22/04/2024
On Sunday 11th February, 2000’s indie sensations, ‘The Libertines’, performed to a sold out crowd at The Princess Pavilion’s, Falmouth.
Fronted by the iconic and charming duo, Mr Pete Doherty and Carl Barât; the lovely John Hassall and Gary Powell, bassist and drummer, famously make up the legendary four-piece.
The Libertines are the embodiment of indie allure from the 2000’s, with their raw energy, rebellious spirit, and charismatic style. Known for their catchy melodies intertwined with poetic lyrics, they aren’t just a band, but a staple of their time.
Hailing from London, the band formed in 1997, and are one of the most acclaimed and influential acts in modern indie rock. The Libs released two studio albums since their debut, ‘Up The Bracket’ in 2002, reaching #1 in the UK charts with their self-titled album back in 2004.
The likely lads are back in ‘24 with their latest UK #1 album, ‘All Quiet On The Eastern Esplanade’, with hit tracks ‘Run Run Run’ and ‘Night Of The Hunter’.
As music began to play when the lights went out, out walked the boys in the band, followed by a s**t ton of charisma. Battered boots and brogues, tattoos and tank tops, suits and slim fit jeans; it was clear the band hadn’t changed, and that I was glad of. It was obvious that Pete and Carl still shared the same amount of passion for their music on and off stage, as they did for each other back in their 00’s heyday, regardless of the troubles all members had faced in the past with the band separating and of course addiction.
Performing hit after hit, including songs ‘Vertigo’, ‘Can’t Stand Me Now’, ‘What Katie Did’ and summer festival favourite, ‘Don’t Look Back into The Sun’, it felt like stepping into the pages of a 20 year old NME magazine, a nostalgic reminder that noughties indie will forever pulse with life.
The band surpassed all expectations I may have had, dispelling the age-old saying “Never meet your heroes,” leaving me more enamored with the band than ever before.
What an honour.
Ladies and gents, The Libertines!
P.s. Thanks Pete for saying I look tidy and rock a Fred Perry, you’ve made my life ;)