The Libertines

[sunflower68]

I don't get it.  How come they are now becoming a household name yet I couldn't name one of their hits.  Mr Doherty has suddenly become headline news but what of other junkies in bands who have never had a major hit.  I am on about before Kate Moss arrived on the scene too.

[andy hughes]

The news value is not Mr Doherty, but Ms. Moss. In the past, newspapers have found out that Ms Moss is so litigeous that even printing a vague rumour that she may have been on the same hemisphere as someone who knows someone who takes drugs has seen the air turn dark with falling law suits. Now, by association, they can infer that there may be a connection - not in fact (or in law) but in the minds of readers. Since Ms. Moss's legal anennae are only as finely tuned as the press' urge for vengence means that .... hey presto ... a possibly talented musician is going to be splashed all over the red tops for his drug use, his girlfriend, and his music - in that order.

[sunflower68]

I agree Andy.  I still feel however that he and his band's name have been rolling around the press for about a year for no other subject but his habit.  If it were a well-recognised band I could better understand but they aren't. 

[Mattk]

i too have also wondered why the media are so fascinated with this no-name z-lister !

[jassy]

pete was a vital part of the libertines as were the rest of the band it is because of petes drung problem that the libertines have become so well know im not saying that without this story they would so crappy unknown band but the it has help them be known

i think the media just want to see pete crash and burn and dont give a **** about the music

[Philtaz]

I'm of the same opinion as Mattk.  Decidedly average(at best) singer with propensity for heroine, assault and burglary is sacked by little known band.

Still can't see where the headlines are coming from!

And their latest album is absolutely dire............!!!

[cruthinboy]

How come if he's such a wasted junkie he's got a huge bloater of a face? Obviously fitting plenty of pies in between hits.

[nedflanders]

Have you actually sat and listened to their music??? The first album is one the best rock'n'roll/indie pieces of music you will hear.  It is fresh and lively and not over engineered like most rock/Indie bands so it almost sounds as if its live.  As for his singing he has a unique style which makes the whole experience different from any other regular dross currently about.  I was of the same opinion until i actually got a copy of the album and listened to it.  I had to listen to it 3 or 4 times until i got into it but now it is one of my all time faves.  The 2nd album was not as good but i still like it.  Give it a try.

[nedflanders]

Whats your opinion on them Andy ?

[sunflower68]

I'm sure they are a good band ned and I'm not disputing that.  There are many great  bands around today and not all of them make it big.  I would put the Libertines in this category because they are not known for their music.  Surely this is normally the first thing to distinguish a band; the media scrum then follow, tracing the sordid sex and drugs story. They just seem to have skipped a step, as it were.