NME described theirs as “the greatest rock ‘n’ roll story of their generation” and, even for a magazine famously prone to hyperbole, it’s hard to argue their point. Australian punters now have their first chance to be part of the Libertines story with two exclusive Sydney City Limits side shows in Melbourne and Brisbane.

Born in a squat in East London in the late 90’s via a chance meeting of the minds of two scallywags, The Libertines were signed after just one gig. Our heroes, Pete Doherty and Carl Barat quickly formed a reputation for mixing business with pleasure, tipping the music world upside down with their relentless chat, irresistible look and beautifully wasted tunes. Following in the footsteps of infamous English artists like The Clash, Madness and The Jam, The Libertines debut album Up The Bracket was hailed as an instant classic.

Using that record as a jumping off point, Doherty and Barat set off on a rollercoaster ride, careening across the globe in a haze of love, drugs, heartbreak and huge successes. Tunes like Time For Heroes, Don’t Look Back Into The Sun and Can’t Stand Me Now seemed to soundtrack their relationship in real time, finally culminating in a break up in 2004. Good songs never die though, and as the years rolled on it became clear that The Libertines had left a hole in the music world too big to be filled by anyone else. Reforming in 2010, they released their long awaited third record, Anthems for Doomed Youth in 2015, receiving a rapturous reception and setting the stage for their first ever shows Down Under.

Click here to check out the rest of the Sydney City Limits sideshows coming to Brisbane.