May 16, 2009 3:17

The Libertines reunite for London show

Pete, Carl and Gary play intimate gig in capital

Photo Gallery: The Libertines

Three members of The Libertines reunited in the early hours of this morning (May 16) to play live together for the first time since they split in 2004 - and you can watch video footage of the set by scrolling to the bottom of this article.

Singer/guitarists Pete Doherty and Carl Barat were joined by drummer Gary Powell onstage at the London Rhythm Factory for a tribute gig to the late Johnny Sedassy, who used to put on gigs by the band, plus those by Doherty's current band Babyshambles and his solo shows.

Rumours had circulated that some kind of Libertines reunion was on the cards, although it was unclear under what form the show would take even as the early hours approached.

Babyshambles played a set before the reunion, taking the stage at 2:15am (BST) to play seven songs: 'I Wish', 'Killamangiro', 'Delivery', 'UnStookietitled', 'Back From The Dead', 'Baddie’s Boogie' and 'Albion'.

Then to the sound of screams and cheers from the crowd Barat took to the stage and strapped on a guitar, while Powell set up behind the drum kit. Babyshambles bassist Drew McConnell remained on stage to complete the four-piece.

The foursome launched into a frenetic version of early Libertines hit 'What A Waster', with Barat and Doherty sharing a microphone as they sang the lyrics.

They then played 'Up The Bracket', 'What Katy Did', 'Can't Stand Me Now', 'Time For Heroes' and 'Death On The Stairs', with Doherty leaping into the crowd near the end of the short set.

Barat and Powell left the stage to more cheers then Babyshambles' Adam Ficek and Mick Whitnall returned – plus a surprise guest.

The band were joined by their former guitarist Pat Walden, now playing with three-piece Big Dave, for the finale, playing 'Pipedown' and 'Fuck Forever' to close the eventful show in kinetic fashion.

Read a backstage report from the Libertines reunion show on the NME Office blog.

Plus watch video footage of the set on the NME Office Blog.

Photo Gallery - down the front at The Libertines' emotional reunion show.