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Posted on 11/02/09 at 05:34:52 pm
The big question buzzing around the office this week involves our cover star (Peter Doherty) and his somewhat lax attitude towards the rumoured multi-million pound reunion of The Libertines.
If you haven’t read the interview in the magazine yet (why not?!) then just take a look at the following quote from Pete about the Libs' supposed reunion offer.
"We [The Libertines] had some ridiculous offers. Like £2 million to headline this festival, £1 million to headline that festival. I said, 'Why don't we just do it? Let's get the old band back together.' And he [Carl Barat] said, 'Yeah, but we can't travel in separate cars.' 'Well, why would we?' and he said, 'We have to be friends, we can't just do it for the money'."
So, what do you think? Should The Libs reform?
In these circumstances, I really hope not.
I mean, how tragic would it be to see them headlining a major festival anyway? To me, they were always a brilliant small band and a misplaced big band.
Debut album 'Up The Bracket' only peaked at Number 35 in the charts but it felt seismic. When 'The Libertines' shot to Number One roughly two years later - in a haze of crack smoke, arguments and tabloid tittle tattle - the band themselves were dead and buried. Hung, drawn and quartered by the press, and ruined by internal strife.
Personally, the only Libertines reunion I think would genuinely work for band and fans at the moment is if they got together and gave the brilliant pre-'Up The Bracket' material ('Legs XI', as it's become known) a proper release.
Before they signed to Rough Trade, the band recorded 20-odd tracks with producer Gwyn Mathias at London's Odessa studios. The material was completely different to what they later became synonymous with.
In these older songs, gone are the big Oasis choruses and Strokes-y guitars, replaced by a sound that fuses skiffle, undistorted melody and brilliant lyrics ("Up in my dust and gloom I burn my secrets to keep me warm", goes 'Love On The Dole').
Even better, the songs simply sound as primitive - and therefore brilliant - as, say, The Kinks or The Small Faces do. Listening to them for the first time is like finding an unplayed classic album that's been buried in a time capsule on the Kings Road since 1965.
The material was complemented by 60-year-old jazz drummer Paul Dufour's off-kilter beat, and Dufour himself has been trying to release it as a double CD for some time now. Criminally, he's not having any luck - and even getting in touch with his former bandmates has proved difficult.
Writing on the Libs web forum after 'Up The Bracket''s release, Pete himself declared 'Love On The Dole' the best song he'd ever written.
So why not do the honourable thing and release it now Pete, rather than raid the back catalogue for the sake of a couple of soulless performances on a stage that doesn't even suit you anyway?
Go on! Release it! And play Hackney Empire for two weeks on the trot, doing all the old stuff too.
That's a Libs reunion I'd pay good money for.
Permalink
OLiver Balidn [Visitor] //February 11 2009 at 18:27
they were so good wen togther and i no carl and pete have some shit goign on but they were lke so good befor every tihg and they should do it for the fans
Alex [Visitor] //February 11 2009 at 18:44
Love On The Dole is a great song, it should definately have been released but I don't think these old tracks should be dug up and released just for the sake of money. Also I'd hate to see them reform just for the cash, it would be so unlibertine.
Josh [Visitor] //February 11 2009 at 19:11
I think it's a matter of when and not if the band will reform. I'm happy Carl has the right attitude towards the reunion and when the time is right the Albion shall sail on to Arcadia
Matavkin [Visitor] //February 11 2009 at 19:18
They should reunite anyway. With new songs or old songs or with Timberlake's covers. It would be better than Babyshambles and DPT anyway.
davetherave [Visitor] //February 11 2009 at 20:00
this songs brilliant i never got to see the libs live and would love them to make another album
kev [Visitor] //February 11 2009 at 20:06
Don't bother your not that good.
joshua [Visitor] //February 11 2009 at 20:19
i understand what you're saying about it not seeming right for them to headline a festival on a massive stage, with a massive audience, etc. But I'd think they should go wherever they please. I agree with you on legs 11 though. there are some really brilliant songs on that set. It's probably one of the bootlegs i listen to most often. Wherever they go and whatever they do. They have to approach it from the place they did in the beginning. They have never been about the money, and should never do it for the money.
[Visitor] //February 11 2009 at 21:00
You could go on forever waiting for the 'right' time for a reunion. Carl is worried about how people will view it i.e. 'selling out' but he shouldn't. Why shouldn't he be able to play music with his mate and earn a bit of money as well? If there's still an interest after nearly 5 yrs then that tells them all they need to know.
charlesg31 [Visitor] //February 11 2009 at 21:48
i love the libs...love the! but i don't want to see them reunite...not unless they were to make new music together...what would be the point to get together to play "the oldies".
