The Libertines – 10 Reasons Why Their 2016 Arena Tour Will Be Their Best Yet

The boys in the band are back with a new album ‘Anthems For Doomed Youth’ and, in January, they’ll be heading out on their very first arena tour. Not what many would have predicted to happen back in 2004, hey? Here’s 10 reasons why it could be their greatest tour yet…

1
There’s a new camaraderie between the band

There’s a new camaraderie between the band: When NME caught up with Carl Barat in August, he told us things were different now because the band were all friends. “I feel like we’re growing together, I suppose instead of being thrown together,” he said, and that camaraderie will only make their performances stronger.

2
It’s not for the money this time

It’s not for the money this time: Pete Doherty claimed 2010’s reunion was for the money that was being thrown The Libertines’ way. This time they’re not just looking to make a quick buck. “If we said it wasn’t working, we wouldn’t do it just to keep taking money out of it,” Carl told NME.

3
The new songs

The new songs

The new songs: Instead of just going on a nostalgia trip, they’ve got a whole record of new songs to filter into their sets. If crowd reactions at recent gigs are anything to go by, then their fans aren’t just interested in reliving the early 2000s either.

Advertisement

4
Their new fans

Their new fans: New songs mean new fans, too. Tons of teenagers who’ve heard the band on the radio or via friends and older siblings should inject some fresh enthusiasm into the crowds.

5
It’s new ground for the Libs

It’s new ground for the Libs: Pete might have done arenas with Babyshambles, but The Libertines have never headlined one before. Expect them to put some effort into making them special events, whether that’s via stellar support bills, production extras, special guests or something else entirely.

6
They’re still one of Britain’s most spontaneous live bands

They’re still one of Britain’s most spontaneous live bands: They might be older and a little bit wiser now, but there’s still an unpredictable edge to The Libertines. Will they delve deep into their early catalogue and play songs only available on demo compilations? Will they launch into a medley of covers by other indie heroes? Who knows!

7
They have experience on big stages now

They have experience on big stages now: Last year’s shows at Alexandra Palace and this year’s headline sets at Reading and Leeds have proved that, while their natural habitat might be small, sweaty venues, The Libertines can cut it on the big stages too. After all their recent practice, expect them to be dab hands at delivering on a huge scale.

Advertisement

8
It should broaden their appeal even more

It should broaden their appeal even more: Playing arenas doesn’t mean their losing touch with that Libertine spirit that made them so special in the first place either. If nothing else, it opens the doors to as many people as possible. After all, being a Libertines fan never was about exclusivity.

9
They’re in safe hands

They’re in safe hands: The band are being joined on the road by Dylan Kerr, Pete’s drugs counselor. He’ll hopefully keep him on the straight and narrow, and make sure Pete stays happy and healthy enough to play the gigs. And if Pete suffers another pre-show anxiety attack, it won’t hurt to have someone like Kerr around to help him through things.

10
It’s a new chapter

It’s a new chapter: Where will they go from here? Making the step up to arena status, there’s a sense we’re witnessing the beginning of a new era for a band once thought done for. Who’d have thunk it? Priority Tickets for The Libertines are available on Weds September 23 at 9am – 48 hours before general release. Search O2 Priority or click here.

Advertisement
Advertisement