Babyshambles' confiscated guitars given to charity

Pete Doherty - guitars confiscated!
Pete Doherty - guitars confiscated!

Musical equipment seized from a 2005 London pub gig by Babyshambles will be donated to a local youth charity.

Islington council seized the items during a gig at the Duke Of Clarence, Rotherfield Street, in August 2005.

The equipment includes two guitars, three amplifiers, a bass, a speaker, melodica and a harmonica. They are being given to the council's EC1 Music Project.

Ex-Babyshambles guitarist Patrick Walden has agreed to hold a workshop in return for his guitar. The instruments that have not been claimed back are to be given to the music project designed for 8 to 19-year-olds in the London borough, on 20 May.

"It was the only way of stopping the nuisance to our neighbours" Islington Council

Describing confiscation as a rare step by the local authority Jan Hart, Islington Council's assistant director for public protection, said: "It was the only way of stopping the nuisance to our neighbours, which is our top priority.

"Now it's going to a good home and will help young people just starting out with music."

Walden said he was "happy" to be involved with the workshops project.

"It's a very positive environment and I'm looking forward to working with the young people," he said.

Hmm. Who else deserves to have their guitars confiscated?