Thank God for Carl and his good sense and respect for the libs legacy (just like the great Joe Strummer with the Clash legacy)...i like pete, but he comes of like a complete whore in the interview
Capu [Visitor] //February 11 2009 at 21:56
In these circumstances, i hope not too !
Matty [Visitor] //February 11 2009 at 22:00
Jus fuckin do it, get back together, prove to every1 and the music industry once n for all how good use really are!!!!!!!!!!
bob a job [Visitor] //February 11 2009 at 22:22
im happy with them just being a memory they are simalar to the stone roses, maybe never fufilled their potential but people will talk about them for years to come, and it will be good, reuniting will never be the same, so dont do it. also that 2nd album was a bad idea, would have been better if they were just remembered for "up the bracket"
Tana [Visitor] //February 11 2009 at 22:59
I understand Carl but hey, when have the libs ever given a crap about anything. Freakin reunite!! Maybe in a couple of years no one will remember you
not
leanne [Visitor] //February 11 2009 at 23:00
it wub b unlibertine like to do it just fo money but i really hope this gives them a kick up the arse to realise they deffo shud reunite and it will b the best thing ever
[Visitor] [Visitor] //February 11 2009 at 23:09
dont do it john yeti are gonna go places. like brighton n scunthorpe. but dirty pretty things, worst band ever!
Dan [Visitor] //February 11 2009 at 23:26
The world really does need a band like The Libertines right now, infact we have always needed them!! The best band that I have witnessed in my lifetime, all those years way back when.............. NOW, is the right time!
[Visitor] //February 11 2009 at 23:27
cant be arsed typing much after the session of the england match but fucking right they should man! would be the best thing ever. they'd sell millions, enough for a arena tour
jono [Visitor] //February 11 2009 at 23:35
theyre never gonna reform people, its so obvious. they've moved on, even so not to better things, but they have changed, petes head went straight up his own ass. it 's not really surprising with the amount of peopel that kiss his ass from day to day. and carl is obviously jealous of him.... there will be another band soon, and i know who it is already just watch this space and all will be revealed... libertines RIP good night and god bless , AMEN
Sueisfine [Visitor] //February 12 2009 at 01:01
No. It's just a major soap opera to fill NME pages. get on with it.
new-age guru [Visitor] //February 12 2009 at 03:41
leave libs away,Dohertyghost. libertines'pete died in 2004. From 2004 until now all you do is destory the libertines. donnt drive anyone into you darkness again, you a ghost,the hole in your soul is hard to mend,go to you media hell alone.
Owens82 [Visitor] //February 12 2009 at 05:51
There is a band from the states called Red Cortez, the guitar player looks very much like Pete Doherty. They have a similar spirit and are opening for Morrissey. thats the closes to the Libertines I'll ever get to.
Perry [Visitor] //February 12 2009 at 09:08
I know a lot of people (me included) that got into The Libertines well after they broke up, I think that's saying there's a lot of people that believe in the music even now - that's what's important. They should come back when the time's right.
[Visitor] //February 12 2009 at 09:50
I'm a huge Libertines fan, i live & breathe the Libs.
They were so great to me because upon hearing them it seemed to change my life, it completely encapsulated me and made me believe in music more than ever.
I just hope when they do reform it is for the love of the music again. It would be devastating to see them sell out everything the Libs stood for to make a few quid.
Richard James [Visitor] //February 12 2009 at 10:42
Of course they did,
They were on course for becoming the biggest band on the planet, of this generation.
Instead they wimped out and couldn't take the baton.
The baton is handed down by the very greatest rock groups to the next. The Who, Led zep, Sex Pistols, Stone Roses, Oasis and it could have been handed to The Libs. Instead the baton has fallen.
They should pick it up and run with it as it's theirs by right.
The one thing I hate most is unfullfilled ambition and potential.
bekah [Visitor] //February 12 2009 at 10:57
mods!! :)
Camden [Visitor] //February 12 2009 at 12:50
Whatever they'd do, whether release Legs 11 or play a music festival, it'd be amazing. As much as I love Babyshambles and loved DPT, they've always been the best together. I really hope they reunite. <3
timkero [Visitor] //February 12 2009 at 12:59
i love the libertines and hope they reform. maybe only for smaller shows,but it would be nice if they headline to some festivals to:)
Alex [Visitor] //February 12 2009 at 13:03
Libertines getting back together?... Their name represented a time in my life, and arguably most other peoples who were aware of them AT THE TIME. (I'm not saying they're more mine than anybody else’s, as I wouldn't expect an older generation to about bands such as The Smiths or The Cramps.) What I am saying is that the name 'Libertines' for me meant so much more than just a band (sorry Scroobius); signifying an exciting period in my social evolution and the evolution of British music. Their tracks scored the re-birth of British pop in my mind, and to drag that name back into the limelight, or debatably into the limelight for the first time, solely for the sake of some labels back catalogue is somewhat disheartening, isn’t it. I'm all for Peter and Carl working together again, but not as the Libertines. The name would lose all meaning. To be fair, I don't think that Peter needs Carl any more than Lennon needed McCartney. Wings anybody? No, didn't think so.
