The Libertines

The Libertines, in some form or other, started life as Carlos Barat (guitars and vocals) and Peter Doherty (guitars and vocals) way back in 1996. They were aiming to be the best band in the world. They weren't quite there.

Hailing from the East End of London, the cockney two-some were writing loads and loads of songs and playing acoustic gigs in London pubs. Years passed, with friends and bassists and drummers coming and going, but it wasn't until 2001 that things started to kick off.

Carl and Pete were joined by bassist John Hassall and drummer Gary Powell to form The Libertines that everyone knows and loves. Equipped with a manager, Banny, and record deal on one of the biggest independent labels, Rough Trade, The Libertines were hailed as one of the best new bands of 2002. Interest in the band was storming, and former Suede guitarist Bernard Butler offered to produce their first single.

After charging through some songs in a studio in North London, the outcome was their debut single, What A Waster. The single, backed with I Get Along and Mayday, was immediately awarded Single Of The Week in the NME and crashed into the top 40 sales chart.

The band won many fans with this single release, including the former Clash guitarist Mick Jones. He got in touch with the band, and became the band's new producer and super-star fan. After sessions in RAK studios with Mick, a debut album was finished. Thirty-six-and-a-half minutes of raw UK talent to piss all over the new wave of garage bands from overseas.

The album reached number 35 in the album charts, and was followed by another top 40 single (Up The Bracket), a tour with Supergrass, sessions at the festivals and TV appearances including Later... With Jools Holland and Born Sloppy.

It got even bigger in 2003, with Time For Heroes becoming their first Top 20 hit. The band also played a series of special gigs in London, including one in Pete and Carl's flat!