Photo Credit: @midlandstomanchester
Indie legends THE LIBERTINES rounded off their victorious return to the touring circuit with a handful of outdoor summer performances. With a set filled with mid-00’s indie classics and tracks from their chart topping fourth record ‘All Quiet on the Eastern Esplanade‘, the penultimate show took place at the charming Halifax venue, The Piece Hall.
Peter Doherty arrived just before the Black Country duo’s set to present the capacity crowd to GANS, a band who are set to release their debut album ‘Good for the Soul‘ on Doherty’s label, Strap Originals. Devoted Libs supporters may already be familiar with the Birmingham duo due to their appearances on Doherty’s solo run earlier this year. It was an eye opening experience for the people who aren’t aware of the band, or what these two were capable of. When ‘A Fool‘ and ‘In Time’ followed to open their chaotic support slot, the pair immediately started wreaking havoc on stage.
Drummer/vocalist Euan Woodman soon made his way in to the crowd, creating an open space to encourage a mosh pit to form for the next song. His wishes were granted once service resumed, while ‘This Product‘ was their most well received track of the evening. The conclusion of ‘Oh George‘ rounded off GANS‘ Halifax appearance, where they were met with a huge roaring applause from the capacity crowd as both Euan and Thomas exited the stage embracing each other. The Birmingham duo are set to embark on a UK tour this September, with limited tickets remaining.
As 9pm struck, the Piece Hall was overshadowed by darkness. As the summer series is coming to a close, the nights are drawing darker much quicker, but that didn’t hinder the mood on this evening as THE LIBERTINES were about to step on stage. Making a quick entrance to a roaring cheer, the band kicked off with fan favourite ‘Up the Bracket‘ to get the ball rolling. The lively indie classic was the perfect opener to get the crowd pumped up, with the front section bouncing around and the whole venue singing along from the get go. As Doherty graced the stage exquisitely, Barat made use of the room as he threw his weight around in between lyrics. Further crowd pleasers ‘The Delaney‘ and ‘What Became of the Likely Lads‘ followed next to continue the intensity.
Following up with ‘What Katie Did’, The Libs brought it down a notch with ‘Shiver’ to allow everyone to gather their energy before ramping it back up again. A brief halt in the performance during ‘Music When the Lights Go Out’ was caused by a crowd issue which saw the front section being crushed. Drummer Gary Powell ushered the crowd to follow instructions so the show could continue, and normal service soon resumed.
Returning to the stage for ‘The Good Old Days‘, it was like there wasn’t any pause in the night. Their returning single ‘Run Run Run’ has quickly become one of their top tracks since the campaign for ‘All Quiet on the Eastern Esplanade‘ began back in October 2023. Barat showed no signs of slowing down yet as he continuing to hurl himself around the stage once again, while Doherty calmly sang and swayed throughout. Rounding off with ‘Can’t Stand Me Now’, the crowds energy, as expected, was at an all time high at this stage, but there was still plenty to get through for the oncoming encore.
A 5-track encore was certainly a welcomed one. Opening with ‘Man With the Melody‘ and ‘Gunga Din‘ continue to remain setlist staples, while ‘Songs They Never Play on the Radio‘ set up the grand finale of their two biggest tracks to conclude their Halifax performance. ‘Time for Heroes‘ had everyone up and dancing once more, with the band letting the odd smirk out just in time for the one song that everyone was eagerly waiting for, ‘Don’t Look Back into the Sun‘.
This was The Libertines at their very best and as they are set to step away for however long it may be, Peter, Carl, Gary and John, we salute you.
Taped Magazine 