The Libertines

The Libertines' 2002 album Up the Bracket was a critical smash in the UK, but the band was soon in trouble due to singer Pete Doherty's destructive drug habit. Though they recorded a second, self-titled album which was also a hit with British critics, Doherty's continuing problems meant the band had to split in 2004.

The Libertines formed in 1997 around the duo of Pete Doherty and Carl Barât, two students living in London. For several years they employed a revolving rhythm section and worked on their songs until they managed to secure support slots with hot new bands The Strokes and The Vines. These shows attracted the attention of the NME and former Clash guitarist Mick Jones, who agreed to produce their debut album, while journalists racked up the hype. Up the Bracket was released in 2002 to rapturous reviews, and in time has been seen to be a strong influence on a new generation of British indie-rock bands.

However, Doherty began to have major problems with crack cocaine and heroin, and tensions within the band grew. Doherty began performing so-called guerilla gigs at local parties to raise quick cash for his next fix. Barât became increasingly upset by Doherty’s behaviour and eventually took the rest of the band on a world tour without him, while Doherty instigated Babyshambles as a side-project. While his bandmates were away on tour, Doherty burgled Barât’s flat several times in search of loot to sell for drug money. Doherty was arrested and sentenced to two months in prison.

Barât met Doherty out of prison, and the pair attempted to repair their friendship. For a short while things were going well and the band started recording a second album. However, soon Doherty’s demons caught up with him again as he returned to hard drugs. He was admitted to rehab in London but couldn’t complete the course; he was admitted to rehab in Thailand but again left early; he was arrested in London for possession of a knife. The Libertines was released in August 2004 and topped the UK album charts, while “Can’t Stand Me Now” reached No.2 on the singles chart and “What Became of the Likely Lads” was another Top 10 hit. But the Libertines could continue no longer with Doherty’s problems, and the band played their final show in December 2004.

Doherty continued with Babyshambles while Barât formed Dirty Pretty Things.