Babyshambles announced on June 20, 2025, that former lead guitarist Patrick Walden had died. The band did not disclose when or where he died, or give a cause of death. Reports said he was 46.
What Babyshambles said about Patrick Walden’s death
In a statement shared on social media, Babyshambles wrote: “It is with deep regret and sadness that we share the news of Patrick Walden’s death.” The band also said it felt “very fortunate to have known, loved and worked with him” and asked for “respect and privacy during these difficult times.”
The statement gave no cause, date, or location of death. June 20 is the date the announcement was shared, not a confirmed date of death. Pitchfork reported the announcement on June 22, 2025; Billboard published its report on June 21.
Walden’s role in Babyshambles
Walden joined Babyshambles’ lineup in 2004 and was the band’s lead guitarist during its early period. The group released “Killamangiro” in November 2004; Pitchfork reported that it reached No. 8 on the UK singles chart.
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He played guitar and co-wrote songs on the band’s 2005 debut album, Down in Albion, recorded with Mick Jones in spring 2005 and released that November. Billboard identifies “Pipedown,” “Loyalty Song” and “F—k Forever” among the songs he co-wrote. “F—k Forever” reached No. 4 on the Official U.K. Singles Chart, according to Billboard’s 2025 report.
His career beyond the band
Before Babyshambles, Walden played in several London bands. His other groups included Fluid, the Six Cold Thousand and the White Sport. He left Babyshambles in 2006, though he appeared with the band occasionally at later shows, according to Pitchfork.
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Walden was born in London on October 5, 1978. Pitchfork reported that he began playing music more seriously after working at Camden Jazz Café at age 18. Pete Doherty once described him as “the best guitar player I ever worked with,” according to RTÉ’s reporting; that remark was separate from the band’s statement about his death.
Walden on returning to music
In a November 2024 interview with Guitar World, Walden reflected on making music after he stopped drinking: “I realised when I stopped drinking, the hunger for music came back and I wanted to do something new and different with that kind of music.” He also discussed jazz composition as training, hard work and responsibility. The interview offers a perspective on his musical interests; it does not establish anything about the circumstances of his death.
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Where to hear Walden’s recorded work
Down in Albion is the clearest starting point for hearing Walden’s documented work with Babyshambles: he played guitar and co-wrote tracks on the album. The band’s early single “Killamangiro” is another useful reference for the period in which he joined. The chart positions reported for “Killamangiro” and “F—k Forever” are single-chart rankings, not measures of sales or total audience.
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