Despite opinions about him, allegations made against him and the ignorance people have towards him, there’s no disputing the fact that Pete Doherty is one of the greatest lyricists in modern music and, possibly, of all time.

After pulling a scheduled Babyshambles gig last month, the gig-goers of York doubted that he would show for a hastily arranged solo gig, but at The Duchess, Doherty proved everyone wrong.

Wearing signature suit, hat and charming smile, he graced the stage playing tunes from Babyshambles and The Libertines. Forgetting his personal life and all that the media portray him to be, only one thing mattered: the music and lyrics.

Just Doherty, his guitar and the surreal element of his ballet dancers, the show was absolutely magical and York was lucky to hold such an event. The intimate gig wasn’t a sell-out – unlike his cancelled Babyshambles gig, which sold out in only 90 minutes – probably due to people seeing a pattern emerging.

He sang his songs like he meant them, with his note perfect and steady voice, and the crowd felt that he wanted to be there just to play his music.

His innocence shone through in Lost Art Of Murder, reducing some crowd members to tears. Anthems like F*** Forever, You Talk and Can’t Stand Me Now shook the venue and the atmosphere was electric.

To have someone as talented, poetic and just plain gifted play in a small York venue is something that will stay with us all for a very long time; let’s just hope it wasn’t a one-off.