An Audience with Pete Doherty of Babyshambles, Opera House, Bournemouth

LADIES and gentlemen leave your pre-conceptions of Mr Peter Doherty at the door. The bad boy of rock produced perhaps his most sincere and intimate performance right here in Bournemouth. But let's not get ahead of ourselves.

Last night was all about the crème de la creme of local talent picked by the man himself for not-for-profit organisation Dorset Music Forum.

The night began with blistering sets from Supernova, Zara Sophia and Roses, Kings, Castles featuring a stunning performance from Babyshambles drummer Adam Ficek.

The Bournemouth eight-piece band Betika followed swiftly with a rabble-rousing playlist of folk-inspired rock that brought the eager audience to their feet.

Listen to Pete inviting Betika to the gig

However, the evening was all about one misunderstood musician with a guitar who found himself at peace on stage.

Dressed in a sharp mohair suit and customary pork pie hat, Pete delivered pitch perfect renditions of Libertines and Babyshambles favourites.

Tracks included What a Waster, Don't Look Back Into the Sun and Can't Stand Me Now.

The crowd, buoyed up by Pete's enthusiasm, followed him willingly into the night for songs such as Albion, What Katy Did Next and Killamangiro.

After what can only be described as a lengthy encore, that saw die-hard fans throw glasses on stage, Doherty swaggered back on stage.

Picking up the frenetic tempo where he left off - and playing like a man possessed - he carried on playing even as the stage curtains were drawn down around him.

Say what you like about him, at this performance he gave his all and then some.