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THE LIBERTINES

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GLASTONBURY
(a timeline)

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experience share by TBA
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[ THE LIBERTINE's links ]


2004
(n/a)

The Libertines did not make it to Glastonbury in 2004.
They were scheduled to perform on the Pyramid Stage on Sunday but were replaced by Supergrass. 

The reason for the cancellation was that lead singer, Pete Doherty, was ill and recuperating at a Buddhist monastery in Thailand at the time. ...
https://www.nme.com/news/music
/festivals-122-1365561


2005 Babyshambles
(other stage)
related timeline event, worth mentioning

Babyshambles, led by Pete Doherty, had a notable performance at the Glastonbury Festival in 2005.
They played a chaotic set on the Other Stage on June 24th, which was the first of their two scheduled performances at the event.
The band arrived 20 minutes late and played a "storming performance," according to NME. 2005 set:

  • Played on the Other Stage; this was their first of two performances at the festival.
  • Late arrival and chaotic performance; they arrived 20 minutes late and delivered a powerful, energetic set.
  • The setlist included key tracks like "Killamangiro," "Babyshambles," "Black Boy Lane," "In Love With A Feeling," and "Do You Know Me?".
  • Pete Doherty's crowd interaction included throwing his harmonica into the crowd and crowd-surfing, adding to the performance's energy.
  • The performance finished with "Fuck Forever," toppling the drum kit, and guitar feedback.
  • A second performance was scheduled for the Leftfield Stage the following day. 

Overall, the performance was described as "chaotic" and highly anticipated.
Although some critics found Doherty's voice and the music somewhat "weedy," the overall performance was considered a success by many attendees, who were impressed by the band's energy and Doherty's charisma.


2007 Babyshambles
(other stage)
related timeline event, worth mentioning

Babyshambles performed at Glastonbury Festival in 2007.
Their setlist included songs like "The Blinding," "Killamangiro," "Albion," "La Belle et la Bête," "Delivery," "Fuck Forever," and covers of The Libertines' "Time for Heroes" and "What Katie Did".
Lead singer Pete Doherty's then-girlfriend Kate Moss also made an appearance on stage during "La Belle Et La Bete".

Reviews of the performance were somewhat mixed.
Some critics noted that Babyshambles had improved since their previous Glastonbury performance in 2005.
Doherty's performance was praised by some as "fantastic" and "exactly the kind of performance that indie rock stars should give," with a strong presence and ability to engage the crowd.
Others, however, found the performance "weedy and defeated-sounding".
One reviewer described Pete Doherty's harmonica playing as "horribly listless" and "pathetic". 

However, the band's standards, including "Kilimanjaro" and "Fuck Forever," along with the Libertines' cover "A Time for Heroes," were considered highlights of the performance, showcasing Doherty at his best.
Overall, the performance was a mixed bag, but Doherty's charismatic stage presence and the inclusion of popular songs were appreciated by many. 


2015
(pyramid stage)

The Libertines played a secret set on the Pyramid Stage at Glastonbury in 2015.
They filled a slot on Friday, June 26th, which was originally for Florence + the Machine.
The Machine was moved to headliner status after Foo Fighters cancelled due to Dave Grohl's broken leg.
The band began their set with Vera Lynn's "We'll Meet Again" before starting

The setlist included: 

  • The Delaney
  • Vertigo
  • Time for Heroes
  • Horrorshow
  • Can't Stand Me Now
  • The Ha Ha Wall
  • Gunga Din
  • Music When the Lights Go Out
  • What Katie Did
  • The Boy Looked at Johnny
  • Boys in the Band
  • You're My Waterloo
  • Anthem for Doomed Youth (live debut)
  • Death on the Stairs
  • The Good Old Days
  • Tell the King
  • I Get Along
  • What a Waster
  • Don't Look Back Into the Sun 

The performance received mixed reactions: 

