The Libertines have issued a statement in regards to their canceled UK shows last week, including the London record release show which was scrapped at the 11th hour. Co-frontman Pete Doherty apparently suffered a serious anxiety attack:
For the loved and trusted;
Thanks for your invaluable support and overwhelmingly positive messages after last weeks events, particularly those at the gig who had every reason to feel hurt.
Peter suffered a serious anxiety attack during the hours leading up to the scheduled performance at the Electric Ballroom last Thursday. The ideal coping mechanism in this situation is to lock yourself away from the source of the anxiety and in this case he headed to a hotel near Coventry in the early hours of Friday morning, in order that he be close to friends in his support network.
The statement goes on to say all other scheduled dates (none currently till 2016) are still on, and the London and Manchester gigs will be rescheduled soon. You can read the entire statement below.
The Libertines’ third album, Anthems for Doomed Youth — their first in 11 years — was released last week and if you haven’t checked it out (it’s quite good) you can stream it below.
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For the loved and trusted;
Thanks for your invaluable support and overwhelmingly positive messages after last weeks events, particularly those at the gig who had every reason to feel hurt.
Peter suffered a serious anxiety attack during the hours leading up to the scheduled performance at the Electric Ballroom last Thursday. The ideal coping mechanism in this situation is to lock yourself away from the source of the anxiety and in this case he headed to a hotel near Coventry in the early hours of Friday morning, in order that he be close to friends in his support network.
Libertines Counsellor Dylan Kerr “Anxiety is notoriously subtle and greatly prejudiced against and sometimes there are no obvious outward signs at all. It purely a psychological experience and the person must do whatever is necessary to arrest those feelings. It is a good thing that Peter is trying to live a normal life, as these are the reactions to stress that you’re taught to use in rehab – rather than shutting yourself away. Avoid the stress and resume some normality.”
Anxiety is a condition affecting many thousands of people in the country. It is often not discussed or hidden by the sufferer for fear of stigmatisation and indeed the condition makes the victim hide away which worsens the condition. However with time it can be manageable to a certain extent and there are many wonderful organisations which can provide help and advice on the subject such as MIND.
The decision to cancel the show in Manchester did not come from Peter it was made by management, who felt it important to ensure Peter’s welfare is a priority in line with any other ongoing treatment. Obviously the time away from the spotlight enabled the band to meet their existing commitment in Berlin and the Albion sails on course….
Look out for an announcement very soon regarding the rescheduled dates as The Libertines are keen to make it up to anyone who felt disappointed.
The Libertines – 2016 Tour Dates
7.2 – Berlin – Columbiahalle
9.2 – Munich – Zenith
10.2 – Cologne – Palladium
1.3 – Amsterdam – Paradiso
4.3 – Brussels – AB
7.3 – Paris – Olympia
24.3 – Zurich – X-tra
25.3 – Vienna – Stadhalle