Manchester music fans were left disappointed last night after The Libertines pulled out of tonight’s scheduled gig at The Ritz.
Fans of controversial frontman Pete Doherty, 36, were quick to express their disappointment on social media.
Pete Doherty going missing before a Libertines gig, one hour before the 3rd album, 11 years in the making is released. Couldn’t make it up
— Craig (@CraigyMul) September 10, 201
pete doherty lost 30 mins before the release of the third album is such a libertines thing to happen to the libertines
— ‘ (@_thecribs) September 10, 2015
Disappointment turned to concern this morning after Doherty’s publicist confirmed that he had not spoken to the troubled singer since a ‘medical emergency’ forced the band to pull out of last night’s show in Camden.
Pete Doherty goes missing, all the jokes start…so many people don’t understand the nature of addiction. I so hope the lad’s ok, bless him.
— Cath Bore (@cathbore) September 11, 2015
Lots of jokes about Pete Doherty from so-called fans who don’t care or understand nature of addiction. As long as you get your gig, right?
— The Plath Diaries (@theplathdiaries) September 11, 2015
In a statement made on the band’s Facebook page, fans were promised that the gigs would be rearranged as soon as possible.
The full statement read: “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 affect any of The Libertines other commitments.”
The 36-year-old singer, who is no stranger to controversy with a string of drug convictions to his name, has now been found and confirmed safe.
During the hunt, speculation was rife as to his whereabouts with one rumour suggesting that Doherty was locked in a Wetherspoons toilet.
And while some fans were relieved to hear Pete was safe…
Pete is safe, I repeat, PETE DOHERTY IS SAFE pic.twitter.com/2OdLRb33S0
— sophs (@sophhskii) September 11, 2015
Others said things were just back to usual with The Libertines.
Youth of today complaining about a cancelled Libertines gig. I had tickets for at least 5 cancelled gigs involving Pete Doherty.
— Scott Hope (@therealhopey) September 11, 2015
These new libertines / Pete Doherty fans, you haven’t experienced the last 13yrs like we have, normal service has been resumed #prayforpete
— Rob Baker (@Robbaker87) September 11, 2015
The Hexham-born singer appeared on TV show Soccer AM last Saturday along with fellow band member Carl Barat, with many viewers deeming their behaviour to be unacceptable for Saturday morning TV.
Doherty was said to be ‘clean’ in January this year after being admitted to the Hope Rehab Centre in Thailand last October.
However in light of the events of the last 24 hours, fans have questioned whether Doherty has returned to his old ways.
Pete Doherty not turning up to gigs, and headlining shitty Leeds/Reading? It really is 2003 all over again!
— Jamie Lepiorz (@jamielepiorz) September 11, 2015
But in a statement from a band spokesperson, the band are clear on their intention to fulfil their sold out gigs.
They said: “I say postponed because I mean postponed, not cancelled. A new date will be released tomorrow.”
Image courtesy of Kris Krug, with thanks.
