Carl Barât

Infobox musical artist
Name = Carl Barât


Background = solo_singer
Birth_name = Carl Ashley Raphael Barât
Born = birth date and age|1978|6|6
Origin = Whitchurch, Hampshire, England
Instrument = Vocals, Guitar
Genre = Indie rock
Garage rock revival
Associated_acts = The Libertines, Dirty Pretty Things, The Chavs
Years_active = 2001–Present
Notable_instruments = Gibson Melody Maker

Carl Ashley Raphael Barât (born June 6, 1978) is an English musician. He was the frontman and lead guitarist of Dirty Pretty Things and was also previously the co-frontman with Pete Doherty of the indie rock band The Libertines. He currently resides in Muswell Hill, North London. [ [http://www.dailymail.co.uk/moslive/article-1031095/We-need-talk-Pete-Carl-Barat-tragedy-Doherty.html We need to talk about Pete: Carl Barat on the tragedy of Doherty | Mail Online ] ]

Early life

Carl Barât (Carlos Barât) was born in Basingstoke, England on June 6 1978, spending most of his childhood in the nearby Hampshire town of Whitchurch. In a September 2004 interview with Blender Magazine, Barât mentioned having a French, Polish, and Russian ethnic background, although other sources have suggested that Barât is also part Spanish.Fact|date=February 2007 As a youth, Barât divided his time between his divorced parents. His father worked in an armaments factory, and his mother, Chrissie, was part of the commune-dwelling counterculture and peace groups such as the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament. Barât spent part of his childhood living with his mother on a commune in Somerset. He has one sister, actress-turned-singer Lucie Barât, and has five half-siblings.

In 1996, Barât was studying for a drama degree at Brunel University in Uxbridge. He was somewhat disillusioned by his fellow drama students, but became well-acquainted with Peter Doherty's sister, Amy-Jo. Through her, Barât met Doherty. [ [http://arts.guardian.co.uk/features/story/0,,1758717,00.html Simon Hattenstone talks to ex-Libertine Carl Barat | Music | The Guardian ] ] Barât initially disliked Doherty, who had a habit of being rude and irreverent on meeting people. However, they soon developed an intense friendship . The Libertines were subsequently formed with bassist John Hassall and drummer Gary Powell; John Hassall left however due to a disagreement with Doherty about a gig at Filthy McNasty's. Johnny Borrell of Razorlight replaced him but was touring with Alabama 3 and so missed all of the gigs. He was subsequently kicked out and when John Hassall heard that The Libertines had been signed to Rough Trade Records and offered to reassume bass duties. Barât and Doherty shared songwriting and singing duties as well as playing lead guitar.

The Libertines

The Libertines' first album, "Up the Bracket", was released in 2002 to critical acclaim. The band's rapid fame was due, in part, to their volatile stage performances, which were characterised by intense bouts of mic-sharing and fighting between Barât and Doherty. This paralleled their relationship, which had progressed to verging on dysfunctional and abusive, with Barât and Doherty being equally competitive and possessive with each other. The band also appeared on the cover of NME before the album was released.Fact|date=February 2007

In 2003, Doherty's addiction to heroin and crack cocaine led Barât to ask him not to participate in the band's next tour. Doherty discovered that The Libertines had left without him to perform in Japan. He broke into Barât's Mayfair flat and stole various items, including an antique guitar and an NME Award. He was convicted and sentenced to six months in prison. The sentence was later shortened to two months, during which Barât and Doherty reconciled through correspondence. Barât warmly welcomed Doherty back to The Libertines on the day of his release, and later performed an impromptu "Freedom Gig" at the Tap 'n' Tin club in Chatham, Kent on October 8, 2003. A photograph of the gig, taken by Roger Sargent, adorns The Libertines' self-titled second album, "The Libertines", and the cover of Sargent's and Anthony Thornton's book, "The Libertines Bound Together".

