Brit Music Scene

Doherty: Libertines To Play Festivals – With Or Without Barat

Posted: 19 Aug 2009 11:41 AM PDT

The Libertines were huge for a few years, spearheading the new Indie music movement and gaining millions of fans from their silky songwriting skills and lively live outings. And then it all came to a bitter end in 2004 when Pete Doherty was thrown out of the band and Carl Barat and the others decided to call it a day.

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Ever since then there have been numerous calls for The Libertines to reform, both from within and outside of the band. And it finally looks like it’s about to happen, with Pete Doherty talking to NME about his hopes for a reunion in time to play festivals next year. Although he’d like all four original member involved, he’d go ahead even without his old sparring partner/best mate Carl Barat.

The Libertines have already reunited live on stage, playing at a tribute gig dedicated to the late Johnny Sedassy in May. But it was a one-off, and John Hassall wasn’t there, so it doesn’t really count. However, at the beginning of August, Doherty claimed The Libertines would be reforming properly soon and suggested a new album and tour was on the way in 2010.

And Doherty has now detailed those plans a bit more, saying:

“It’s going to happen [The Libertines playing festivals], you know. I spoke to John Hassall, he’s well up for it. He [Powell] said he would [play the shows].”

“Maybe I could reform The Libertines without him, like he did without me [Barat played Libertines shows without him in 2004 when Doherty was kicked out of the band for drug use]. I’ll put an advert in NME: ‘Carlos lookalike required’.”

He may just be joking about the Carl Barat lookalike but it’s clear Doherty is desperate to reform the band and play live as a four piece again. Doherty is actually playing the V Festival this weekend as a solo artist but things could be a whole lot different next year. A triumphant return as headliners at Glastonbury doesn’t sound too far-fetched.

Many people will probably be aghast at the thought of The Libertines reforming because they want their career to stand as it was. But most will be ecstatic that the world will once again get to experience a truly exciting band play live. Me included.

[Photo Source: Newscom]

Post from: Brit Music Scene