A Likely Lad

By: Peter Doherty, Simon Spence

Narrated by: Ben Elliot

Peter Doherty's is the last of the great rock 'n' roll stories—bad boy and public enemy. To his devoted fans, he is a cult hero, a modern-day Rimbaud. Musically, he has defined the past twenty years of indie rock with his sound, lyrics, lifestyle and aesthetic.

Since The Libertines rose to international fame, Doherty has proved endlessly fascinating. A whirlwind of controversy and scandal has tailed him ever since the early 2000s, so much so that all too often his talents as a songwriter and performer have been overlooked; for every award and accolade, there is a scathing review. Hard drugs, tiny gigs on the hoof, huge stadium shows, collaborations, obliterations, gangsters and groupies—Doherty has led a life of huge highs and incredible lows.

With his wildest days behind him, Doherty candidly explores—with sober and sometimes painful insight—some of his greatest and darkest moments, taking us inside the creative process, decadent parties, substance-fuelled nights, his time in prison and tendency for self-destruction. With his trademark wit and humour, Doherty also details his childhood years, key influences, pre-fame London shenanigans, and reflects on his era-defining relationship with Libertines co-founder Carl Barât and other significant people in his life. There is humour, warmth, insight, baleful reflection and a defiant sense of triumph.

A Likely Lad is Doherty's version of the story—the genuine man behind the fame and infamy. This is a rock memoir like no other.

©2022 Peter Doherty (P)2022 Hachette Audio UK

I CAN stand you now!

A very well written account of not only Mr. Doherty’s life but the chaotic indie scene of the early naughtys. There is quite a large list of characters, and it can be hard to keep up with sometimes. But as soon as you are trying to remember who someone is something crazy happens. I’m now convinced he is no man, but an entity.
Thank you, Peter. This is extremely candid and I wish nothing but the best for you!

Disappointing

The book seemed to lack any emotion or feeling, sort of bland and boring and quite expected.

Incredible Story

Pete writes a very heartfelt story; I never realized how vulnerable a rock star can be. Pete relates his life through the people in it, and tells it very well through the excellent narration.

The main issue I had with the story is that it’s missing a lot of his current life; most is focused on his time in the 200s and early 2010s, but air of his recent work is his best and should have been a deeper cut. Maybe it was a bit early for this to come out, but it’s one of the best rock and roll autobiographies I’ve listened to.

Cheers to Pete and his continued sobriety.

Blank Forever

The rise and fall and rise again of Pete Doherty is well documented, and many fans of the Libertines are familiar with this narrative. This stands out as a rock n roll biography that can be enjoyed by hardcore fans as well as people who are have never heard of Doherty pr the Libertines.

Engaging, illuminating, vaguely terrifying

As difficult as some of these stories were to listen to, all aspects of this book give tremendous insight into Doherty's music. I've loved his songwriting for 20+ years now and it was hugely interesting to hear him give his unvarnished opinion of some of his own recordings. Highly recommended.

There are fewer more distressing reads..

Than Pete’s life transcribed in the form of a Johnathon Ross interview. Carl describes the Libertines as ‘like catching flashes of sunlight between buildings as you race by on a train. An old film reel where the spools are weathered and worn, leaving empty frames on the screen…’ This book is devoid of any such insight.. maybe read his memoirs instead, I will do next.