Regal (an imprint of EMI's Parlophone) have signed a longer term deal with Babyshambles - as you'll remember, the major signed Doherty et al to a one EP deal after they parted company with Rough Trade. It's not clear how many albums are committed to in the new deal, but the major is known to be hoping to form a long term relationship with the erratic bunch of music makers.
Confirming the deal, a spokesman for Babyshambles' management told reporters: "Both management and the band are thrilled to have signed this deal and look forward to a long, fruitful, and creative relationship with Parlophone".
Parlophone boss Miles Leonard, meanwhile, said: "We're extremely pleased to be welcoming such a vibrant and talented band into the Parlophone label. Babyshambles, justifiably, have a great reputation for crafting some of the most exciting music around today, and in Peter Doherty they have one of the best songwriters of his generation. Parlophone have a long history of working with the best British bands, from Radiohead to Blur to Coldplay, and we see Babyshambles very much as continuing this tradition".
Babyshambles and Doherty have been playing a number of impromptu gigs in London in the last week, the most recent as part of a three day residency at the Rhythm Factory where Pete, backed by a friend going by the name of The General and Babyshambler Mick Whitnall, has been singing some Babyshambles, some Libertines and even a cover of Oasis' 'Don't Look Back In Anger'.