A rather incredible thing happened on Saturday night: the cavernous enclaves of The O2 Arena, London’s own enormodome, played host to a full headline set from The Libertines. Even more incredible still, they turned up very much on time – as the clock struck the pre-appointed 9:15pm on-stage call, no less – and proceeded to play the kind of accomplished set that you’d expect to see from a band who truly belong in music’s big leagues.
Yes, it was a triumphant occasion for the much-loved Boys In The Band, delivering a mostly-polished show that took in 22 songs from Libertines material past and present (from 2002 debut release ‘What A Waster’ to their most recent single, ‘You’re My Waterloo’), culminating in a euphoric rendition of ‘Don’t Look Back Into The Sun’. The gig capped off what’s been a successful first jaunt of the UK’s arena circuit for the four-piece, proving that not only is there a clear hunger amongst the country’s gig-goers to see The Libertines in action, but that the band themselves are fully capable of adapting their once-skag-and-bone sound to fill the largest of indoor venues.
Naturally, both Libs fans and band took to social media before, during and after the gig to express their delight at such a rip-roaring performance – here’s a round-up of some of the best footage and reactions to the triumphant O2 show.
Pre-gig nerves, lads?
A few I took last night of @libertines during their last gig of the UK tour ❤️ pic.twitter.com/fUwaZt1QaZ
— Helen (@whitters_77) January 31, 2016
Kudos to this fan for clutching onto her phone whilst moshing to ‘Don’t Look Back Into The Sun’
last night was the best night of my life @libertines I love u xx pic.twitter.com/HqArLbKz10
— jade (@jadecarney98) January 31, 2016
Recommended
Support Sleaford Mods showed their appreciation to Pete’n’Carl
Many thanks to @libertines for the gigs. X lovely men.
— Sleaford Mods (@sleafordmods) January 31, 2016
This fan got more than he bargained for when drummer Gary Powell threw his sticks into the crowd at the end of the gig
@gdogg27 you hit me in the face last night with your drumstick. Look at the bump pic.twitter.com/EWhHn4AQ6Y
— David Perry (@DjnPerry) January 31, 2016
Gary also led the crowd in a round of “ole, ole, ole!” at the show’s end – which fans proceeded to sing afterwards as they made their way to the tube station
https://twitter.com/TheAmazonica/status/693885358656917505