Ready to save British music?

10 June 2004

In 2002, the four-piece London-based band The Libertines burst into the music scene with much acclaim. For many, they were Britain’s answer to the clamour for the American rock’s new wave. In other words, they were what Blur and Suede were to grunge in the 1990s.

The band is composed of songwriters Carl Barat and Pete Doherty, bassist John Hassall, and drummer Gary Power. They came into the rock scene when garage-rock ruled with The White Stripes, The Strokes, and The Hives.

The relationship between Doherty and Barat was the focus, as it is likened to The Clash’s Joe Strummer and Mick Jones. When they released their debut album “Up the Bracket”, many believed they were going to be “the next big thing”.

However, the band’s early success in recording and live performances was marred by Barat and Doherty’s admission of their drug addiction that also destroyed their personal relationship. Last year, Doherty served two months of imprisonment for stealing some of Barat’s belongings.

Despite their personal problems, their fans have kept the band going.

BBC 6 Music reporter Jody Thompson observed, "The thing about The Libertines is that they used the internet and their fanclub, and it was a really underground thing, very much in keeping with the DIY punk ethic”.

"They understand their fans, and their fans understand them. The demarcation between being the band and being a fan is sometimes a little strange", he added.

Currently, The Libertines are preparing for their second album without Doherty, who has been collaborating with other groups. If you have a gig to promote, why not get a pull up banner stand to promote your name?