'The Libertines - Bound Together'. The story of Peter Doherty and Carl Barât and how they changed British music.

Why did I read this?

It all came around via Twitter (I can't praise Twitter enough haha).  Basically I saw that the @libertines were thanking @NME for rating their book as one of the top 20 essential reads.

So obviously being a big Libertines fan I had to check out this so called 'essential' musical literature. I found a couple of reviews on the book and that was it. I was going to get that book!  That's something I've found out about me recently, if I really want something I usually won't stop trying til I get it.  It can be really frustrating but I know people who are the opposite and I just can't imagine not trying for the best! Anyways...

I started looking online and retreated to my faithful friend Amazon to see if they had some in stock.  Of course they did, and within seconds my order was placed and the waiting began...

"Our goals can only be reached through a vechile of a plan, in which we must fervently believe, and upon which we must vigorously act.  There is no other route to success." - Pablo Picasso

1st impressions?

YES! I was so so excited, I didn't realise it was a hardback either, which made it even more beautiful. It was first published in 2006...how haven't I come across this before now!? Oh well, thank the Lord I have.

What have I gained from reading it?

Of course everyone has their own opinion on Doherty, but this book really lays him out bare.  You follow the story of Carl and Pete and their 'Arcadian Dream', with their desire to reach Arcadia on their ship from Albion.  This fairly romantic idea of quintessentially British dreams and a passion for literature was something I'd personally associated with The Libertines for a long time.

The Libertines did not reach fame the easy way, they struggled for several years with many different managers, drummers, guitarists and demos.  It was the people who realised The Libertines had a certain spark and who never gave up on them that Carl and Pete have to be thankful for.  This is very evident in the book as you are informed of the numerous well renowned managers who were involved with The Libertines across their career.

During this time of Doherty's musical career he kept all his thoughts and some lyrics in 'The books of Albion'.  These have since been published but have been critised mainly due to the fact you can barely read his writing.  The published book is basically a scanned copy of Doherty's original notes, so his scrawly handwriting has been left untouched.

The Libertines also had something that other bands of the era lacked, such as Oasis and the Strokes.  Yes, these were iconic 90's bands but The Libertines had something different to offer, they had broken the tyranny of bands who had aspired to sound like Oasis. Pete and Carl 'ricocheted off each other and the songs combined smart lyrical hooks and blistering playing', what these guys had was pure passion for music.

I believe that this passion for music rather than the lights of fame was definitely emphasised by Pete's favourite pastime of arranging last minute gigs.  He would advertise gigs on the Libertines website hours before they were due to happen.  Often these gigs would be free so dedicated fans who loved the music could hear their beloved Pete play up close and personal.  Of course as Pete's infatuation with drugs started to spiral, he would charge a small fee at the door of the flat, basement or rooftop. 

After reading some stories in this book about these off the hook gigs, it's strengthened my view that The Libertines were truely unique.  It seems that no other band of that time took their fans as seriously as others and, they were willing to give anyone a chance to hear their music.

I also discovered that The Libertines played at the Queen's Golden Jubilee in June 2002. I was lucky enough to be at this event but with no idea that they even existed.  Had I known as a naive 11 year old that my now favourite band were playing less than a mile away is bizarre to think.  I was more excited at being able to view S Club 7's last ever performance...oh how things have changed :).

Within the book there are hundreds of stunning pictures of the pair and the band together, most of which I had never seen before.  Many of them capture the moment perfectly and allow you to get a real sense of what is being described in the text.

Pete's influences

• Oscar Wilde
• William Blake
• Emily Dickinson
• Thomas Chatterton
• The Smiths, The Las

Carl's influences

• Saki
• Dandyism
• Music hall
• 1960s music such as The Beatles

Both were influenced by Wilde mainly due to his wit, and both ensured they had a copy of George du Maurier's - Trilby (where the iconic 'trilby hat' originated from) at hand.

"Every reformation must have it's victims.  You can't expect the fatted calf to share the enthusiasm of the angels over the prodigal's return." - Saki

*This picture is one of my favourites from The Libertines - Bound Together.

The Chemistry

Of course everyone thinks of Carl and Pete when the Libertines are mentioned, but the other two members Gary Powell and John Hassall barely get a mention.  Whilst reading the book I discovered that there was constant tension between Gary, John and Pete.  Pete saw The Libertines consisting of two members not four, and firmly believed that Gary and John where merely session artists rather than true Libertines.  This bond that Doherty held for Carl was strengthened when they both gained 'libertine' tattoos in Pete's distinctive handwriting.  This was not just ink embedded in their skin, this was a sign that they were brothers, bound together.

Gary and John couldn't handle Pete's disruptive behaviour and his lack of attendance at rehearsals so they became frustrated with him very easily.  Carl also felt the frustration, probably more so, but there was that bond which meant that Carl wasn't going to let Pete just fade away with out a fight...this is what kept the Libertines together to form their greatest hits such as 'Don't look back into the sun'.

 
Nicknames

• Spaniel (Carl and Pete)
• Bilo, Pigman (Pete)
• Biggles (Carl)
• Mr Lombard (John)

"Music is the art which is most nigh to tears and memory" - Oscar Wilde

Final note

Obviously as you can probably gather, I found the book to be a very good read and it gives you an insight into the heart of The Libertines.  There are many funny moments within the book but also it enables you to capture the horrific low points the band experienced due to Doherty's drug use.  It almost makes you feel sorry for not only Doherty's state of mind but how it effected the rest of the band and the people who had believed in them for all those years.  All I can say is if you want to give Pete a chance or would love to find out about their early start as a band and their various chaotic gigs then definitely buy it.  

P.S

 

This book has also inspired me to think about getting a tattoo related to the Libertines...discuss! ;)