Hearing that the Libertines were coming to Manchester was exiting enough itself. Being there was a different matter, in the hustle and bustle of the crowds, yet everyone was so friendly. Victoria Warehouse itself is loud, yet works really well with low ceilings, making the gig feel pretty intimate.
We arrived a little early to make sure we got to hear Trampoline perform beforehand, greeting us with a brilliant intro, their punchy sound and fantastic interaction with the crowd.
Around 9:30, the lights went down, the room went quiet, and out came a motivational speaker to introduce the band. Carl Barât and Pete Doherty’s presence wowed the crowd, the lights started to scan the crowds and the iconic sound of The Libertines was biblical.
The full gig continued as well as the first track right from The Delaney, to the ending with Time for heroes.
The band exited the stage, leaving everyone thrilled with what they’d just heard. As the crowds turn towards the exit, the band re-enter the stage, playing the first note to Music When the Lights Go Out. Such a buzz in the room as the encore began… playing yet more songs, ending on the well-known What a Waster.
Matt Jones