The Libertines are a British rock group that plays in the styles of indie rock, alternative rock, post-punk revival, garage rock, and punk rock. This article will discuss their history, members, and appearances at well-known festivals. We will offer readers details regarding the band’s accolades, tracks, and albums.
| Country | United Kingdom (London) |
| Year founded | 1997 |
| Genres | Indie rock, garage rock, post-punk revival |
| Years active | 1997–2004, 2010, 2014–present |
| Members | Carl Barât Pete Doherty John Hassall Gary Powell |
| Former members | Johnny Borrell, Paul Dufour |
| Songs | What a Waster, Up the Bracket, Time for Heroes, Don’t Look Back into the Sun, Can’t Stand Me Now |
| Albums | Up the Bracket (2002), The Libertines (2004), Anthems For Doomed Youth (2015), All Quiet on the Eastern Esplanade (2024) |
| Awards | NME named them Best New Band in the United Kingdom |
The Libertines’ background
The Libertines are regarded as one of the most iconic British indie rock groups from the late 1990s and early 2000s, with a narrative marked by both triumphs and struggles, camaraderie and discord. The band originated in London in 1997, founded by two friends, Carl Barât and Pete Doherty. Together, they emerged as a pivotal influence on the entire UK music landscape in the early 21st century.
Initial years and early achievements
The journey began in 1997 when Carl Barât and Pete Doherty made the decision to create their own band, taking on the roles of lead vocalists and guitar players. They were shortly joined by bassist John Hassall and drummer Gary Powell. In the early 2000s, The Libertines actively played in small venues across London, capturing the interest of the music media.
The significant turning point occurred in 2002 with the launch of their first album, Up the Bracket, which received enthusiastic praise from both critics and fans. The band rapidly emerged as one of the most discussed groups within the British music scene.
Disputes and dissolution (2003–2004)
The band’s rise to fame and a hectic touring schedule strained their internal dynamics. The primary source of tension was Pete Doherty’s way of life, which became heavily influenced by substance abuse and alcohol. This led to increasing conflicts with the other band members. Ongoing disputes and legal troubles resulted in the group effectively disbanding in 2004 following the release of their second album, The Libertines, which, despite its success and topping the British charts, could not hold them together. After the split, Carl Barât established the band Dirty Pretty Things, while Pete Doherty started Babyshambles and pursued a solo career.
Reunion and creativity in the 21st century
The group came together again for the first time in 2010 to take the stage at the Reading and Leeds Festival, marking a significant occasion for their supporters. A further notable reunion occurred in 2014 when The Libertines headlined the prominent London festival British Summer Time and kicked off an extensive European tour. Subsequently, the band released a new studio album, Anthems For Doomed Youth, in 2015, followed by All Quiet on the Eastern Esplanade in 2024, which marked their first number one album in the UK in many years.
Recognitions and Awards
The Libertines have received several notable music accolades during their career. Among these, the NME Awards, recognized as one of the leading British honors in rock music, hold particular importance:
- 2003 — Best New Band at the NME Awards.
- 2004 — Best British Band at the NME Awards.
- 2005 — Best British Band again at the NME Awards.
The band’s initial albums and singles consistently featured in the rankings of the year’s top music releases. The Libertines’ creations garnered significant acclaim from music publications and critics.
The Members of The Libertines
The Libertines emerged as a key representation of the resurgence of garage and indie rock during the early 2000s. At the core of the band have always been the pair of Carl Barât and Pete Doherty, who were accompanied by John Hassall and Gary Powell for the majority of the band’s existence. Their music, vibrant energy, and a history of camaraderie mixed with discord have made the band a cult classic in the annals of British music.
Carl Barât
Carl Barât was born on 6 June 1978 in Basingstoke. He is the vocalist and one of the co-founders of The Libertines, where he played guitar and contributed to songwriting. Barât’s personal life is rather eventful: following his achievements with The Libertines, he established the band Dirty Pretty Things, where he also took on the role of lead singer. Beyond music, he has appeared in films and has pursued a solo career. He resides in London, where he continues to develop new projects. Barât is recognized for his charisma, occasionally exhibiting a volatile temperament. His musical style blends the energy of punk rock with poetic lyrics.
Pete Doherty
Pete Doherty was born on 12 March 1979 in Newcastle upon Tyne. He serves as the lead vocalist, rhythm guitarist, and one of the primary songwriters for The Libertines. The artist is also recognized for his chaotic personal life, which includes his romance with model Kate Moss and his battle with substance abuse during the 2000s. These issues were significant factors that contributed to the band’s dissolution in 2004. In subsequent years, Doherty relocated to France, where he established a family — he has a wife and children, and he continues to pursue his music career, engaging in the creation of new albums and live performances.
