The Libertines once had a reputation for riotous live performances, but have mellowed with age while still holding on to their unique sound. As part of a nearly sold out UK tour, the indie quartet took to the Rock City stage and LeftLion was there to witness the rapturous welcome...
As a first supporting act, the pressure to come out and make an impression to a crowd which may not be too familiar with your music is hard, but Nottingham-based act Vona Vella certainly left a lasting impact.
Their melodic, alternative tracks were at points hypnotic in the way they carried the audience with them.
The two lead singers both carry dream-like voices which whisk you away alongside their paradisical guitars.
Before going to watch The Libertines, I really didn’t know what to expect. I was too young to get a real grasp of the volatile relationship between Karl and Pete, but I have most definitely heard the stories. For me, there was a sense of anticipation to not only listen to their music, but to see how their relationship has matured throughout the years.
When taking the stage, the came out to a huge roar from the crowd, all hungry to see what they had to offer. They kicked it off with the classic, Up the Bracket, which was met with fierce applause. It was clear that the band took great pleasure in playing these songs, and to relive those moments.
Having said that, this show wasn’t about living in the past, it was about seeing how far The Libertines have come as a group, which they displayed thoroughly throughout the set.
The banded guided us through their new album which both sonically and practically, felt revolutionised.
It felt harmonious throughout, and seeing the lead two singers share the microphone felt like a full-circle moment in what has been a rollercoaster since their debut self-titled record.
The sound of The Libertines is timeless, which could be seen through the crowd. At the front you had a group of young lads all bouncing up and down in a large group, yet as you filtered further out, there were people reliving their experiences with The Libertines from when they were that age. The whole crowd felt joyed to be there, which added to the overall experience.
Overall, this was an event which felt spirited from the beginning to the end, even wholesome at points, which is one way I’m sure you’d never expect to describe The Libertines…
The Libertines performed at Rock City on 21st October 2024, with support from Vona Vella, Real Farmer and Ed Cousens.
Ed Cousens (left)
Real Farmer (below)
We have a favour to ask
LeftLion is Nottingham’s meeting point for information about what’s going on in our city, from the established organisations to the grassroots. We want to keep what we do free to all to access, but increasingly we are relying on revenue from our readers to continue. Can you spare a few quid each month to support us?
