Top 10 Acts at Reading 2015

1) The Libertines

Words simply do not suffice when attempting to explain what makes The Libertines such a highly regarded band; they are enigmatic by nature and even the finest music journalists in the world would struggle to describe what makes them so good. However, their headlining performance on Sunday night at Reading Festival, thus ending the weekend, was a perfect physical and aural representation that embodied everything that The Libertines are adored for. Over a decade after the release of their last album, The Libertines’ first two albums still do not sound dated in the slightest. Tracks such as ‘Don’t Look Back Into The Sun’ and ‘Can’t Stand Me Now’ drove the crowd into frenzies of wild passion. Considering they have only released two albums in their career so far, The Libertines’ ability to fill a 90 minute set without once straying from playing what can only be described as bangers is a fine testimony to their artistic genius.

From the very beginning of the set the adrenaline was high and this did not falter whatsoever right through until the very last chord of the encore. As for The Libertines forthcoming new album, all three of the singles that have been released so far received the same reverence as their classic hits. ‘Gunga Din’ stood out particularly potently as huge areas in the crowd began singing it just before it was played, encouraging The Libertines and reminding them of the devoted nature of their fan base. Gary Powell, the drummer of The Libertines, experienced the crowd chanting his name as he powered through a gut-busting drum solo and songs such as ‘Time For Heroes’ were met with screams of excitement and flares being let off. Overall, this created the perfect atmosphere for a headline show. Nearing the end of the set, Carl Barat reassured the crowd, telling them to ‘remember you are all Libertines.’ If there’s one message that can be salvaged from that incredible 90 minutes, one need not look further than The Libertines’ very own lyrics to find it: ‘If you’ve lost your faith in love and music, the end won’t be long.’

Words by Harry Kite