Libertines play first comeback gig

Indie band The Libertines have played together for the first time since their split as they announced a series of comeback gigs this summer.

Frontmen Pete Doherty and Carl Barat were joined at a press conference at the Boogaloo pub in Highgate, north London, by bassist John Hassall and drummer Gary Powell.

Doherty said: "Looking back, we did produce things we are so proud of and we want to get back to that."

The band, whose hits included Don't Look Back Into The Sun, played an impromptu gig for fans. The set ended with an energetic performance of Can't Stand Me Now which famously refers to the sometimes difficult relationship between the two frontmen.

Barat said the performance, the first featuring all four band members since the split, was "exhilarating".

The quartet collapsed when Barat fell out with his joint frontman because of Doherty's wayward behaviour as he battled with drug problems.