Patrick Walden, Babyshambles‘ former guitarist, has died aged 46.
News of his death was shared by his ex-bandmates yesterday (June 20), who wrote on Facebook: “We feel very fortunate to have known, loved and worked with him and we kindly ask for respect and privacy during these difficult times. Peter, Drew, Mik, Adam.”
No cause of death has been given.
It is with deep regret and sadness that we share the news of Patrick Walden’s death. We feel very fortunate to have…
Posted by Babyshambles on Friday, June 20, 2025
Walden began his music career playing for London bands like Fluid, The White Sport and Six Cold Thousand, before joining Babyshambles – formed by Pete Doherty while banned from playing with the Libertines – in 2004.
After joining the band, Walden co-wrote many of the songs on their debut album ‘Down in Albion’, including ‘Fuck Forever’ and ‘Pipedown’. During this time, he also worked as a session musician, recording with James Blunt.
In 2006, Walden left the Babyshambles after being charged with assaulting his girlfriend in their North London home. He was later cleared of the charge. He went on to play with Babyshambles intermittently between 2007-2009, but never re-joined.
In 2014, the guitarist shared in an interview that he was studying a jazz composition degree in an effort to reconnect with his first love, jazz music.
Since the news of his death has been announced, fans have been sharing their memories and tributes. One wrote: “Can’t believe this. Absolute genius on the guitar, Babyshambles were at their peak with Pat. But more importantly a genuine lovely guy. Down in Albion will always be a masterpiece to me.”
A fan on Twitter/X added: “Walden’s departure was probably a necessary move for Babyshambles at the time but his playing was so original, inventive and distinctive,” while another wrote: “This is heartbreaking man. His guitar on that first Babyshambles album was incredible.”
“A brilliant guitarist. Always skating on the edge yet somehow holding it together to glorious effect,” one fan on Facebook commented. Another shared: “Totally destroyed me this. Very sad to hear thisg He was a brilliant guitarist and was hoping he would be coming back in babyshambles. Watched some of his videos recently and thought brilliant hes back. Rip pat.”
Gutting news about Patrick Walden. He was a great guitarist and I loved some of the early Babyshambles tracks. I adorned my school leavers top with Fuck Forever scrawled in red pen (very mature I know).
— Nick Hughes (@Nik_Ader) June 20, 2025
Goodnight fella. The pleasure of watching you play live with the band twenty years or so ago. Brilliant skills and f**k forever…. #patrickwalden pic.twitter.com/5m7M7kuLKR
— SeamonkeyOO7 (@SEAMONKEYOO7) June 20, 2025
This is heartbreaking man. His guitar on that first Babyshambles album was incredible. RIP Patrick Walden pic.twitter.com/4YghB9GBAu
— conor 🇵🇸 (@conor_brn) June 20, 2025
Walden’s departure was probably a necessary move for Babyshambles at the time but his playing was so original, inventive and distinctive. No idea what his story was but it’s a really sad end either way. RIP Pat.
— Clatty Bella’s Towel (@gf1874) June 20, 2025
“His guitar tone and style made that first Babyshambles album,” another fan wrote. “The riffs on F**k forever, pipe down, 8 dead boys etc. Those riffs are indie classics. I love the other albums, but there was something so raw and unique about Patrick’s contribution. I will give the album a play tomorrow as it’s been a while.”
Another Facebook commenter shared: “His playing on Down In Albion made that album the chaotic, beautiful masterpiece it was. The frantic playing on Fuck Forever and 8 Dead Boys moulded my playing as a guitarist. Such a shame the original line-up with him playing never came back around.”
In March, Walden’s former bandmates – Doherty, bassist Drew McConnell and drummer Adam Ficek – reuinted on stage for versions of ‘Albion’ and ‘Fuck Forever’.
Doherty has teased that a Babyshambles reunion is coming at some point this year, although details remain vague.
“It is on the cards,” he told NME. “We will get back together and get in a room with the instruments and play through the old songs, then get on stage and do it. But it’s the ‘who’ and the ‘when’ that needs to be worked out. I think we’ll just keep that one on the horizon and deal with that one next year.”
Asked if he wanted to make another Babyshambles record, he replied: “I’ve got no idea. I wrote a new song the other day that I think would really work as a ‘Shambles song. Who knows? It’s a long way off yet. It’s going to be next Autumn, so we’ll see.”