  • Positive: The band's performance of classics like "Time for Heroes," "Can't Stand Me Now," and "What Katie Did" were described as "triumphant set-savers". The crowd erupted during the closing song "Don't Look Back Into the Sun". The Telegraph described the show as a "relentless pile-driver of a set that whipped us all into a frenzy," noting that their "shambolic charm remains". Despite their famously fractious relationship, the band members shared microphones and appeared at ease.
  • Negative: Some found the performance to be sloppy and focused more on nostalgia rather than a fresh sound. One reviewer described "Horrorshow" as "sloppy and rigid" and "The Boy Looked At Johnny" as "staid and dated". New material was met with a tepid response from fans.


AND?

The band played on the Pyramid Stage at 8:25 PM.
It was their first time on that stage.

  • The setlist included nineteen songs, featuring newer tracks like "Gunga Djin," "Anthem For Doomed Youth," and "You're My Waterloo," along with fan favorites such as "The Delaney," "Vertigo," and "Time For Heroes".
  • The band members were Carl Barât (vocals/guitar), Pete Doherty (vocals/guitar), John Hassall (bass), and Gary Powell (drums). Gary Powell provided a solid foundation for the band's chaotic energy.
  • The set was described as "classic Libertines: rough around the edges, scrappy," yet "unforgettable".
  • After the performance, The Libertines left Glastonbury by helicopter for another festival in Russia.
    (The Libertines played at the 
    Ahmad Tea Music Festival in Moscow, Russia on June 27, 2015.
    They were the headlining act for the festival, which took place at 
    Muzeon Park.
    The band also played a surprise set at 
    Glastonbury the day before.)
  • The performance occurred during a period of difficulty for the band, including Pete Doherty's struggles with addiction.
    Their song "Can't Stand Me Now" from their self-titled second album, released around this time, detailed the strained relationship between Doherty and Barât. ???


2022
(ohter stage)

The Libertines performed at Glastonbury 2022, opening the Other Stage on Friday.
Their set was described as a classic, "rough around the edges" performance, featuring crowd favorites like "What Became of the Likely Lads," "Run Run Run," and "What Katie Did".
The band also paid tribute to Ukraine with a video message from President Zelenskyy, 
according to NME


Here's a more detailed breakdown:

Opening Act:

  • The Libertines kicked off the festival's first main stage performance since 2019. 

Crowd Reaction:

  • The band's performance was met with enthusiastic singing and even some crowd surfing as they played classics like "Can't Stand Me Now". 

Setlist:

  • The setlist included "Up The Bracket," "Vertigo," "The Ha Ha Wall," "Gunga Din," "What Katie Did," "You're My Waterloo," "Boys in the Band," "Can't Stand Me Now," "Music When the Lights Go Out," "Horrorshow," "What Became of the Likely Lads," "Death on the Stairs," "The Good Old Days" (with a chant of "Danny Zelensky"), "Time for Heroes," and "Don't Look Back Into the Sun", according to Setlist.fm

Zelenskyy's Message:

  • Before their performance, a video message from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy was played, calling on the crowd to spread truth about the war with Russia and share Glastonbury's inclusive spirit, according to The Independent

Band Members:

  • The performance featured Pete Doherty in a long hooded coat and wellies, Carl Barât in snakeskin boots, pinstripe trousers and a vest, and drummer Gary Powell. 

2025
(pyramid stage)

The Libertines performed at Glastonbury Festival in 2025. 

  • They played on the Pyramid Stage on the final day, Sunday, June 29th.
  • Their set was notable for including songs from their 2024 album, 'All Quiet On The Eastern Esplanade', as well as older classics like 'Don't Look Back Into The Sun'.
  • Pete Doherty and Carl Barât were interviewed backstage after their set, reflecting on the experience and hinting at plans for new music.
  • They played just before Rod Stewart's Legends slot.
  • The Glastonbury 2025 lineup included other notable acts like Olivia Rodrigo, Neil Young, and The 1975.

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