Patrick Walden, ex-Babyshambles guitarist, dies aged 46

Patrick Walden, the former lead guitarist in the British rock band Babyshambles, has died at the age of 46, the band have announced.

Writing in a statement also shared by Pete Doherty on Friday eve, the band said: "It is with deep regret and sadness that we share the news of Patrick Walden's death.

"We feel very fortunate to have known, loved and worked with him and we kindly ask for respect and privacy during these difficult times.” No cause of death has been given at this time.

Born on October 5, 1978 in London, England, was the guitarist for Babyshambles for a short amount of time, following its formation by Pete Doherty in 2004 after he was kicked out of the Libertines for drug abuse.

He joined the group as lead guitarist alongside Doherty on vocals, Drew McConnell on bass and Gemma Clarke on drums, and co-wrote six songs on the band’s 2005 debut Down in Albion including Fuck Forever', 'Pipedown' and 'Loyalty Song'.

‘Fuck Forever’ went on to become the group’s biggest single, reaching No. 4 on the U.K. singles chart.

He had previously played in bands including Fluid and White Sport, left the group in 2005 after dealing with drug abuse and accusations of assaulting his girlfriend, which led to a brief incarceration, although the charges were eventually dropped.

Walden never officially rejoined the band, but he would pop in for performances over the years. Doherty once described him as "the best guitar player I ever worked with".'