Live Review: The Libertines - Albert Hall, Manchester 07/11/2024
Living legends, The Libertines, descend upon Manchester’s Albert Hall to stun a sell-out crowd.
It’s safe to say that the group, who have plied their trade for many years, can take on the biggest venues that the UK has to offer… so the fact that they have taken to some of the more intimate locations on this tour is truly special.
Manchester’s Albert Hall was primed and ready for a vintage Libertines showing… and that’s just what they got.
Not only were the headliners sublime, so too were the support acts who were along for the ride.
First up were genre-blending mavericks, Frozemode. If any of the crowd weren’t in the gig spirit initially, they certainly were after the group were finished with them. With huge tracks to their name like ‘No Assumptions’, Frozemode are sure to be a group that rise in popularity rapidly. They truly left their mark on Manchester, and the crowd loved them.
Even the time between acts was filled with gripping musical talent, courtesy of solo artist Evan Williams. His showings between acts were fantastic. He took to the stage with just his acoustic guitar and stunning voice, and that was more than enough. His raw, uncut style was so unique, and it’s no wonder The Libertines wanted his company at their shows.
Williams provided the perfect Segway between acts.
Ahead of The Libertines came fast-rising group, Chappaqua Wrestling. Their reputation clearly preceded them, as the room was nearly at capacity for their set.
They rose to the occasion and showed why they’re one of the hottest prospects around right now. Their sound captivated the crowd, with huge track ‘The Rift’ being one that stuck out. This song showed off the band’s abilities as a unit, coming together to create a huge, fuzzy sound that rocked the room. Chappaqua Wrestling looked right at home on the stage, and it feels as though they’re destined for huge successes themselves.
After Evan Williams’ second acoustic set, it was then time for the main event.
The Libertines took to the stage and received what can only described as a hero’s welcome. Manchester roared in unison as the legendary Libertines kicked off what was to be a formidable set.
Early on, fans were treated to some of the group’s older tracks. ‘The Delaney’ was one of those, in fact it was the opener. This one was a statement of intent. The Libertines showed that they were here to deliver a classic set filled with all the charisma and character that has become synonymous with them over the years.
Manchester belted out the words of the chorus with Pete Doherty, chanting “No, no, no. Yeah, yeah, yeah”. It was the first of many occasions where the crowd took control of the vocals.
Also performed early on were other familiar favourites, ‘What Became of The Likely Lads’, ‘Up The Bracket’ and ‘Boys In The Band’. The latter of those was a spectacle in itself. Carl Barat’s commanding presence was as brilliant as it ever has been, and he had the crowd in the palm of his hand as he sang the iconic chorus. Of course, Manchester helped him out, and belted it out.
The set was also home to a healthy dose of new music, with a number of tracks plucked from recent record ‘All Quiet On The Eastern Esplanade’.
The new material was extremely well received, with ‘Merry Old England’ and ‘Run Run Run’ being two that were particularly brilliant. The tracks showed that The Libertines really do still have it when it comes to making infectiously emotive music that has the power to captivate listeners. Their attentive crowd was evidence of this, with fans- young and old alike- coming together with a shared love of the group. It was beautiful to see.
The band performed a lengthy set, which is testament to their incredible discography. They could have played for hours on end… and the Manchester crowd would have been okay with that.
Sadly, though, the night did have to come to an end. The Libertines made sure it ended in style, though, with the showcasing of some of their biggest tracks.
They performed ‘Can’t Stand Me Now’ ahead of a short break before their encore. The track had Manchester’s Albert Hall bouncing. Everyone in attendance belted the words out and completely lost themselves in the music.
The crowd never wanted the encore to end, and for good reason. The Libertines smashed out tracks of such stature as ‘Last Post on The Bugle’, ‘What A Waster’ and ‘Time For Heroes’, all before they ended with the smash hit: ‘Don’t Look Back Into The Sun’. This was the ultimate climactic moment, giving Manchester one last chance to go wild.
The crowd did just that. The noise was thunderous, and re-iterated just how lived the group are.
With a bow to their audience, The Libertines left the stage.
Their professionalism and ability to hold the attention of a crowd was sublime. It’s safe to say that their powers have not faded over the years. If anything, the band have just got better and better.
The Libertines remain one of the best bands around, and it feels as though it will stay that way for some time.
Words by Matthew Caslin
Photography by Stu Moulding
