The Libertines: Comeback or Stepback?

The Libertines start off their tour at the O2 academy, Birmingham to promote their new album after eight years.

So, what did become of the likely lads? After eight years of no new music from the well-loved four piece, The Libertines released their single: ‘Run Run Run’ as a debut to their album: ‘All Quiet On The Eastern Esplanade’. The Chart-topping album consists of songs like ‘Man With The Melody’ which work with a slow and almost ‘musky’ sound in contrast to ‘Be Young’ which gives fans hints of nostalgia to the ‘messy’ sounding rhythms of the bands’ albums of the 2000’s.

Kicking off their sold-out, UK tour, were supporting acts from ‘shortstraw.’, ‘Laurie Wright’ and ‘HotWax’ who all certainly set the tone for the main event. And, although different from one another, were all brilliant and had great stage presence.

The crowd consisted of fans both new and old who were all united by their love for the indie-rock band which was truly reflected by the chanting: ‘We want more’ before the encore. 

Opening their show with ‘The Delaney’, fans were cheering and singing along to the ‘messy’ melodies, with some even having tears in their eyes. Moving on to ‘What Became of the Likely Lads’ and ‘Boys in the Band’, the crowd started jumping and truly letting their bodies entwine with the rhythm- even forming a mosh pit to the chorus.

Although troubles between Doherty and Barât in the past, the two worked effortlessly together to create beautiful harmonies and emphasis on all the meaningful lyrics. Also hearing the sweet vocal tones of bassist, John Hassall and the incredible drumming skills that of Gary Powell, the group came together to perform a somewhat perfect and enjoyable setlist.

After playing seventeen songs which vary across the four studio albums of The Libertines, the group did the typical fake ‘goodnight and thanks for coming everyone’, leaving fans lingering and wanting more. 

They kickstarted the encore with ‘Man With The Melody’ by moving around the mics on the stage to create a more intimate environment with a key focal point on the harmonies of each of their voices. Although many thought this was an odd choice, it helped fans see a more vulnerable side to the band by detailing how each of the members play a vital part in the production of their one-of-a-kind sound- I found this very moving.

Of course the band had to play some of their more well known songs from over the years in the encore such as ‘Gunga Din’ and the masterpiece that is ‘Time for Heroes’, but what truly shocked me was that the band did not perform ‘What a Waster’, which to many, is a fan favourite. But personally, this was resolved by the inclusion of ‘Horrorshow’ which I really didn’t think (but hoped) they would play.

Ending the show, was no other but ‘Don’t Look Back Into The Sun’ which many recognise from the first episode of the British Sitcom ‘Gavin and Stacey’. Fans faces lit up when the first few chords of the song were played which definitely closed the night on a high.

In all, the ‘Boys In The Band’ are back as good as ever. And hopefully The Libertines meet once again in the studio to give fans the delight of another new album.