The Libertines

Were an English rock band formed in London in 1997 by Carl Barat vocals and lead guitar and Peter Doherty vocals and rhythm guitar. The band also includes John Hassall on bass and Gary Powell on drums. Their style is often characterized between indie rock and 1977 style punk rock. Doherty and Barat had different musical influences. Doherty was inspired by bands such as Oasis, The Smiths, Sex Pistols and The Jam. Where as Barat admired The Velvet underground, The Clash, The doors and Django Reinhardt. Playing acoustic sets in dingy pubs and bar around London a favorite being Filthy McNasty's whiskey cafe near King Cross the band formed cult followers. The Libertines manager was called Banny Poostchi who had been a close friend of the two frontmen. On the October 1st 2001 Doherty and Barat played a showcase for James Endeacott from Rough Trade, taking a strong liking to the pair he advised them to pluck the courage up to play for the heads of Rough Trade Jeff Travis and Jeanette Lee on December 11th 2001. They were told they were to be signed, the deal took place on December 21st 2001. The band peeked in 2004 when they had singles hitting the number 1 and 2 spots in the UK charts. Their album up the bracket was voted second best album of the year in NME magazine. Both of their full length LP's were produced by Mick Jones of The Clash.  Many different troubles occoured later on in the band due to Doherty and Carl fighting constantly due to Dohertys drug addition to Crack Cocaine and Heroin. Sadly after a short life The Libertines went their separate ways in December 14th 2004. Doherty set up a new band called Babyshambles and Barat set up a band called Dirty Pretty Things.