Doherty's drug addiction continued while the band worked on their second album (the aforementioned "The Libertines") in 2004, which strained his relationship with Barât. Bodyguards were needed in the recording sessions, allegedly to prevent Barât and Doherty from physically assaulting each other (which is denied in "The Libertines Bound Together", which claimed it was an exaggeration in the press) and to keep Doherty's fans away from him.Fact|date=February 2007 Before the release of the album in 2004, relations between Barât and Doherty reached a breaking point and Doherty was expelled from the band once again. Doherty did not take the expulsion well, especially as The Libertines continued touring without him to fulfill contractual obligations. Doherty admitted in a September 2005 interview that he had not spoken to any of his former bandmates since then.Fact|date=February 2007

What was intended as a short leave of absence turned into something more permanent, as Doherty formed a new band, Babyshambles.

Post-Libertines

Barât disbanded The Libertines in December 2004, citing his lack of desire to continue the band without ex-partner Doherty and an "ongoing problem with [his] health."citequote In 2005, Barât underwent surgery to remove a tumour behind his ear and spent several weeks recovering from the operation. The tumour and resulting surgery left the singer partially deaf.

In February 2005, the Libertines won NME's Best British Band award and Barât paid tribute to Doherty in his acceptance speech. Days later, it was officially announced that Barât had signed to Vertigo Records as a solo artist.

Barât's first work as a solo artist was providing vocals for the European duo Client on their single, "Pornography". Barât set up the London club Dirty Pretty Things in June 2004, where he regularly serves as a DJ. In July 2005, he released an album contributing to the "Under the Influence" series, where musicians select tracks that have influenced them as artists.

Barât was seen with Doherty on April 18, 2005, where the two publicly reunited at the Boogaloo Bar in Highgate, North London.Fact|date=February 2007

On April 17, 2006, Barât said about Doherty's drug addiction, "It's just sad and I wish he would sort it out. I would really like to work with him again some day. I don't deny that but I've not seen him really."citequote

On the July 7, 2006 episode of Friday Night with Jonathan Ross, Doherty said that he did not have a relationship with Barât anymore, shooting down rumours that the pair speak regularly. However, Doherty stated that he would like to work with Barât again.

On July 18, 2006 Barât and Doherty met in the Dublin Castle pub in Camden, London.Fact|date=February 2007.

On April 12, 2007, Pete Doherty and Carl Barât played 13 songs together at the second of Doherty's "An Evening with Pete Doherty" gigs at the Hackney Empire, London. At the end of the concert, Barât and Doherty swapped trilby hats, a symbolic reference to the Libertines song "The Good Old Days". [ [http://www.nme.com/news/the-libertines/27681 The Libertines reunite at Hackney gig | News | NME.COM ] ]

In August 2007, Barât and Doherty recorded a version of The Beatles' "A Day In The Life" for a celebration of the 40th anniversary of the release of Sgt. Pepper. Other popular bands and music figures did their own versions of the other songs from the album. They also both contributed to a cover of Janie Jones for Strummerville, but never met during the recording process.

In May 2008, Barât said that he would reunite with Doherty only to make a new album, but also said that he wanted to 'let it be for a while' as he was busy with his new band. Despite referring to his relationship with Doherty as 'a friendship I cherish' and stating that a reunion would not be difficult, they currently do not have any firm plans to record together again. [ [http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/features/dirty-pretty-things--a-band-on-the-run-836575.html Dirty Pretty Things - a band on the run - Features, Music - The Independent ] ] [ [http://www.nme.com/news/dirty-pretty-things/37785 Carl Barat: 'I'm too busy for a Libertines reunion' | News | NME.COM ] ]

Barât has said that he wants to work with Doherty again and they have 'supposedly' begun writing a musical together due to be released in early 2009. [ [http://www.nme.com/news/babyshambles/34834 Pete Doherty and Carl Barat to begin writing musical | News | NME.COM ] ] However, he has recently rubbished rumours that the pair are recording new material, stating that he has not seen Doherty 'for donkey's' and the musical 'is off'. [ [http://www.nme.com/news/the-libertines/37746 Pete Doherty and Carl Barat 'not working together again' | News | NME.COM ] ]

