After fans waited for two hours, The Libertines cancelled last night's show at Camden's Electric Ballroom due to an "emergency medical situation", and have since cancelled tonight's show in Manchester.
The gig was supposed to be in anticipation of their new album, Anthems For Doomed Youth, which is released today (11 September), as part of a UK club tour which had included shows in Bristol, Nottingham and Glasgow.
Though the band were due on stage at 9.15pm, they had still not appeared by 11.30pm, with fans growing increasingly restless. Rumours circulated throughout the evening that Pete Doherty had gone missing en route to the Camden venue. Others claimed the venue’s manager revealed Doherty had been taken to hospital.
The night began on a positive note. Drummer Gary Powell took the stage to give a speech about the Calais refugee crisis and the need to “bring humanity back to this apathetic world”, with all profits from the current club tour going to Refugee Action. A spokesperson for the charity explained they had helped save 11,000 people, of which The Libertines were the only band aiding the relief effort.
“We’ll see you later, this is a night of celebration!” concluded Gary. Unfortunately the night ended with the stage being bottled, invaded and a microphone stand being smashed. After fans received mixed messages from various venue staff, a voice came over the speaker system informing the crowd that the show had been postponed due to "an emergency - a medical situation."
Doorman to me: Pete Doherty is lost, some came in separate transport to others, & one hasn't arrived. Trying to locate him. #Libertines
— Alex Taylor (YKTS) (@ykts_net) September 10, 2015
Someone ran on stage and smashed the microphone. Guitars have just been removed as a safety precaution
— Alex Taylor (YKTS) (@ykts_net) September 10, 2015
Announcement that tonight's gig has been postponed due to a medical emergency @libertines @EBallroomCamden pic.twitter.com/wBxSxGHzLE
— roisin gadelrab (@roisingadelrab) September 10, 2015
The band have since released a statement on Facebook, which reads, "Due to unforeseen circumstances tonight the Libertines have had to postpone their sold out shows at the Electric Ballroom in Camden and at the Ritz in Manchester tomorrow night.
Peter, Carl, John and Gary apologise whole heartedly to their fans and will reschedule both shows as soon as possible. This will not effect any of The Libertines other commitments. HQ."
The band have since posted another message explaining the situation is a “very private matter” but that Pete is “safe”.