indiekaty [Visitor] //February 12 2009 at 13:10
i think that they'd make som amazing music if they reformed but somehow i think it would be overshadowed by the press. not sure how i feel about a reunion myself but i do think it will happen
physchobilly punk [Visitor] //February 12 2009 at 13:21
i used to adore the libertines
but have begun to see their music as decidely average they seem like a band who could never quite live up to all they promised a reunion now would seem extremely false
Lytias [Visitor] //February 12 2009 at 13:22
Those fucking new reunions, all made by pete, to fuck up the country even more! And when his songs are as empty as the above it's even more pathetic.
By the way, I've seen his pic in a gossip mag today and cut his face off the mag and made a bullet out of it which I putted on the shelve in the tea-room I was this morning. Made me lol... he was particularly ugly with his greasy har and dark yellow teeth! I imagine he must use tons of make-up for all his official pictures! your album is gonna make such a flop you're gonna be a laughing stock, i promise.
[Visitor] //February 12 2009 at 13:26
Should definitely release the pre-rough trade stuff. They have such a great back catalogue of unreleased songs (bucket shop, 7 deadly sins, breck road lover, you're my waterloo, to name a few). I don't think they should do a festival tour just for cash though. Would love for them to get back together full time and write some new stuff.
[Visitor] //February 12 2009 at 13:27
they should reform and then make a supergroup with yeti singer john hassall
conor [Visitor] //February 12 2009 at 13:29
well if they reform it could halt nme's slow slide into bankruptcy, so i guess no
Brian [Visitor] //February 12 2009 at 13:39
Massively over-hyped and over-rated in the first place. Irrelevant outside of self-obessed England, and merely an NME creation.
blocker [Visitor] //February 12 2009 at 13:41
i think libs sud get bk 2gether they r 1 ov the best bands eva i wud defo go 2 c them and so wud many more
maxoliversilver1234@hotmail.com [Visitor] //February 12 2009 at 14:08
get back to geather and make a album
maria [Visitor] //February 12 2009 at 14:43
the only people who really want them to reform are people who never saw them live and thats just so they can see them sing time for heroes.
not very 'libertine' to reform for cash is it??
chris [Visitor] //February 12 2009 at 14:52
do if for the money lads!! just do it... come on peter will be alright as im sure his solo album will sell a shed load...carl will do ok i expect as McGEE will get him something or another, but what of Gary and John? Yeti sunk without a trace and Gary is now officially out of work now DPT are over..2 million split 4 ways is a nice old pension... I dont want to see them 50 years old skint old rockers getting back together for money like The Only Ones 20 years down the line.. do it now!! before the offers STOP...
seabass [Visitor] //February 12 2009 at 15:13
Idon't mind as long as each realeases something good music
4kingkas [Visitor] //February 12 2009 at 15:21
saw them at brixton when they were literally at their zenith. 1st album genius. second a mess. DPT SHITE, babyshambles/pete GOOD. there is no need for them to get back together. keep the legend intact.
stu [Visitor] //February 12 2009 at 15:40
i agree the pre sighned stuff is better, and id love them to reunite somewher unexpected
Duncan [Visitor] //February 12 2009 at 17:15
YOUR ALL BORING. GET A HOBBY.
V [Visitor] //February 12 2009 at 19:12
The legacy of the Libertines spans the world and is not at all limited to England. If they commit to a reunion and begin a new project, they must give it their full efforts. They are capable of brilliance; however, they're only human and it will require hard work, something they may not necessarily be willing to offer at this point. A lot of people are desperate to hear what this reunion might sound like, so it's going to take bravery for them to try and recapture their moment.
naomi [Visitor] //February 12 2009 at 19:29
albion and arcadia dont exist.....they were made up.
jay [Visitor] //February 12 2009 at 21:35
they'll play reading, no-one's above 2 million quid. can't wait
Becky [Visitor] //February 12 2009 at 21:38
If they reform they should do for the right reasons or it'l be rubbish and ruin all they've achieved solo. I'm looking forward to Peter (he sounds like he should be in the bible I prefer Pete) Good luck you lot x
mickey [Visitor] //February 13 2009 at 10:03
libertines are the greatest pete and carl work so good together, i would love them to do a new album
em [Visitor] //February 13 2009 at 11:50
The Libertines - Should They Reunite? ..... the only answer to that question is YES.
