Early 2000s English rockers the Libertines have announced they’re reuniting–again. But it’s for one show only at Hyde Park in London on July 5. The reason, it would seem, is that co-frontman Pete Doherty (he of the tabloid-fodder addiction issues and brief relationships with models) has found himself in dire financial straights due to a reportedly only-recently-acknowledged child and the undoubtedly high cost of living a life so heavily influenced by the 18th century philosophical fad of abhorring moral restraint. Tickets go on sale May 2.
An essential piece in the resurgence of stripped down alternative garage rock sound in the early aughts, alongside bands like the Stokes and the Vines, the Libertines (which at its heart is the deep relationship between dueling singers/guitarists Carl Barât and Doherty) mixed almost early 60s sounding melodies with punkish grit. The group managed to release two studio albums, each with decent critical and commercial success, before Doherty’s tabloid escapades and legal troubles led to the other members kicking him and eventually disbanding with Barât and Doherty going on to a mix of solo careers and other bands. There was a brief reunion back in 2010, but it was limited to a couple festivals and private shows.
