“AQOTEE is the narrative of a band that has defied the odds to even reach this milestone, it serves as a poignant reflection of the band’s current phase—a quieter existence marked by love and family, which to many is what The Libertines has always meant.”

At 8:15 pm, amidst an electric atmosphere at the Signature Brew Black Horse Road, The Libertines emerged onto the stage, immediately igniting a frenzy among the crowd by hoisting a scarf aloft and tossing it into the crowd. Before uttering a single word, they had connected with their fans. What might seem like a small gesture to others, gave evidence that to The Libertines, the fans have always come first.

Those lucky enough to have tickets to the night had been able to spend the afternoon socialising together outside of the venue, including sampling the limited edition ‘Baron’s Claw’ Lager made specially for the event. At around 6:30 fans started to filter into the main event where there was a static-like eagerness also filling the room. 

As the clock edged towards 6:30, the venue filled with eager fans, their excitement evident in the air. A well-lit window opposite the stage offered tantalizing glimpses of the band, adding to the anticipation as they awaited the debut performance of the brand new album ‘All Quiet On The Eastern Esplanade.’

With the opening chords of “Run Run Run,” the album unfolded seamlessly, spanning just over 38 minutes. Though not everyone present may have been seasoned critics, conversations buzzed with nostalgia, passion, and a sense of thrill-chasing, still being the catalyst to what makes a Libertines track.

The Libertines took the stage for their acoustic set promptly at 9:00, kicking off with the timeless classic “What A Waster” and culminating in the anthemic “Don’t Look Back into The Sun.” Amidst these classics, they seamlessly weaved in selections from their latest offering, ‘All Quiet On The Eastern Esplanade’ (AQOTEE), which was recorded at their very own Albion Rooms in Maragate.

The night wasn’t simply a showcase of a new album however, it was a testament to who stands in front of us now. This isn’t just the regular case of a band being Four albums in —it’s the narrative of a band that defied the odds to even reach this milestone. After their earlier years of troubled times, when tabloids only cheerlead their downfall. Peter too often became the face of backlash and public scrutiny, but I think it’s time to remember that there were always four Likely Lads, (Peter, Carl, John and Gary)  navigating the highs and lows to get them to now. 

‘All Quiet On The Eastern Esplanade’, serves as a poignant reflection of the band’s current phase—a quieter existence marked by love and family, which to many is what The Libertines has always meant. 

Live review by Molly Noble

Photo credits @mollygsnaps