Doherty sorry over missed Cluny gig

Jul 16 2008 by Chris Robinson, The Journal

ROCK star Pete Doherty last night apologised to hundreds of fans after failing to show for a gig.

The star was in the North East attending the wake of Daniel Squires whom he had befriended after they met during the teenager’s battle with cancer.

He later signed to play at The Cluny, Ouseburn, Newcastle, and 200 tickets were snapped up within hours for the Monday night gig.

But the Babyshambles frontman failed to show leaving fans at the venue disappointed.

Last night promoter Julian Ive, angered with reports claiming Doherty, who was to be paid £1,500 for the appearance, said the gig was a hoax and knew nothing about it, spoke out.

In a statement he said that the venue wished to “put it on the record” that they were contacted by Doherty’s booking agent who “had been instructed by Pete to book a show for him that night as he was in the area”.

It added: ‘‘Pete’s quotes imply that it was all a ruse on our part – this could not be further from the truth, and we wish to strenuously defend out hard-earned and well-deserved reputation as one of the best small venues in the North East.’’

Last night Doherty’s manager Adrian Hunter said the guitarist didn’t attend the gig as he was flying to Switzerland ahead of the Montreux Jazz Festival and was running short on time.

He told The Journal: “The reason Peter was in the North East was for Dan’s funeral.

“His promoter asked if he should look into a small gig in Newcastle which we did, but it then became apparent Peter would miss his flight and wouldn’t be back in time.

“The facts are we contacted them to tell them it couldn’t happen and as far as I’m aware, I was away in Switzerland, no one then got back to us to ask for any reason why.

“He jumped the gun a little bit. We apologise of course if fans turned up, Peter is one of those people who are closest to their fans. The most important thing is Dan and the things that will continue to be done in his memory.”

Hexham-born Doherty, former singer with The Libertines, sang Happy Birthday on stage at the Golden Lion Inn, Jarrow, during the wake of the 16-year-old, who would have turned 17 the same day.

Daniel lost his battle with bone cancer on Friday, July 4, at his home in Jarrow.

During the wake, Doherty told the crowd: “It was a pleasure to have known Daniel, he was such a brave and inspirational person.”