Libertines, The

Formed in London in 1997, The Libertines – all long, shabby hair and beer-stained biker jackets – became the torchbearers of the UK garage rock revival in the early 2000s.

Revolving around the songwriting partnership of frontmen Pete Doherty and Carl Barât, the band was celebrated for their poetic lyrics (often revolving around the concept of a romanticised vision of an old mythical England that they named “Albion”), ramshackle melodies, and notoriously chaotic live shows.

Produced by Mick Jones of The Clash, their explosive debut album, Up The Bracket (2002), was a masterclass in frantic, poetic punk-pop.

Driven by anthems like Time for Heroes and the title track, it completely reshaped the landscape of British indie music.

Their self-titled second album (2004) was recorded under heavy security due to the deteriorating relationship between Barât and Doherty.

The album captured their crumbling brotherhood, opening with the heartbreaking hit Can’t Stand Me Now and debuting at #1 on the UK charts.

Doherty’s escalating addiction to crack cocaine and heroin led to increasingly erratic behaviour, culminating in 2003 with Doherty breaking into Barât’s flat and stealing numerous items, resulting in a short prison sentence.

While they briefly reconciled upon his release, the friction proved too intense, and the band officially dissolved in late 2004.

During the hiatus, Doherty formed Babyshambles and Barât fronted Dirty Pretty Things.

After years of dramatic breakups and high-profile reunions, they finally found stability, opened their own hotel/studio in Margate, and released their chart-topping fourth album, All Quiet on the Eastern Esplanade, in 2024 – their first UK #1 album in twenty years.

Pete Doherty
Vocals, guitar
Carl Barât
Vocals, guitar
John Hassall
Bass
Gary Powell
Drums