The Libertines brought their 'All Quiet on the East Esplanade' tour to Sheffield Octagon.
At the start of the year I was invited down to photograph The Libertines in Lincoln were they were playing intimate shows to rooms of 300-500 and now I'm about to watch one of my childhood bands play to a sold out Octagon hall.
Now it's nothing massive for the Libertines, shows like this are the norm, but the difference in crowds and stage shows is something huge. The intimate shows are all the die hards, grew up with Libertines and witnessed and went along all the highs and lows and listened to side project bands and solo projects and it's a very stripped back performance.
Whereas shows like this, we had the joys of the Piano coming out and a small brass section, which just adds a whole new level to the show, and the crowd is a large mix of die hards and indie music lovers.
The setlist was beautifully crafted by the 'Don't Look Back Into The Sun' lads. A large mix of the old classics, big hitters, newer releases and songs not as often heard. Something for everyone so to say.
The night was a real joy for a life-long fan such as myself. Smiling from ear to ear as the love and joy from the band flowed through the crowd as they played songs such as 'What Katie Did' 'Shiver' 'You're My Waterloo' and 'Run Run Run'.
Peter pointed out a fan down front with a sign saying they'd travelled far, in which he joked they'd come from Hull, but then told the crowd she'd travelled from Taiwan. Which was then greeted with a large Yorkshire welcome (A huge chant of Yorkshire)
It's safe to say that she left the night with a smile on her face.
It wouldn't be a Libertines show without the sing-a-longs of 'Cant Stand me Now' which finished off the main set and then 'Time For Heroes' and 'Don't Look Back into the Sun' during the encore.
I already cannot wait to go back to Lincoln to catch the boys again.
The Libertines are back thriving more than ever and I'm loving every minute of it.