The Libertines review: Pete Doherty and band prove they've still got it at Hairy Dog gig in Derby

"Aren’t all dogs hairy," joked frontman Pete Doherty to the audience. "This dog must be very hairy…thanks for coming!’ Doherty’s comedic observation seemed to sum up the madness of the Libertines gig which boasted a crowd of around 500 fans, diverse in ages, who made up the rowdy atmosphere of passionate sing-alongs and high-energy mosh pits.

The indie four-piece took to the stage in high spirits, suave as ever as they began to strum the first few strings to early single and evident fan-favourite ‘Up The Bracket’. The band also spoilt the intimate crowd of superfans with a live glimpse at a few newer tracks on their upcoming album ‘All Quiet On The Eastern Esplanade’ album, including singles fans have got to know and love over the past few weeks such as ‘Run Run Run’ and ‘The Night of the Hunter’, as well as some exclusive, yet-to-be-released songs such as ‘Mustang’ and ‘Merry Old England', which captivated the crowd into capturing the special songs on their phones.

Songs included in the set also celebrated the 20-year anniversary of ‘The Libertines’ self-titled album such as ‘What Became of the Likely Lads’, which felt particularly fitting at one of the band’s first gigs back after their short hiatus.

Infamous hit ‘Can’t Stand Me Now’ also made the cut for the set after regaining a newfound popularity when Pete Doherty revealed it as a love song in a recent BBC special with Louis Theroux. Overall, The Libertines triumphed at their Derby gig, delivering a set which showcased their signature sound at its very best, complemented by the acoustics of the intimate, cosy venue and paying testament to their friendship and chemistry which brought The Libertines together once again.

Nostalgia appeared to be the band’s brief for their encore as they opted for the appropriately titled track ‘The Good Old Days’, cementing the celebration of their past as a band, and closing on arguably their most famous song which is favoured by every festival-goer, ‘Don’t Look Back into the Sun’, leaving their fans on a high to look forward to The Libertines' future as a band and more specifically their forthcoming new LP.