The Libertines signed off their Tiddeley Om Pom Pom tour with a sold out show at Brighton Centre and it seems like they never stopped
An unprecedented three support acts preceded The Libertines on this wet and quintessentially English evening. Deadcuts, who have been a regular support slot for Pete Doherty, are a band formed from the ashes of other popular acts, including The Senseless Things, Mick Jones and the Wonder Stuff. Deadcuts served as an appropriately dark and rocky opener for tonight’s headliners.
Lucie Barât, sister of Libertines co frontman Carl Barât, was next to take the stage. Lucie Barât gave an intense performance of well delivered sugary pop-rock and as the venue began to fill to its sold out capacity, the crowd roared with approval.
Lucie Barât, photo by Gili Dailes
Local favourites Yonaka are the third and final support act, delivering a blend of rock, metal and in some places, elements of hip hop. Frontwoman Theresa Jarvis, sporting a rather fabulous striped suit, struts around the stage with Jagger-like abandon, a spectacle that is both mesmerising and entertaining.
Yonaka, Photo by Gili Dailes
Yonaka, Photo by Gili Dailes
Yonaka, Photo by Gili Dailes
As the lights go down once more and everyone rushes to get a drink at the bar, we eagerly await the evening’s final and headline act, The Libertines. Introduced by what can only be described as some guy dressed as a Pastor, The Libertines have arrived, albeit fashionably late, but to a huge roar that seems to fill the entire venue, those up in the seated areas must have literally been on the edge of their seats.
Launching straight into the classic ‘Time for Heroes’, The Libertines perform as if they had never been away, they are admittedly a little rougher around the edges now, but the energy and passion remain.
Pete Doherty dressed in a sharp suit, moves around the stage as he always has, his voice is strong, clear and concise, doing justice to his poetic stories of English life.
The Libertines, Photo by Gili Dailes
The Libertines, Photo by Gili Dailes
Carl Barat, sporting the traditional Libertines attire of leather Jacket, jeans and a white vest delivers his more crooning vocal, thrashing at his guitar with punk-like ferocity. As is necessary in bands like The Libertines, a solid rhythm section supports these two wild cards, holding everything in place.The two frontman share the microphone regularly (another Libertines trademark) and you would never have guessed that at one point in time, these two couldn’t stand each other, made famously public by the 2004 hit ‘Can’t Stand Me Now’, which ironically, is next up.
The Libertines, Photo by Gili Dailes
The Libertines, Photo by Gili Dailes
The Libertines, Photo by Gili Dailes
The Libertines, Photo by Gili Dailes
The Libertines, Photo by Gili Dailes
The Libertines, Photo by Gili Dailes
It only takes a few opening notes of this song to register with the crowd, who answer with yet another roar of approval. The Libertines are attracting fans both old and new this evening, as we gaze into the depths of the audience, a wide mix of ages found here tonight, from the original fans from the early 2000s, to a surprising amount of teenagers who appear to know every word.
Pints of beer and whatever else are thrown throughout the entire show, and no one seems to care, it’s all in the spirit of the evening and more so, in the spirit of the band themselves.
The Libertines have provided a good mix of new songs and old favourites, both of which hit the mark with their eclectic fan base.
The evening draws to a close, a fantastic, passionate, and almost punk performance from a band of yesteryear, showing they still have plenty to give.
The Libertines, Photo by Gili Dailes
The Libertines, Photo by Gili Dailes
The Libertines, Photo by Gili Dailes
The Libertines, Photo by Gili Dailes
The Libertines, Photo by Gili Dailes
The Libertines + Support from Deadcuts, Lucie Barat and Yonaka
October 2nd, Brighton Centre
Words by Lloyd Coote
Photos by Gili Dailes