Wednesday 25/08/10 The Libertines @ The Forum, London

“Ladies and gentlemen, we are The Libertines!” hollers Pete Doherty - the band’s only words to the packed HMV Forum of fortunate ballot-winners. Vera Lynn’s ‘We’ll Meet Again’ plays over a slideshow of rare photos of the band, forcing the waiting audience to tear their eyes away from the empty stage. After chants of “Who are ya” at Amy Winehouse as she watches from a balcony, a hushed silence passes over the crowd before a deafening roar as the likely lads (all four!) take to the stage together for the first time in six years.

As promised by Carl Barat, they kick off with Horrorshow which aptly marks the beginning of a set which showcases a cross-section of their back catalogue. From number 2 single ‘Can’t Stand Me Now’ to b-side ‘Lust of the Libertines’ and a nine song encore, fans were treated to tracks spanning their career to a backdrop of the memorable photo from the cover of ‘Up The Bracket’. The swift pace of proceedings, partly down to the lack of interaction with the crowd, doesn’t give the audience a moment to breathe as they are swept back and forth across the Forum’s beery floor. Spotted are: Amy Winehouse pilfering beer from a fan, Mik Whitnall of Babyshambles (remember them?) enjoying a raucous ‘Boys In The Band’ and James Endeacott - the man who signed The Libertines to Rough Trade - being restrained by security as he sings ‘What A Waster’ from the balcony.

‘Don’t Look Back Into The Sun’ proves too much for a couple of members of the crowd in the upper seated section, who make a brave dash for the stairs down to the standing area. Hopefully they didn’t miss Pete n Carl’s trademark jostling for the mic as they share the cries of “let me go!” and “oh no”. Much to the confusion of security guards, the “you see these two cold fingers, these crooked fingers I show” lyric of ‘Up The Bracket’ sees a venue of adoring fans return Doherty’s two-fingered salute in unison. They finish on ‘I Get Along’ like the good old days at the Forum (Libertines pun intended) and Pete hurls his harmonica into the baying crowd. An embrace between Pete and Carl raises a huge cheer, then they are joined by John Hassall and Gary Powel, a final bow and, ultimately, darkness.

If you’re going to Reading and Leeds, nice one, you’re in for a treat. Albeit a sweaty, riotous one. Everyone at The Forum last night has partaken in music history, and anyone who wasn’t there can surely bear witness to the ongoing legacy that is The Libertines in the near future. All the clichés happened: Pete was late, Carl wore a vest, Gary was shirtless and John was…well…John. These are givens. But what can never be said enough is how much of an impact the dilly boys have had on British music since their breakthrough in 2002. The Albion sailed on course, of course.

GIG REPORT: The Libertines Make Thrilling Comeback At London Gig.