The Libertines, the (in)famous alternative rock band, have been going for 27 years now having formed back in 1997. Yet, still today when you mention you are going to see them, and even hearing people in the pub before the gig, one period of time in their history always come up. Their troubled patch in the 2000’s when vocalist and guitarist Pete Doherty was almost more famed for the gigs he didn’t do and the illegal substances he did.

Now it seems Pete has put that side of things away, having been clean for a number of years, though evidently he still likes a drink or two (who doesn’t). Yet the band and their music have almost existed as a result of these issues, causing the breakups, and maintaining the enduring friendships, especially between Carl Barat and Pete himself.

Tonight we are here to celebrate the music though and it is really is quite the back catalogue they have amassed over the years. They plan on sharing a lot of it tonight; launching into ‘Up The Bracket’ and ‘Boys in the Band’ played early doors, which gets the crowd in the mood. Whilst they are probably known for the livelier songs, there is also a reminder of the more quiet side of the band via the slightly haunting ‘Night Of The Hunter’ from new album ‘All Quiet On The Eastern Esplanade’.

We are treated to a number of songs from this new album, which is a good one too and fits into their catalogue well. Keeping that Libertines sound, but with the band having grown up with their songs; ‘Merry Old England’ being another one that particularly stood out tonight of the new ones on offer. It’s good to see a band, that have been around for a bit now, still being active and not just churning out the same 10 songs all the time.

That being said, there is course still space for the greatest hits run-through with last track of the main set being ‘Can't Stand Me Now’, almost the anthem of the Pete/ Carl bromance. They then returned for a special moment during ‘Man with a Melody’ where they joined in a circle, no drums and Carl on piano, stripping the music right back. Seeing them back in a smaller venue you can really appreciate the subtleties the band possess. Beyond the break ups, personal issues etc, there is a very talented bunch of musicians on this stage. 

It is a long encore, which is nice to have but you kept expecting the last song, rather than the “bonus” six we got including  ‘What a Waster’ with the set ending on ‘Time for Heroes’  and a magical version of ‘Don't Look Back Into the Sun’ where the multitude of people from all the support bands came back on stage to join the Libertines. A wonderful evening, reminding of us of why we loved the Libertines in the first place, for their music.