John Hassall
John Hassall is a bassist who became part of the band when they entered into a contract with the Rough Trade label. Throughout his career, both prior to and following his time with The Libertines, Hassall participated in a variety of musical endeavors. Subsequently, he established his own group, The April Rainers, with whom he performed in Denmark alongside his spouse, Line Hassall Thomsen. He played a crucial role in shaping the sound of The Libertines, particularly during their peak commercial success in the early 2000s.
Gary Powell
Gary Powell serves as the drummer for The Libertines, having become a member of the group in 2001. He has been a consistent part of the band ever since. Besides his work with The Libertines, Powell has teamed up with various artists and engaged in collaborative projects with former bandmates. His drumming style features a powerful, assured rhythm that has contributed to the distinctive sound of the band.
Previous Members
We should also mention a few details regarding the band’s previous members.
Johnny Borrell
Johnny Borrell was a member of the original lineup of The Libertines, where he played bass guitar until 1999. This was prior to John Hassall taking over as the band’s permanent bassist. Following his departure from The Libertines, Borrell took on the role of leader and frontman for another British rock group, Razorlight, and later found success as a solo artist in the British music scene.
Paul Dufour
Paul Dufour served as the initial drummer for the band, performing with The Libertines during the early stages of their formation in 2000. He was also referred to by the moniker ‘Mr Razzcocks’. Dufour collaborated with the group from the outset until he was succeeded by Gary Powell. He passed away in 2022 at around the age of 74, with cancer being the cause of his death.
The Libertines at music festivals
The Libertines are recognized as one of the most prominent British rock bands from the late 1990s and early 2000s. They have frequently taken the stage at major festivals, particularly following their reunion. These performances have become a significant aspect of their career, as the band delivers their beloved tracks live, providing fans with genuine energy and enthusiasm.
The Libertines have graced the iconic Glastonbury Festival multiple times. Their initial performance was in 2003, and they made a return in 2015 after a lengthy break. They played on the Pyramid Stage to a large audience, who warmly embraced every song. In 2025, the band was once again featured in the festival’s official lineup, underscoring their enduring popularity and the affection fans have for their music. They performed on the Pyramid Stage on 29 June as part of the main event.
After an extended hiatus, The Libertines officially reunited in 2010 to perform at the Reading & Leeds Festivals, two interconnected events occurring on the same weekend in August. These were among the band’s first significant performances following their breakup. In 2015, The Libertines returned to the Reading Festival.
In 2014, The Libertines headlined British Summer Time, a series of summer concerts held in Hyde Park, London. This event marked a significant moment, signaling their reunion.
The Libertines frequently share the stage with another popular indie rock band, Blossoms. For instance, they have performed at venues like Alexandra Palace and have encountered each other at festivals such as British Summer Time.
The band has also played numerous concerts at Brixton Academy. In 2003, these performances coincided with the band’s peak popularity following the release of Up the Bracket. In 2010, they performed after their first high-profile reunion. Another series of concerts, marking the full return of The Libertines, occurred in 2014. In 2015, audiences enjoyed shows supporting the album Anthems For Doomed Youth. Additionally, in 2019, they played at anniversary and club concerts.
Albums and notable tracks
Over the course of their journey, The Libertines put out multiple studio albums that played a significant role in the British indie rock movement.
- Up the Bracket2 (2002) — their first album, which quickly garnered the interest of both critics and fans.
- The Libertines (2004) — the second album, released prior to the band’s breakup.
- Anthems For Doomed Youth (2015) — an album produced after the band reformed, showcasing a new phase in the artists’ creative journey.
- All Quiet on the Eastern Esplanade (2024) — the band’s most recent album, which signaled their return to the music charts.
The Libertines – Can’t Stand Me Now
Here is a list of popular Libertines tracks frequently performed at festivals:
- What a Waster
- Up the Bracket
- Time for Heroes
- Can’t Stand Me Now
- Don’t Look Back Into the Sun
- I Get Along
These songs embody the band’s vibrant energy and spirit, and their performances on major festival stages consistently provoke an enthusiastic reaction from the crowd.
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Amazon MusicCommon inquiries
What is the origin of The Libertines?
The Libertines hail from London, England. The group was established in the late 1990s and swiftly integrated into the London indie rock scene.
Which genre is associated with The Libertines?
The group operates within the realms of indie rock, garage rock revival, and post-punk revival. Their sound fuses dynamic punk rock with melodic indie rock influences. This combination contributed to their iconic status in the British music scene during the early 2000s.
Who is the frontman of The Libertines?
The primary singers for the band are Carl Barât and Pete Doherty. They alternate in performing vocals and collaborate on writing the lyrics for their songs.
What year did The Libertines come into existence?
The group was established in 1997 in London. At first, it was a duo made up of Carl Barât and Pete Doherty. They set the groundwork for the band, and were shortly joined by John Hassall and Gary Powell, completing the final lineup.
