Libertines frontman Peter Doherty’s ‘white-knuckle’ memoir scooped by Constable

Little, Brown’s Constable imprint has signed The Libertines star Peter Doherty’s memoir A Likely Lad, co-authored with Simon Spence.

Andreas Campomar, non-fiction publisher, acquired world rights from Kevin Pocklington at The North Literary Agency, for publication in hardback on 16th June 2022. It is written with Spence, who has previously collaborated with record producer Andrew Loog Oldham and the Stone Roses.

It is the musician’s first memoir, though he previously published a book of poetry, notes and musings in 2007 entitled The Books of Albion: The Collected Writings of Peter Doherty (Orion).

Described by the publisher as “one of the world’s most captivating and charismatic musicians” and “ a folk hero, poet, outlaw and pin-up,” Doherty’s memoir tackles his addiction and other troubles with “sober and sometimes painful insight”. It also details his wild adventures in rock ’n’ roll with humour and “a defiant sense of triumph”. 

“I wanted this to be a funny and uplifting book, there’s always been a lot of comedy in my life alongside the sadness and darkness,” Doherty said. 

“For me it’s also as if I am saying goodbye on these pages, to the old me, the old ways, to drugs, to youth even, a bon voyage and a fare thee well. And the sober and adult me is terrified by both that and the nagging feeling that I’ve been too open and honest—but that’s always been the way really, especially in the songs. It’s definitely a white-knuckle read.” 

Campomar added: “Peter’s may well be the last of the great rock ’n’ roll stories. Since The Libertines rose to fame, he has proved endlessly fascinating, the subject of countless lurid headlines. For the first time, Peter tells his own story, one that is harrowing, humorous yet poignant. It is truly a remarkable and examined life.”