Pete Doherty: “I was seen a wreck head!” The truth behind the headlines

Pete Doherty: “I was seen a wreck head!” The truth behind the headlines

Author: Fearne Cotton April 14, 2025 Duration: 55:19

Does anxiety or darkness drive you to create? Is creativity the ultimate catharsis? For musician Pete Doherty making art has, at times, been a matter of survival.

 

In this chat with Fearne, Pete explains why taking drugs was less about trying to escape, and more about what he was trying to find. Now he’s stopped taking drugs, how does he unlock and express his creativity differently? Pete also confirms that ‘addict’ is the right word to describe his behaviour, but that our attitude towards addiction needs to change.

 

Fearne and Pete catch up about the early days of The Libertines, and what Pete labels as ‘the chaos and risk of youth’. He describes how he was sold on the enticing mythologies of a rock n roll lifestyle, but is now much more comfortable living quietly in rural France with his family and dogs.

 

For contributions to #2 of Pete’s ‘On Strap’ fanzine please post to:

 

'ON STRAP’ FANZINE c/o The Heavy Horse

Hôtel le Rayon Vert

Rue Général Leclerc

76790 Etretat

Normandie

FRANCE

 

Pete’s fifth solo studio album, Felt Better Alive, is out May 16th.

 

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In a world that often feels loud and demanding, Happy Place offers a different kind of conversation. Here, Fearne Cotton sits down with a wide range of fascinating people-from artists and athletes to experts and everyday heroes-to explore the nuanced realities of human experience. These discussions gently peel back the layers on topics like mental resilience, physical well-being, cultural shifts, and the complexities of our relationships, moving far beyond simple soundbites. The core of this podcast lies in its authentic curiosity about how individuals navigate life's inevitable highs and lows. Rather than prescribing a single path to joy, each episode uncovers personal definitions of contentment and peace, often found in unexpected moments or hard-won perspectives. Listening feels like being part of a thoughtful, intimate dialogue where vulnerability is welcomed and stories are shared without pretense. Whether the conversation touches on overcoming loss, finding creative inspiration, or building a healthier society, Fearne guides it with empathy and a genuine desire to understand. This collection of interviews provides a quiet space for reflection, reminding us that happiness is not a constant state but a deeply personal and evolving journey. Tune in for a sincere exploration of what it means to live fully across all facets of life.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Happy Place
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