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Band Timeline

1997

Formation of The Libertines

The Libertines were formed in London in 1997 by Carl Barât and Pete Doherty who met while studying at university. The band came to include John Hassall on bass and Gary Powell on drums. They began by playing small gigs around London and establishing a songwriting partnership that defined their early sound and identity.
2002

Release of Debut Album 'Up the Bracket'

In 2002, The Libertines released their acclaimed debut album 'Up the Bracket' produced by Mick Jones of The Clash. The album was part of the early 2000s British garage rock revival and gained critical praise. It captured the raw energy and lyrical themes reflective of London life, helping establish the band's reputation and fanbase.
2004

Release of Second Album 'The Libertines' and Rising Success

The Libertines released their second self-titled album in 2004. It reached number one on the UK Albums Chart and was praised for its autobiographical content, detailing the relationship between Barât and Doherty. Their single 'Can't Stand Me Now' peaked at number 2 on the UK Singles Chart. Despite commercial success, internal tensions fueled by Doherty's drug use began to impact the band.
2005

Break-up Due to Internal Conflicts

By 2005, worsening tensions, largely because of Pete Doherty's drug addictions and the strained relationship with Carl Barât, led to the band's break-up. This marked the end of their first era, with members pursuing separate musical projects. The conflicts and Doherty's struggles often overshadowed their musical achievements during this period.
2010

Reunion for Live Performances

In August 2010, all four original members reunited to perform a series of shows, notably at the Reading and Leeds Festivals. The live performances were met with critical acclaim and strong fan enthusiasm, signaling a rekindling of the band’s chemistry and musical collaboration after years apart.
2014

Reformation and Signing to Virgin EMI Records

The Libertines announced a reformation in 2014, performing a notable show at London's Hyde Park. Later that year, they signed a recording contract with Virgin EMI Records, marking their return to the music industry as an active, recording band ready to create new work after a decade-long hiatus.
2015

Release of Third Album 'Anthems for Doomed Youth'

In 2015, The Libertines released their third studio album 'Anthems for Doomed Youth' on Virgin EMI. This album reflected a matured sound with nuanced songwriting, combining elements of their signature rock sound with new influences. It established their successful comeback and renewed relevance in the UK rock scene.
2024

Release of Fourth Album 'All Quiet on the Eastern Esplanade'

On April 5, 2024, The Libertines released their fourth studio album, 'All Quiet on the Eastern Esplanade.' This latest work continues to showcase the band's evolution and enduring presence in rock music. The album has been highly anticipated by fans and demonstrates their creative longevity and ability to remain culturally significant over two decades.
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Members

Current

Name
Begin
Occupation

Carl Barât

1997

Guitar

Lead vocals

John Hassall

N/A

Bass guitar

Peter Doherty

1997

Lead vocals

Guitar

Gary Powell

2001

Membranophone

Story of The Libertines

The Libertines: A Tale of Britpop Rebellion, Addiction, and Resurgence

The Libertines, hailing from the gritty streets of London, burst onto the scene in 1997, driven by the raw energy of frontmen Carl Barat and Pete Doherty. Their music, fueled by a raw, punk-infused energy, quickly made them a focal point of the garage rock revival sweeping the UK.

Barat and Doherty's songwriting partnership was the band's heart, with bassist John Hassall and drummer Gary Powell providing the rhythmic backbone for most of their recording career. Their sound, a blend of buzzsaw guitars, anthemic melodies, and introspective lyrics, resonated with a generation yearning for authenticity in their music.

While their early success was overshadowed by Doherty's well-documented struggles with drug addiction, and the volatile relationship between the two songwriters, the Libertines' profile steadily rose. Their second album, self-titled and released in 2004, cemented their place as a major force in British music. It was a critical darling, hitting the top spot on the UK album charts and even being voted the year's second-best album by NME magazine.

The band's sonic blueprint, produced by Mick Jones, the legendary co-founder of The Clash, solidified their punk-rock pedigree. Despite their commercial and critical triumphs, internal conflicts stemming from Doherty's addiction ultimately led to the band's demise in 2004.

Doherty later claimed that the band's breakup stemmed from personal differences with Barat, not his drug use.

The Libertines, a band marked by both artistic brilliance and self-destructive tendencies, remain a symbol of the raw passion and complex realities of rock'n'roll. Despite their turbulent history, their music continues to resonate with fans, reminding us of the enduring power of a band that, at its core, embodied the spirit of rebellion and unflinching honesty.

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