The Libertines: Back To The Good Old Days In Leeds

The Libertines were formed on the brotherly love between Pete Doherty and Carl Barat, and then it all went downhill with Doherty’s heroin addiction in the mid-noughties.

Now the band is back with a great new album, All Quiet on the Eastern Esplanade, while still maintaining their rock 'n roll credentials.

The Libertines' Albion Rooms recording studio and events space served as the foundation of the Leeds stage set, but the band's boisterous audience served as a stark reminder that they were back in Yorkshire.

A bouncy version of Up the Bracket kicked off the evening, though it was What Became of the Likely Lads, which saw the o2 Academy audience in full voice, making you realise how The Libertines have been missed and, when they are on form, what an engaging live band they are.

Neither Doherty nor Barat addressed the sold-out audience until nearer the end of the night, instead letting the music do the talking with a rich back catalogue, many of which have become indie classics.

Swapping between old tracks and new kept the momentum going, with Run Run Run standing out amongst the newer songs, while Shiver showcased a more reflective side to the band with Night of the Hunter reminding the fans of The Libertines vocal harmonies.

Ed Cosens, tonight’s support act, joined the band onstage for a few numbers. The Sheffield artist, who also performs with Reverend and the Makers, added another layer of sound to the evening with his skillful guitar playing.

By the time the band encored with Don’t Look Back into the Sun, the gig had all the hallmarks of a great gig: a beer-drenched floor, a band in full form, and an enthusiastic northern audience. The evening, far from feeling like a night of nostalgia, felt like a fresh start for the band, demonstrating their continued commitment to excellence.

The tour continues with dates in the north:
4th November – Sheffield Octagon Centre
5th November – Newcastle NX
7th -9th November – Manchester Albert Hall
18th November – Stockton Globe

https://www.ticketmaster.co.uk/the-libertines-tickets/artist/945319?irgwc=1&ircid=7559