Posts Tagged ‘Libertines’

It can be difficult keeping up with the events of Carl Barat’s life, with more twists and turns than a soap opera, you only have to blink and you’ve missed another memorable episode. Band breakups, public spats, health scares and reformations all feature on this roller coaster ride of a decade for the Libertine. Yet life is now looking pretty sweet for Carl, having recently regrouped with his first love, the Libertines, and played historic gigs that were met with critical acclaim. He’s also just completed work on his first solo album and written a book of memoirs, demonstrating a work rate that could rival Damon Albarn’s.

An Ending Fitting For The Start

- (London, 08/25/10) John and Paul, Ray and Dave, Liam and Noel – history is littered with great bands that suffered from relationship strains, Pete and Carl being no exception. Six years ago when Pete was forced out of the Libertines, a full scale reunion looked about as likely as an Oasis reggae album. Pete’s well documented drug problem became more of a talking point than the music as the arcadian dream came to a messy end after just two albums. Whether or not Pete is completely clean now is anyone’s guess, but Carl agreeing to play these gigs alludes to the assumption that Pete is in at least a better place than he was back then, whatever ‘better’ is in his chaotic world. There has been much to enjoy of the band’s individual output since they went their separate ways. Babyshambles put out two solid efforts and Dirty Pretty Things had their moments, as did John’s Hassall’s band, Yeti, who were criminally ignored. Yet nothing could recreate that magic which we’ve missed so dearly this side of the 00′s, a void that absolutely nobody could fill, no, not even the Arctic Monkeys.

Carl Barat has announced details of a UK solo tour to commence in October.

…The Libertines Confirm Reunion

The headliners for this year’s Reading/Leeds Festival have been announced this evening, while the strongly rumoured reunion of The Libertines has also been rubber-stamped.

Former Libertines man Carl Barat has outlined the plans for his debut solo record.

In a statement released today, Barat confirmed his intention to record a solo album, explaining that he has been writing songs intended for a solo record since the split up of his former band Dirty Pretty Things in October last year. He said he intends to demo the songs over the coming months and plans to release the album next year.

He also revealed he is in discussions with a number of labels to sign his first solo deal, and is expected to announce live dates shortly.

Babyshambles frontman and former Libertine Pete Doherty played a secret gig in the basement of a tiny pub in North London last night.

Pete was supporting old friend Dot Allison who was in town perfroming at the small but well loved pub the Torriano in Kentish Town. The Mirror reports that Doherty stepped on stage backed up by his original Babyshambles drummer Paul Dufour and delighted the crowd of regulars and die hard fans with a bunch of Pete’s solo tracks as well as a medly of Libertines hits and unreleased songs.

Here’s Pete’s 2009 release ‘Broken Love Song”

After a reunion gig at London’s Rhythm Factory, Libertines frontman and lead guitarist Carl Barat mentioned the possibility of more shows from the band.

Pete Doherty, Gary Powell and Barat came together in May as part of a tribute show for late promoter Johnny Sedassy, a former organizer for the band.

Though Barat admitted he was still focused on his solo material, the singer told NME that he “wouldn’t rule out” another impromptu gig or two from the Libertines.

“I can’t rule it out, but I’d rather save it . That’s not to say I won’t get on stage with Pete at some point soon,” he said.

Barat went on to hint that next year could be the year for these reunion shows: “Next year is a new year. We’ll see what happens.”

The former Libertines frontman is currently working toward both a solo album and a tour.