Patrick Walden, Babyshambles Guitarist, Dead at 46

“It is with deep regret and sadness that we share the news of Patrick Walden’s death,” Babyshambles — Doherty, Mick Whitnall, Drew McConnell and Adam Ficek — said in a joint statement. “We feel very fortunate to have known/loved and worked with him and we kindly ask for respect and privacy during these difficult times.”

After Doherty was booted from the Libertines (twice) in the early 2000s due to substance abuse issues, the guitarist formed Babyshambles as his musical outlet, and enlisted Walden as lead guitarist.

In addition to his guitar work on tracks like “Killamangiro” and “Albion,” Walden also served as co-writer on three tracks on the band’s 2005 album Down in Albion, including their hit single “Fuck Forever.”

However, Walden’s tenure with Babyshambles was short-lived, as drug issues and a criminal case for assaulting his then-girlfriend (all charges were ultimately dismissed) led to his departure in 2005; he was replaced by Whitnall on the group’s second album, 2007’s Shotter’s Nation.

While Walden remained in the Babyshambles orbit and occasionally performed with his former band mates, he never officially rejoined the group, which just this past March reunited at a Doherty solo gig. During that show, Doherty teased Babyshambles’ return later this year.