Peter Doherty in Zurich

Another night, another concert, this time it was Peter Doherty in Zurich at Kaufleuten. Few artists wear chaos and charm as effortlessly as Peter Doherty. The English songwriter, known as the co-frontman of The Libertines and former leader of Babyshambles, has long been one of indie rock’s most fascinating figures.

I got to see him tear up the stage with The Libertines in Zurich last year. So I was curious how his solo material would feel in comparison. When he arrived at Kaufleuten, greeted by roaring applause, he looked healthy, happy, and genuinely thrilled to be there. A visibly content Pete is a beautiful thing to witness.

Junior Brother opens the night in Zurich

First up was Irish singer and songwriter Junior Brother, delivering a captivating set of raw, poetic folk. In true Pete fashion, he himself came on stage to introduce Junior Brother. Just casually strolling through the crowd after hanging out at the bar and even stopping by his own merch stand. Effortlessly cool. Junior Brother warmed up the room with a solid performance while the venue slowly filled. He set the tone for a night that would sway between indie grit and tender folk storytelling.

Concert Photos: Junior Brother

Solo Peter Doherty vs. The Libertines live in Zurich

When Pete returned to the stage, the applause swelled into a proper welcome-home moment. The audience was mixed but leaned slightly male and 30+. Here and there some die-hard fans already rocking out from the first chords. The front row in particular was buzzing. A sweet highlight: a couple near the front had brought their young son, no older than nine, calmly soaking it all in. You gotta start them early, right?

Musically, the solo show felt different from last year’s Libertines gig. The indie rock pulse was still there, but slightly softer edges and some folky influences added a new texture. Of course, a few Libertines and Babyshambles songs made their way onto the setlist too. That sure sent waves of nostalgia through the room. At one point, fans from the back pushed forward and formed what can only be described as a baby-moshpit. At Kaufleuten! A rare sight. The atmosphere stayed joyful though, growing rowdier toward the end with more jumping and movement down front.

A surprise dog appearance steals the show at Kaufleuten

As if the night needed another memorable twist, between the final song and the encore the cutest dog suddenly appeared on stage. I have seen many things at Kaufleuten, but never a dog cameo. During the final bow, she returned, trotting up to the band. She gifted Pete a few kisses, and generally was just gracing us with sweetest presence. If I am not mistaken, that must have been Gladys.

All in all, it was another great show. I loved hearing the solo material. Feeling the indie rock energy mixed with folk tenderness, and most of all watching the crowd being so happy about having their iconic Pete back on stage. And when a concert includes great music and a very good doggo, that is a combination I will happily sign up for every time. 🐾🎸