Rebekahh [Visitor] //February 13 2009 at 13:53
The Boys In The Band ♥
black cat [Visitor] //February 13 2009 at 13:54
of course! they mean a lot to so many people, i don't think it should be for the money though - relationships built on money seldom prosper
Ed [Visitor] //February 13 2009 at 14:38
Maybe they should go undercover...release an album together under a completely different name, forget all the fame and just see if they can do it again, would definitely cut all the money out of it
burntoakbill [Visitor] //February 13 2009 at 14:53
they were offered a deal for the legs 11 LP but all the parties could not agree .I heard an amazing remix of Breck road lover
cov [Visitor] //February 13 2009 at 18:07
They were a band that were best known for their energy on stage, and when that was gone, they rightly parted their ways. Giving us always wanting more, like Fawlty Towers, The Office & Extras, in comedy, The Libertines will always have their place, and that's where it should stay. Don't sell out like Lydon.
Covfather [Visitor] //February 13 2009 at 18:08
'It's better to burn out, than fade away'
Tom [Visitor] //February 13 2009 at 19:36
That would be cool if they did do it under cover...
ioan [Visitor] //February 14 2009 at 11:09
never got to see the libs due to living in the north wales outback but as much as i am aggrieved not to have seen them, i am not wishing for a reunion in the foreseeable future.
What was Barat's excuse fo splitting DPTs up again? Too businesslike, very un-libertine. If they reform in ten years time, they should play nothing bigger than a mid sized venue. In my context nothing bigger than Liverpool Uni.
Frankee (: [Visitor] //February 14 2009 at 11:46
FUCK YEAHHHHH!
even if they don't make new music-just for a tour would be great for everyone.
i wasn't aware of them when they were around now their my heroes. i'll do anything to see them together again! x
Paddy [Visitor] //February 14 2009 at 13:26
they weren't really that good anyway... :S
Kenny [Visitor] //February 14 2009 at 14:54
A reunion is inevitaible, hte dross they churned out on their own isn't gonna take them to the dizzy heights they acheived as the Libertines.
A lot of people don't like the people they work with, they should get past that for the greater good.
Pete has to stop using drugs, as he could have it all but is throwing it all away.
[Visitor] //February 14 2009 at 15:28
If u adore them deeply, u can not help wishing their reunion. But "youth and laughter the hell are gone"!! So, if they returned,dreams and illusios and innocence would be gone...what's done is done. They are the part of a great romantic story.. Let it remain so.
Kurt C [Visitor] //February 14 2009 at 15:39
The Libertines can't reunite until Pete can be relied on to turn up for rehearsals for a start. If they did get together now i could just see it return to how it was where Gary, John & Carl would be ready to rehearse and Pete would be AWOL. Then when it came to gigs it would be the same farce as it is with Babyshambles or Pete's solo shows. Pete needs to get his head together and then maybe the reunion could happen but not until then
BRETT GOODALE [Visitor] //February 14 2009 at 17:15
this is a no brainer one of the best bands ever to come from england it must happen
Gemma [Visitor] //February 14 2009 at 17:58
yeh am glad carls not going to do it just for the money
their friendship was one of the most beautiful things ever
i really hope they do get back together at one point,but only if their heart is in it
ollie b [Visitor] //February 14 2009 at 20:43
i tell u what one of the best modern rock bands in ages and it would be a shame if they don't come back as there is so much bad rock/indie music out atm!
PaulL [Visitor] //February 15 2009 at 03:49
They have to reform,
They have unfinished business.
They need to be the greatest band of our generation.
The time is right.
Not a question of selling out.
If they don't reform they are selling themselves and the world short.
Please, they must take their place in musical history.
andy dixon [Visitor] //February 15 2009 at 08:57
if they are to get back it should be now rather than later before they grow to far apart
Rocket [Visitor] //February 15 2009 at 20:44
Have to reform
Lindsay Walker [Visitor] //February 15 2009 at 21:57
Peter is known for his drug habits and Kate Moss these days because the press *cough* DailyMail. I think for the good of themselves and fans they should get back together to show those 'tabloid sized brains' what they really do, but then again part of there magic was there close friendship.
Gary Powell [Visitor] //February 15 2009 at 23:11
i cant wait for the boys 2 getbak together. watch this space :)()()()))))
Vincent [Visitor] //February 15 2009 at 23:34
The Libs are dead their time has been and gone, why is there so much talk of reunions these days? Its never a good idea, because its never done for the right reasons.
