The Libertines live at the Point, Dublin 09/07/2015 Review

Last night I got my chance to tick another band off my list of bands to see before I die. My first taste of the Libertines was hearing their 2004 self titled album shortly after it was released. Since then the band has been a mainstay on the pod, record player and any playlist I’d make. That same year the lads went their separate ways and after a long eleven years they find themselves in Ireland headlining their third ever Irish date. During those years I kept an eye on all the side projects from both Pete and Carl and along with the rest of the world, looked on as Pete self-destructed, hoping that he would get himself together and that the band would finally play live again.

 I got to see Carl live when 'Dirty Pretty Things' played limerick in 2008 (Review). I managed to meet him later on in the night in Costellos (a local nightclub) and bought him a double whiskey :)

 I’m delighted to see that Pete has turned himself around somewhat and that the lads are currently bringing out new tracks. The latest offering of last weeks single 'Gunga Din' gives us great hope for the third album 'Anthems For Doomed Youth' which is out on September 4th.

I arrived at the Point early and managed to get a good spot middle center amongst the rowdy crowd, populated with young Pete-a-likes and older Mods wearing smirks of amusement at the high-jinx of the plethora of wasted teens. Unsurprisingly the boisterous crowd was bubbling with excitement and despite a love of throwing their plastic pints full of very over-priced beer into the air throughout the night, the atmosphere managed to build to the cusp of anarchy without ever spilling over into full blown carnage. The support act 'The Courteeners' warmed up the place nicely. I wouldn't know much of their stuff but the crowd seemed pleased with their well-played, if somewhat forgettable set. It nearly felt like a hometown gig for them with the amount of Manchester heads knocking around at the front of the gig.

The lowering of a banner brandishing the now iconic font of ‘The Libertines’ on stage signalled the lads arrival on stage with the Dubliners 'Molly Malone' providing entrance music to a frenzied reception from the crowd. Without any hesitation, the band blasted through an excellently picked set sprinkled with three new tracks from the forthcoming album which all sounded brilliant live. The old tracks still stood up and sounded fresh. I wasn't expected much judging from past live shows in which I have witnessed sloppy vocals and poor playing, but the band were surprisingly tight with Pete and Carl chemistry at the fore. It was really nice to be proven wrong and the crowd squealed to see the pair sharing a mic throughout the set and clearly having such great craic on stage.

The gig had it all. From marriage proposal fails to the random appearance of a bleary-eyed Shane McGowan on stage (apparently falling asleep at the side of the stage during the gig, or so Pete said). He joined them a second time at the end for a bow to the crowd. The band finished the night in true rock and roll style throwing around their guitars and launching mic stands and mics into the crowd.

I had fully intended to drive back to Limerick after the gig but this was too good of a gig not to enjoy with a few pints so three songs in and following some frantic phone calls, a hotel was booked :) It truly was an amazing gig and it was brilliant to hear those tracks live and it was mad to see all the kids at the gig having that same love of those songs.

 The length of their time away would have been detrimental to most bands but the Libertines are if anything bigger than ever playing secret shows in Glastonbury and headlining festivals for the summer. The new album sounds promising so hopefully we will see more live dates cropping up around. It is one show not to miss out on before another possible break up happens :)

Check out my video below for a sample of the brilliance.

Set List:
The Delaney
Campaign Of Hate
Vertigo
Time For Heroes
Begging
The Ha Ha Wall
What Katie Did Music
When The Lights Go Out
The Boy Looked At Johnny
Boys In The Band
Gunga Din
Barbarians
 Can't Stand Me Now
Death On The Stairs
Tell The King
The Good Old Days
You’re My Waterloo
What Became Of The Likely Lads
Don’t Look Back Into The Sun
Up The Bracket
What A Waster
I Get Along