In a July 2008 interview Barât said that The Libertines had 'unfinished business' and that he missed performing with Doherty, which he was particularly reminded of at their Hackney Empire gig. At the question of a Libertines reformation, he stated that it is 'a big maybe'. [ [http://www.nme.com/news/the-libertines/37875 Carl Barat: 'The Libertines have unfinished business' | News | NME.COM ] ]

On September 17, 2008, Barât surprised Doherty by joining him on stage near the end of Doherty's solo set at the Prince of Wales pub in Camden. The pair showed signs of their trademark chemistry while performing several Libertines songs and a cover of Oasis' "Don't Look Back in Anger." Barât also stated that he had a new tattoo of the words 'let's put our futures behind us', which could indicate a possible forgiveness and reunion with Doherty. [ [http://www.mtv.co.uk/channel/mtvuk/news/446453-pete-carl-together-again MTV UK: Pete & Carl Together Again] ] [ [http://www.gigwise.com/news/46170/the-libertines-carl-barat-and-pete-doherty-reunite-in-london The Libertines' Carl Barât and Pete Doherty Reunite in London] ]

In a statement announcing Dirty Pretty Things' split, Barât stated that his new musical project would not involve The Libertines. [ [http://www.dirtyprettythingsband.com/index.php/news/more/dirty_pretty_things_official_announcement Dirty Pretty Things Official Announcement] ]

Dirty Pretty Things

On September 15, 2005, it was announced that Barât was forming a new band. [ [http://www.nme.com/news/carl-barat/20995 Carl Barat unveils new band | News | NME.COM ] ] His bandmates included former Libertines drummer Gary Powell; Anthony Rossomando, who filled in as guitarist following Pete Doherty's departure from the group; and Didz Hammond, formerly of The Cooper Temple Clause, on bass. It was later announced that the band's name was "Dirty Pretty Things".

The group played their first shows in Italy and Paris, France in October 2005, before recording their debut album in November 2005 in Los Angeles, California. This was produced by Dave Sardy, who has also worked with Supergrass, the Dandy Warhols, Jet, Marilyn Manson, Rolling Stones, and Oasis. The album - entitled "Waterloo to Anywhere" - was released on May 8, 2006 in the UK and August 8, 2006 in the US.

Their first studio recorded demo, "Bang Bang You're Dead", was released on their website in the form of a flash video. Its sound has been likened to that of the early Libertines', mixing punk and reggae influences.Fact|date=February 2007 This song was released as their debut single on April 24 2006 and reached number 5 in the UK single chart. This coincided with the latter part of their first tour of the United Kingdom, which spanned from the 26 February to the 24 May 2006. Their debut album, "Waterloo to Anywhere", was released on May 8, 2006, and reached number 3 in the UK album chart. They have since released "Deadwood" and "Wondering".

The band were forced to postpone their Real Fits fundraiser gig, which had been set to take place at the London Hackney Round Chapel on Friday, June 20th, 2008 as Barât was rushed to hospital on June 17th with acute pancreatitis. [ [http://www.nme.com/news/dirty-pretty-things/37460 Dirty Pretty Things' Carl Barat rushed to hospital | News | NME.COM ] ] He was released from hospital on June 22nd. [ [http://www.dirtyprettythingsband.com/index.php/news/more/update_carl_released_from_hospital/ Dirty Pretty Things | Official website | News | Update: Carl released from hospital! ] ]

The band released their new single, "Tired of England", on June 23, 2008, and their album, "Romance at Short Notice", a week later on June 30.

Their album failed to chart highly despite heavy touring schedules leading to beliefs that the band are facing difficulties with their record company. Gary (Powell) even logged onto their forum and said it had been a difficult year. Despite this the band continue to tour and kicked off at the silent disco in Brighton on 22nd September.

His re-union with Doherty on 17th September at the Prince of Wales Pub in Camden has re-ignited rumours that this is the beginning of a possible permanent re-union between the two. This topic has much been debated on forums of late yet Carl still maintains that he is busy with Dirty Pretty Things and will focus on writing material with Doherty when Dirty Pretty Things (arguably his side project) have been exhausted.

