Pete Doherty has said the studio he set up with his band The Libertines in Kent has been “a complete disaster” in terms of making money.<\/p>\n
The singer, who lives in Normandy, but lived in Margate for a number of years, said despite the finances, he still loved the Albion Rooms, which is located in the town.<\/p>\n
The 47-year-old, who is now on tour with his band Babyshambles, said the idea was to give bands a place to record and stay because “everyone knows now, how expensive it is to record demo”.<\/p>\n
When it first opened the building, on Eastern Esplanade, operated as a public hotel.<\/p>\n
Doherty said: “In terms of a business model, it’s been a bit of a disaster.<\/p>\n
“We’re barely treading water, but in terms of the number of bands that we have coming through, we’re really happy.<\/p>\n
“As artists, we’re seeing it as a success. As businessmen, it’s been a complete disaster, but I love it.<\/p>\n
“It’s quite a vibrant place, as well, for musicians and artists… [There] was a wave of people who basically just couldn’t afford to live or work in London anymore.”<\/p>\n
Doherty said the studio was at the end of a “trail of creativity, out of London through Kent, along the estuary, then Margate’s, like, the final stop”.<\/p>\n
The singer had his name inscribed on a wall of fame in a Margate cafe <\/a>after he scoffed a “mega breakfast” to claim it for free.<\/p>\n Babyshambles are playing at Margate’s Dreamland on 30 August.<\/p>\n Follow BBC Kent on Facebook, external<\/a>, on X, external<\/a>, and on Instagram, external<\/a>. Send your story ideas to southeasttoday@bbc.co.uk, external<\/a> or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250.<\/p>\n