Tragic news has emerged as Patrick Walden, the talented former guitarist of the iconic British rock band Babyshambles, has sadly passed away at the age of 46. His contributions to the band and the music scene will be profoundly missed.

In a heartfelt announcement made via social media on Friday, June 20, the band, led by the charismatic Pete Doherty, shared the sorrowful news of Walden’s departure from this world. While the specific cause of death has not been disclosed, the impact of his loss resonates deeply with fans and fellow musicians alike.

Expressing their grief, the band conveyed, “It is with deep regret and sadness that we share the news of Patrick Walden’s death.” The heartfelt message on Instagram emphasized their gratitude for having known, loved, and collaborated with him, and they respectfully requested privacy as they navigate this challenging time.

The emotional statement was signed by Doherty along with fellow band members Mick Whitnall, Drew McConnell, and Adam Ficek, highlighting the close-knit bond they shared with Walden during his time with the band.

Founded in 2003 by Doherty following his exit from The Libertines due to troubling substance abuse issues, Babyshambles quickly gained a reputation for their unique sound. Walden, a native of London, joined the band as the lead guitarist, collaborating with McConnell on bass and Gemma Clarke on drums to create a memorable lineup.

Aside from his remarkable guitar skills, Walden played a significant role in the songwriting process for Babyshambles’ debut album, Down in Albion, released in 2005. He co-wrote several standout tracks, including “Pipedown,” “Loyalty Song,” and the critically acclaimed “F—k Forever,” which impressively peaked at No. 4 on the Official U.K. Singles Chart.

Before his time with Babyshambles, Walden was involved in various musical projects, playing with bands such as Fluid, The Six Cold Thousand, and The White Sport. His tenure with Babyshambles was notably brief, ending in 2005 due to personal struggles with drug addiction and a legal incident involving his girlfriend that culminated in a short jail sentence. Fortunately, the charges against him were later dismissed.

Following Walden’s departure, Whitnall stepped in to take over guitar duties for the band’s sophomore album, Shotter’s Nation, which was released in 2007. Although Walden never officially rejoined the band, he made occasional appearances at select shows over the years. The band has also reunited during Doherty’s solo performances, showcasing the enduring connection among the band members.

There had been discussions previously about a potential reunion tour to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Down in Albion, though it remains uncertain if Walden would have participated in such events.

“It is on the cards,” Doherty mentioned in an interview with NME in December 2024, expressing his desire to bring the band back together to play through their classic songs live on stage. He noted, “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. Before then, I’ve got a new collection of songs which I’m putting out on my own label, which is tidy.”