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Pete Doherty's Stunning Covers of The Smiths' 'Panic' and 'How Soon Is Now?'

Pete Doherty's Stunning Covers of The Smiths' 'Panic' and 'How Soon Is Now?'

Valeriy Bagrintsev Valeriy Bagrintsev
3 minute read

Pete Doherty's Stunning Covers of The Smiths' 'Panic' and 'How Soon Is Now?'

Experience Pete Doherty's incredible live covers of The Smiths' ‘Panic’ and ‘How Soon Is Now?’ as he tours Europe with Mike Joyce.

The Iconic Covers on Tour

Pete Doherty of The Libertines live, 2025 (Photo by Frank Hoensch/Redferns)

Pete Doherty has been captivating audiences during his 2025 European tour by performing covers of The Smiths’ classics, ‘Panic’ and ‘How Soon Is Now?’. These performances feature the legendary drummer Mike Joyce, known for his work with The Smiths. Fans are raving about the footage shared online, showcasing the magic of these live covers.

A Special Collaboration

Mike Joyce has joined Doherty as an “extra special guest” for select dates on his tour, which supports his upcoming album, ‘Felt Better Alive’. This collaboration brings a nostalgic vibe to the performances, reminding us of the powerful influence The Smiths have had on many artists, including Doherty himself.

During their performances, the band has been closing their shows with the 1986 single ‘Panic’. In one memorable instance, they even spliced a segment of the 1984 classic ‘How Soon Is Now?’ with Doherty's own song, ‘The Last Of The English Roses’. You can check out the following clips that capture these electrifying moments:

Watch Doherty perform ‘Panic’ at Depot Leuven

Watch the segment of ‘How Soon Is Now?’ with Mike Joyce

Upcoming Performances

Joyce is scheduled to join Doherty at various upcoming shows, including The Great Escape in Brighton and several festivals across Europe like In It Together Festival and Together Again Festival. You can grab tickets and find more information about the tour.

Reflections on Music and Mortality

Doherty’s fifth solo album, ‘Felt Better Alive’, set to release on May 16, explores themes of hope in the face of mortality. He reflects on the uplifting nature of resignation and how performing his music can ignite a connection with the audience.

“There can be something uplifting about resignation... The idea is to splash it on the audience and see if it ignites or not,” Doherty shared about the character of his new album.

He emphasizes that all the songs were crafted during the same period, meant to sit well together, even if they weren't right for The Libertines’ upcoming album, ‘All Quiet On The Eastern Esplanade’.

The Libertines are also gearing up for a tour throughout 2025, including a headline show at London’s Gunnersbury Park. With Doherty teasing a potential Babyshambles reunion for 2025, fans have a lot to look forward to this year.

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Conclusion

It's an exciting time for fans of Pete Doherty and The Smiths. With his heartfelt covers and new music on the horizon, this tour is not just about nostalgia; it's about reviving the spirit of iconic music for a new generation. Are you ready to relive these classics live?

  • What songs has Pete Doherty covered during his tour? He has covered ‘Panic’ and ‘How Soon Is Now?’ by The Smiths.
  • Who is performing with Pete Doherty on tour? The legendary drummer Mike Joyce is joining him as a special guest.
  • When is the release date for ‘Felt Better Alive’? The album is set to be released on May 16, 2025.
  • Will there be a Babyshambles reunion? Doherty has hinted that a Babyshambles reunion is on the cards for 2025.
  • Where can I find tickets for the shows? You can find tickets and more information at Ticketmaster’s website.

If you love the nostalgia of The Smiths and want to decorate your space with some iconic album art, shop your favorite album cover poster at our store here.

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