As of October 1, 2008, Dirty Pretty Things have split up, though they will finish their final tour, which began in Glasgow on October 4.

Equipment

*Gibson Melody Maker
*Fender Mustang
*Vox AC30
*MXR Dyna Comp multi-effects pedal

Other Notable Work

In 2005, Barât and his friend, Adam Green of The Moldy Peaches appeared in a documentary following the pair on a night out in London. [ [http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0567292/ "Durch die Nacht mit..." Carl Barât und Adam Green (2005) ] ]

In 2005, Barât modelled for clothing brand J. Lindeberg, along with Juliette Lewis. [ [http://www.jlindeberg.com/newsandevents/london_august_23.html London August 23 ] ]

In 2008, he will be featured as actor in the film "Telstar (The Joe Meek Story)" in the role of Rock'n'Roll singer Gene Vincent. The film will premiere at the London Film Festival on October 25.

On July 7, 2006, Carl announced that he would become the fifth mentor in the Road to V competition [ [http://www.megastar.co.uk/music/news-single-view/article/4/barat-gives-us-the-v-1.html MegaStar: Barat gives us the V ] ] , which involved a UK search for the best unsigned music talent in the UK with the winner opening V Festival in either Chelmsford or Staffordshire.

On 28 February 2008, Barât and bandmate Anthony Rossomando presented Glasvegas with the Philip Hall Radar Award at the NME Awards. [ [http://www.nme.com/news/nme-awards/34798 Glasvegas: 'We've yet to earn our award' | News | NME.COM ] ]

Barât featured in the 2008 advertisement for BBC Two's The Culture Show, being asked about British culture. [ [http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/2008/may/19/bbc.television3 Culture gets a new definition in a BBC promo for The Culture Show | Media | guardian.co.uk ] ] A longer version of his interview can be found on the Culture Show website. [ [http://www.bbc.co.uk/cultureshow/cultureis/ BBC - Culture Show - The Culture Show - Culture is ] ]

Tim Burgess has stated that he and Barât's supergroup The Chavs plan to record their debut album in August 2008. [ [http://www.nme.com/news/dirty-pretty-things/37486 Klaxons, Charlatans and DPT supergroup to record album | News | NME.COM ] ]

It was reported in July 2008 that Barât is planning a collaboration with DJ/producer Mark Ronson and with Jon McClure of Reverend and The Makers. [ [http://www.dirtyprettythingsband.com/index.php/news/more/carl_in_the_daily_star_today/ Dirty Pretty Things | Official website | News | Carl in The Daily Star today ] ]

In 2008, Barât split with his girlfriend of five years, DJ and TV presenter Annalisa Astarita.

In September 2008, Barât stated that he was set to play a scientist in a new British film. [ [http://www.sundaymail.co.uk/tv-showbiz-news/entertainment-news/2008/09/28/rocker-admits-screen-debut-may-spell-the-end-for-his-movie-career-78057-20757089/ Carl Barat Interview with Sunday Mail, September 28, 2008] ]

References

External links

* ' [http://www.thelibertines-boundtogether.co.uk/ The Libertines Bound Together] The Libertines Bound Together - official site of bestselling Carl Barât/Libertines biography
* [http://www.dirtyprettythingsband.com/ Official Dirty Pretty Things website] Dirty Pretty Things official website.
* [http://www.thelibertines.org.uk/ Official Libertines Website] The official website of British rock group, The Libertines.
* [http://www.vertigorecords.co.uk/ Vertigo Records] Vertigo Record's official web site containing profiles of the artists, past and present, on their label.
*imdb name|2098616
* [http://www.megastar.co.uk/music/news-single-view/article/4/barat-gives-us-the-v-1.html]

Persondata
NAME= Barât, Carl
ALTERNATIVE NAMES= Barât, Carl Ashley Raphael
SHORT DESCRIPTION= English musician
DATE OF BIRTH=1978-06-06
PLACE OF BIRTH= Whitchurch, Hampshire, England, UK
DATE OF DEATH=
PLACE OF DEATH=