WORDS AND IMAGES WARREN MILLAR
In a night that can only be described as a raucous and nostalgic trip down the hallowed halls of British rock history, The Libertines took the stage at The Cavern Club in Liverpool on January 24, 2024. The iconic venue, synonymous with the birth of The Beatles, played host to an intimate and electrifying performance that reminded everyone in attendance why The Libertines are still a force to be reckoned with.
On the 13th of October 2023 the band released their first single in eight years, as well as announcing that their new album All Quiet on the Eastern Esplanade will be arriving on March 8, 2024. To celebrate the announcement of the new album the band announced “The Albionay Tour”. An intimate club tour that sold out in seconds. Tonights gig at The Cavern is the second of this tour. We can’t wait for this one !
It’s a rather mild night tonight in Liverpool and not as windy as the last few days (we have had two storms here in the U.K. last week!) Walking into the iconic Mathew Street, Liverpool amongst the tourists and music lovers we get the feeling that this could be a memorable evening.
First up on stage we have “Shortstraw” fronted by the energetic punk poet/rapper Erin West hailing from Coventry this girl has real stage presence and looks the part in her blue retro Adidas Track suit top. On drums and adding to this captivating set Leo White adds the heavy punk beats. For her young age Erin is a polished and competent performer as she moves about the stage belting out great punk rap songs. Think of an early Kea Tempest. Keep an eye out for “Shortstraw” we think big things will come for them this year judging from tonight’s performance.
Next up in The Cavern Stage we have “Saint Leonard” from London fronted by the enigmatic Kieran (Saint) Leonard strolling on stage in a pristine white suit. Quietly spoken when not belting out his tunes this guy looks so cool as do his two band members. Difficult to tie down Saint Leonards style but in a good way but as Kieren has said himself in interviews “I’ve heard people muttering ‘genre bending’ under their breath and there’s talk of a jazz-techno Jacques Brel vibe and one person even placed it as ‘sex fiend depeche mode music narrated by Jeremy Irons’, so at this stage, your guess is absolutely as good as mine”. Some great avant-garde Sax and keyboards mixed into some of their tunes really make their sound a real pleasure to listen to. Somewhat Left Field Jazz/Electronic feel and you can tell from some tracks that they have spent some time in Berlin recording, it’s got that Germanic feel. A great set and one we enjoyed a lot defiantly check these guys out.
It was now time for “The Libertines” As the crowd eagerly gathered in the cozy confines of The Cavern Club, there was a palpable sense of anticipation and excitement. The air was thick with the promise of a night filled with raw energy and the unmistakable sound of anthemic indie rock. From the first chord, it was evident that The Libertines were ready to deliver. Opening with the infectious ” Up the Bracket ” the crowd erupted into a sea of bouncing bodies and spirited sing-alongs. Carl Barât and Pete Doherty’s onstage chemistry was as captivating as ever, a testament to the enduring, if not sometimes troubled,friendship that has defined The Libertines throughout their tumultuous history.
The Cavern Club’s intimate setting allowed for a unique connection between the band and the audience. As they delved into fan favorites like “Time for Heroes” and “Run, Run, Run” it felt like a communal celebration of shared memories and a shared love for music that refuses to be confined by time. The Libertines didn’t shy away from embracing their past, with Doherty and Barât trading vocals and guitar riffs in a way that echoed the rebellious spirit of their early days. The energy was contagious, and the audience reciprocated with fervor, creating an atmosphere that blurred the lines between performer and spectator.
Despite their well-documented history of tumult, The Libertines displayed a unity and resilience that added a layer of poignancy to the performance. The stripped-down, raw sound resonated throughout The Cavern Club, evoking the spirit of a bygone era while still feeling undeniably fresh.
As the night reached its crescendo with the anthemic “Don’t Look Back Into The Sun” there was a collective sense of gratitude in the room. The Libertines had not only delivered a memorable performance but had also transported everyone present to a place where the power of music transcends the passage of time.
In the end, The Libertines at The Cavern Club on January 24, 2024, was more than a concert; it was a testament to the enduring power of rock and roll, a celebration of friendship, and a reminder that some bands, much like The Cavern Club itself, will forever hold a special place in the heart of music lovers.
Liverpool, The Libertines and The Cavern Club, what more would any true live music lover want ? We had it all in one fantastic night.
Set List
Up the Bracket
Vertigo
Run, Run, Run
What Became of the Likely Lads
Night of the Hunter
The Boy Looked at Johnny
Shiver
Music When the Lights Go Out
Can’t Stand Me Now
What Katie Did
Mustang
Death on the Stairs
Time for Heroes
Encore:
Gunga Din
The Good Old Days
Don’t Look Back Into the Sun
FOLLOW THE LIBERTINES
FOLLOW SHORTSTRAW
FOLLOW SAINT LEONARD
My life is a soundtrack, i track my life through music, photography is my passion, my escape, my expression. Without both i have pieces missing, thankfully i’m blessed and get to combine both.
Born in Manchester, lived in Australia for 22 years where i was heavily involved in the Australian Music Industry, firstly in bands (Singer) and then managing bands (all original), I moved back to the UK, Wales specifically 10 years ago