Photo Credit: @ambgyphotography
Indie rock icons THE LIBERTINES headed back out on the road to kick off their ‘All Quiet on the Eastern Esplanade’ album cycle with a series of intimate shows up and down the UK, playing in not only some up close and personal shows, but also in towns and cities that are not on the major touring circuit, that included a sold out performance at The Drill in Lincoln.
Before the big event, the drinks were plentiful, and despite it being a Monday, the Lincoln mob appeared to be rather excited about what was about to come. The audience exploded as the lights went down, and the band emerged on stage one by one to a growing roar of applause. A normal band would open with their newest single, especially when they have an album coming out, but The Libertines are not your average band. Beginning with the always enjoyable ‘Up the Bracket’ to get everyone in the room moving right away.
Following up with songs from their debut album, ‘Vertigo’ was up next, and it appeared that the crowd was already pleased with a few of the earlier songs to start the evening. Carl Barat took advantage to put all his energy into this future indie rock classic with their new single ‘Run Run Run’. His many departures from the microphone and returns to deliver a powerful chorus demonstrate that, even after more than 25 years, they never skip a beat.
Another timeless classic ‘What Became of the Likely Lads’ brought out the best of the Lincoln crowd. The room was filled with sing a longs and jumping around just as if it was a performance from the mid-00’s. The band then invited a member of the audience to perform alongside them for ‘Music When the Lights Go Out’, to which she received a huge ovation for her efforts.
Perhaps their most well-known track ‘Can’t Stand Me Now’ upped the ante on the night. Fans showered them with applause and heaped praise upon each other’s shoulders as they gave them a festival-worthy response for this ultimate indie classic. Pete Doherty’s harmonica flawlessly captured the recorded version too.
The set also included much loved tracks ‘What Katie Did‘ and ‘Death On The Stairs‘ but it was the golden oldie ‘Time for Heroes‘ that rocked The Drill. The roar from the crowd as the song had begun, continued all the way through until the band exiting the stage for what was one of their best performances since reforming.
After the eager fans continued to cheer for more, the quartet returned to round off the night with ‘Gunga Din‘ and ‘The Good Old Days‘ before concluding with the powerful ‘Don’t Look Back into the Sun‘ which once again enticed the crowd to unleash their remaining energy to shake off those Monday blues.
The Libertines continue to not only please their fans, but still wow them after all these years, cementing themselves as one of Britain’s finest acts of all time.
Pre-orders for ‘All Quiet on the Eastern Esplanade‘ are available HERE.
Taped Magazine 