparking a fan riot after a no-show in London. Despite Doherty’s penchant for self-destruction, Babyshambles went to the studio with The Clash’s Mick Jones, releasing the gloriously messy, often poetic Down in Albion in 2005, complete with backing vocals from the singer's then-girlfriend Kate Moss. A follow-up EP came in 2006, and the more sharply focused full-length Shotter's Nation came in 2007, reminding fans that Doherty was an artist before he was a tabloid headline. Babyshambles were put on hold as The Libertines reformed in 2010, but eventually returned to the studio to create 2013’s ambitious and mature Sequel to the Prequel.