Ant News

We all know from his autobiography that Adam has a prolific eye for the ladies, but it would seem he's replaced his Pirate Extravaganza with an ALL FEMALE band for forthcoming London shows over the summer months.

Currently in rehearsals in east London, Adam is working with a new backing band featuring original Babyshambles drummer Gemma Clarke for a revamped live set which includes a large chunk of tracks from unreleased solo project Persuasion for a rumoured show at the Electric Ballroom on Thursday 12 August.

Also in the band is Gemma's pal Claire Wakeman, lead guitarist/vocalist with the Suffrajets and underground NME darlings The Krak. It is understood the only remaining member of Adam's original 2010 live band is guitarist Miles Davis Landesman who has been quite open about the Electric Ballroom show on his Facebook page.

There are t's to be crossed and i's to be dotted first, but look out for official confirmation from the promoters early next week relating to forthcoming live Adam Ant shows.

In the meantime, there will be a hint of Ant essence for the Spear of Destiny gig at Electrowerkz (Slimelight), London EC1V 1NQ on Saturday 24 July - with Marco's mates Department S, Pirate Extravaganza's The Cesarians, and Ant Lib All Dayer 2007 openers Dead Heaven supporting; plus Ant Lib's Madam Stan will be DJing the aftershow. Simply tell the door staff "There's a whip in my valise" for half price entry (£7) all night - bargain!

One month after his most recent admittance to hospital, Adam Ant is back on the town. Attending the invitation-only launch party for Mark Powell's latest store in Soho last Thursday, Adam mixed with the likes of Paul Weller, Martin Freeman and old punk pal Chris Sullivan (pictured, right).

Looking fresh-faced from his 28 day stay at 'Her Majesty's Pleasure', Adam was also spotted in Chelsea at the weekend jamming at a local bar - fuelling speculation that he may be returning to London's underground live circuit in the coming months.

From the hundreds messages we received on news of Adam's recent hospitalisation, fans are generally hoping Adam will take it a bit easy for a while and not rush a comeback this time around.

Photo: ContactMusic.com

Adam Ant has been sectioned under the Mental Health Act 1983 following reports of an incident yesterday (Tuesday 18 May) evening.

Last week, the UK press reported controversy surrounding Adam's appearance at the Oasis, Portsmouth on Monday 10 May. Adam has since returned to London where he performed with his live band at Paper Dresstival, Curtain Road, EC2 on Saturday 15 May.

Adam is currently undergoing initial psychiatric assessment and more details will follow when appropriate. Ant Lib Online would like to wish Adam all the best in his recovery.

Update: Thursday 20 May - 12noon:

Message from Adam:
"Ant fans - please send me postcards at the Chelsea & Westminster Hospital, Fulham Road. Please dont come down here as it may upset the staff who have been really pleasant. I am having a well earn rest at Her Majesty's pleasure and am painting and continuing being an art student. I have a great view and am considering gigs later in the year. x

Please feel free to use our contact form to send any messages of support to Adam.
Photo: Nick Courtney

Former pre-Kings era Adam & the Ants and Bow Wow Wow drummer Dave Barbe embarks on a series of live London dates from tonight with latest project Guilty Fawn.

Forthcoming Dave Barbe / Guilty Fawn dates:

Wednesday 12 May 2010 - Powers Bar (on stage 9pm)
332 Kilburn High Road, London NW6 2QN

Due to unforeseen circumstances, the following dates have been postponed. Please check back for further updates:

Saturday 12 June 2010 - 333 Motherbar (on stage 9pm)
333 Old Street, Hoxton, London EC1V 9LE

Wednesday 23 June 2010 - Roadtrip (on stage 9.30pm)
243 Old Street, Hoxton, London EC1V 9EY

Find out more about Guilty Fawn here.

As local media have recently reported, Adam has been taking time out from his hectic London lifestyle to drop by the historic southern seaside city of Portsmouth for the latest leg of guerilla one-man performances.

According to event organiser Nick Courtney, Adam is on the bill for tomorrow night (Monday 10 May) for 'Oasis'* Got Talent - An Evening of Live Entertainment' at Oasis - The Venue, Portsmouth, where he will "play some acoustic songs" in aid of disadvantaged children in the Philipines. At only a fiver admission fee for a charitable cause, it's worth checking out if you're in the Hampshire area. Children welcome.

Find out more on Nick Courtney's event news page here.
Add your RSVP to the event's Facebook page here.

Thanks to Bruce Ashcroft and Suzanne Sumner for putting this event on the Ant Lib Online radar...

*Not that Oasis, obviously.