The Libertines

For other uses, see Libertine (disambiguation).

The Libertines
The Libertines performing in 2024 From left: Pete Doherty, Carl Barât, Gary Powell (on drums), John Hassall
The Libertines performing in 2024
From left: Pete Doherty, Carl Barât, Gary Powell (on drums), John Hassall
Background information
OriginLondon, England
Genres
Years active
  • 1997 (1997)–2004 (2004)
  • 2010
  • 2014 (2014)–present
Labels
Spinoffs
Members
Past members
Websitethelibertines.com

The Libertines are an English rock band, formed in London in 1997 by frontmen Carl Barât (vocals/guitar) and Pete Doherty (vocals/guitar). The band, centred on the songwriting partnership of Barât and Doherty, has also included John Hassall (bass), and Gary Powell (drums) for most of its recording career. The band was part of the garage rock revival and spearheaded the movement in the UK.

The band gained some notoriety in the early 2000s, due to Doherty's use of illegal drugs and conflicts between Barât and Doherty.[1] Although their mainstream success was initially limited, their profile soon grew, culminating in a No. 2 single and No. 1 album on the UK Charts. In December 2004, their self-titled second studio album was voted the second best album of the year by NME magazine. The first two of their studio albums were produced by Mick Jones, co-founder of the punk band the Clash.

In spite of their critical and commercial success,[2] the band's music was often eclipsed by its internal conflicts, stemming from Doherty's addictions to crack cocaine and heroin, which eventually led to the break-up of the band. Doherty has since stated that the break-up of the band was due to relationship difficulties between Barât and himself that were not related to his drug addictions.[3] The members of the Libertines went on to form new bands with varying degrees of success.

In August 2010, the four members of the Libertines reunited to play a series of shows, including slots at the 2010 Reading and Leeds Festivals. The reunion shows received a highly positive response from the press and fans.[4][5] In April 2014, the Libertines announced they would again reform for a show at London's Hyde Park.[6][7] In November 2014 the band signed a recording contract with Virgin EMI Records, and released their third studio album, Anthems for Doomed Youth on 11 September 2015.[8] All Quiet on the Eastern Esplanade is their fourth studio album, released on the 5th of April 2024.

  1. ^ Dowling, Stephen (3 March 2006). "Saluting the Libertines' legend". BBC News. Retrieved 28 November 2007. won notoriety for the tumultuous relationship between front men Peter Doherty and Carl Barât
  2. ^ "Yahoo News UK & Ireland – Latest World News & UK News Headlines". Yahoo! News. 20 April 2011. Retrieved 24 August 2015.[dead link‍]
  3. ^ Ambrogi, Stefano (12 February 2009). "Barat rules out Libertines reunion 'right now'". Reuters. Retrieved 24 October 2011.
  4. ^ Petridis, Alexis (26 August 2010). "The Libertines". The Guardian. London.
  5. ^ "The Libertines at Reading Festival 2010 – Review". NME. Retrieved 24 October 2011.
  6. ^ "The Libertines reunite for Hyde Park gig". Music Blogged. 25 April 2014. Retrieved 25 April 2014.
  7. ^ "Barclaycard British Summer Time Hyde Park". BST Hyde Park. Retrieved 24 August 2015.
  8. ^ Coughlan, Jamie (2 July 2015). "The Libertines Announce 'Anthems For Doomed Youth'". Overblown Webzine. Retrieved 2 July 2015.