Sam Scoble [Visitor] //February 16 2009 at 00:47
OF COURSE THEY SHOULD!!!
the libertines have to be the most famous british indie band of the 21st century
lets face it look at the publicity they generate!
& there music :D
god i love them sooooo much
if they reform by the summer
ill go into WHsmith and buy a holepuncher naked (Y)
x
smurph [Visitor] //February 16 2009 at 03:07
this has to happen, its like a great book but it needs a fairytale ending! They're the last of the small town playboys for pittance sake.
Cait [Visitor] //February 16 2009 at 09:16
They should definitly reunite :) They changed English music for the better but sadly I was just a little bit too young when they were first out. I love Pete as well, people should know him for his music, not for his personal problems and I think The Libertines reuniting would do this. Also as DPT split up not too long ago there isn't really anything holding them back...
colin [Visitor] //February 16 2009 at 12:37
no way, they are rubbish. one of the most over-rated UK bands of all tim please do not let the get back tpgther, thanks.
dvbdanvinbentley [Visitor] //February 16 2009 at 13:03
i think its annoying but correct thar carl isnt reforming just for some cash.
pete and carl should have total trust in each other before reforming and should only do it to make more great songs and make the old classics come to the public lives.
maybe itle be a few more years before carl is comfortable with trusting pete to not fuck up like.
ide love to see them play anywhere anytime tbh,but it shouldnt be about money,and i cant see them being U2 like headliners,ha. although a nice random busking from pete and carl would be great,sumit like them just playing to people in campsites at festivals or sumit.
theyve played before as jus pete and carl and might do agian soon,but as far as orignal libertines reunion i cant see it happening, maybe gary will be happy to join libs agian,but john probably wont i think hes happy with YETI and woudlnt wana go back to bassist in the background not being allowed to add songs to libs material.
Alio [Visitor] //February 16 2009 at 16:06
I hope not. I can't for the life of me, think why it would be a good idea for anyone.....seriously. The famous british indie band, for Kate Moss and Drugs...Well done boys.
Fergal Kinney [Visitor] //February 16 2009 at 16:29
I see it happening in the future once Carl swallows his pride a bit, I don't want it to happen though really. Things like that are best left untouched to preserve the legacy and myth
Dan Brown [Visitor] //February 16 2009 at 19:34
I hope they get together before too much time passes and it becomes one of those 'obviously-doing-it-for-the-money' type re-unions! I agree with whoever wrote this piece... Release Legs XI and play small venues, but don't stick to the south! get up here in Notts before the excitement and freshness of it all wears off!
Holly [Visitor] //February 16 2009 at 20:38
I would love to see The Libertines reunited. I'd be one of the first in line for tickets to their reunion gig. Plus,, I rate The Libertines so much higher than Babyshambles, despite Pete Doherty's phenomenal songwriting abilities.
DEZZ [Visitor] //February 16 2009 at 23:36
Pete for prime-minister!
[Visitor] //February 17 2009 at 13:01
there music was great, whether or not they will get back together soon ? I dont think so, but maybe one day but i dont think it will ever return to how they used to be
Rhys [Visitor] //February 17 2009 at 13:49
Lets get the Albion back on course to Arcadia, lets get those good old days back
Ashleigh Parker [Visitor] //February 17 2009 at 14:01
I think if they get back together it better be bloody amazing because with a band as good as the libertines i'd rather live with the amazing memory of what they used to be instead of a half dead comeback, though i would love to see new Libs material.
anon [Visitor] //February 17 2009 at 14:42
No they should not re-unite. Their breif time together was in a moment in time, which cannot be recaptured. A reunion would not be the same, plus I know that not all Libs want to reform.
[Visitor] //February 17 2009 at 14:47
vincent - there is a lot of talk mainly from those who were too young to see the band first time around and need to fulfill their need to see the band live. I agree with you - their time has been and gone, but unfortunately, there are a lot of people "out there" who cannot move on from those times.
girl with eyes forlorn [Visitor] //February 28 2009 at 12:16
absolutely true
chrisy [Visitor] //March 3 2009 at 01:15
they should definetly get back together.
Alice [Visitor] //April 5 2009 at 01:17
Heh I agree. The lead guitarist for Red Cortez looks very much like Pete D. I think his name is Calvin J. Love. He's HOT!
Cindy [Visitor] //April 21 2009 at 17:16
They should do the festivals and not worry about what people think. As far as I am concerned, they deserve every penny they are being offered, especially Carl.It is money they WOULD have made had they stayed together anyway.They are being given an opportunity to get back what they lost out on.
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