Patrick Walden, the original guitarist and founding member of the English rock band Babyshambles, has died at the age of 46, the band announced on Saturday morning, June 21, 2025. The news was shared in a heartfelt social media post signed by Babyshambles members Pete Doherty, Drew McConnell, Mik Whitnall, and Adam Ficek, who expressed their sorrow and requested privacy during this difficult time. The cause of Walden's death has not been disclosed.
Walden’s passing marks the end of a notable chapter in the British indie rock scene. Babyshambles, formed in London in 2003 during a hiatus of Doherty’s previous band The Libertines, quickly rose to prominence with their raw sound and chaotic energy. The original lineup featured Pete Doherty on vocals, Patrick Walden on guitar, Gemma Clarke on drums, and Drew McConnell on bass. The band released their self-titled debut 7" single in 2004, which reached number 32 on the UK singles chart, setting the stage for their influential career.
Walden's tenure with Babyshambles was marked by significant creative contributions. He helped write many tracks on the band’s debut album, Down in Albion, released in 2005, which landed in the Top 10 of the UK Album Charts. Songs like "Fuck Forever" and "Pipedown" became fan favorites, showcasing Walden’s distinctive guitar work that many fans and critics hailed as some of the greatest indie guitar playing of the era.
Despite his success, Walden departed the band in early 2006, citing personal issues. However, his influence endured. In a 2014 reflection, Walden acknowledged the impact of his time with Babyshambles, stating, "Pete was the one that made it all so exciting for so many people. It’s definitely affected me in some way but at the same time it gave me the opportunity to become sort of well-known for my guitar playing." His legacy within the band remains deeply respected by both fans and fellow musicians.
Following his departure from Babyshambles, Walden continued to contribute to the music world, performing with various London-based acts including The White Sport and The Six Cold Thousand. He also worked as a session and live guitarist for notable artists such as James Blunt and Whitey, further showcasing his versatility and skill.
Babyshambles experienced multiple lineup changes over the years, with Adam Ficek replacing Gemma Clarke on drums in 2005. The band released two more albums after Down in Albion: Shotter's Nation in 2007 and Sequel to the Prequel in 2013. Although the band officially disbanded in 2014 following the reformation of The Libertines, Babyshambles continued to perform sporadically at shows and festivals that year.
The band’s history was not without turmoil. Their first tour in autumn 2004 was fraught with challenges, including a notorious December show at London Astoria where Pete Doherty’s failure to appear triggered a violent riot, resulting in significant damage to the venue. Such incidents underscored the chaotic yet magnetic nature of the band’s presence in the UK music scene.
In recent years, there had been talk of a Babyshambles reunion. In 2024, Pete Doherty mentioned the possibility of commemorating the 20th anniversary of their debut album with reunion shows. He expressed hope to reunite original members, including Walden and Mick Whitnall on guitars, and Gemma Clarke and Adam Ficek on drums. However, a surprise one-off gig at Doherty’s solo show in Northampton did not feature Walden, though he had participated in some unofficial reunions with former bandmates, such as a solo gig in Hackney in 2007.
Fans and fellow musicians have flooded social media with tributes following Walden’s death. Many praised his guitar prowess and his integral role during Babyshambles’ peak years. One fan described him as "one of the greatest indie guitarists I've ever seen and a stalwart of the band in its peak," while another wrote, "Babyshambles have to be one of the most influential bands in my life and Patrick obviously played a huge part in that." Others remembered him as a "genius on the guitar" and a "genuine lovely guy," highlighting the personal as well as professional impact he had on those around him.
Walden’s contribution to British rock music, particularly within the indie and alternative scenes, remains significant. His work with Babyshambles helped define a sound that was both poetic and raw, capturing the spirit of a generation. The band’s debut album, Down in Albion, is often regarded as a masterpiece, cementing their place in music history.
As the music community mourns the loss of Patrick Walden, his legacy endures through the songs he helped create and the memories shared by fans and friends alike. His passing is a poignant reminder of the fleeting nature of life and the lasting power of music to connect and inspire.
