Libertines Go Solo, Then Get Back Together, Then Play England
Sing the songs that remind them of the good times, sing the songs that remind them of the better times

Libertines mouthpiece Pete Doherty is scheduled to release his first solo single through Rough Trade on April 12th. "For Lovers" will be the first bit of officially released new material from these Clash-esque punks since their disappointing EP, I Get Along, last year. This is partly due, however, to Doherty's recent prison time, spending two months behind bars after robbing his own bandmate's flat. This desperate and bewildering crime broke rule #1 of the unwritten-rules-on-how-to-not-break-up-your-band, thus alienating young Doherty from his bandmates; and with the newfound excess of times on his hands, sent him unwillingly into the uncharted waters of his post-punk solo career (Pitchfork advises you, if you have a band and wish to keep it, not to gaff your bandmate's stuff. That is, unless you need some time alone-- and by alone we mean with a three-hundred pound cellmate who makes you act out George Michael songs every time you get back from the shower).

Doherty has been performing under the alias Babyshambles since his recent estrangement, with songs circulating across the net under the name "Babyshambles Sessions," but plans on releasing his new single under his own name. Those tracks, although heavily circulated at present, are scheduled for official release on a pending date.

The last shows that the Libertines played together (before the legal fiasco) were last year in December at London's Forum-- until recently, proving once again that forgiveness and understanding are what makes you a real punk. Last week the newly united foursome played Liverpool; and on February 18th played a rumored impromptu show for 200 fans packed into a small bar located in North London (Islington) called Duke Of Clarence Pub. The shows were rowdy, the band's near breakup and sudden resurrection sending an air of exhilaration through the enthralled audience. Upcoming dates include:

02-29 London, England - Birmingham Academy
03-01 Manchester, England - Manchester University
03-02 Glasgow, Scotland - Glasgow Barrowlands
03-04 Bristol, England - Bristol Colston Hall
03-05 London, England - Brixton Academy
03-06 London, England - Brixton Academy
03-07 London, England - Brixton Academy

The Libertines: http://www.thelibertines.com