The Libertines return for Reading and Leeds festivals

The four-piece reformed rock band, who made their debut on the event’s main stage in 2003, played one of their first reunion gigs there five years ago.

Guitarist Pete Doherty said: “I’ve just woken up and I can’t stop thinking about playing at Reading and Leeds.”

Bassist John Hassall promised fans they would play some of the band’s new songs, while drummer Gary Powell said: “As Reading and Leeds was the festival that graciously allowed us to perform back in 2010 at our first attempt at reforming, and the audience were amazing in their reception of us, it seems only right that we go back to the scene of the crime and do our best to not only replicate what we did back then – but do better, for the fans and friends we have met along the way.”

The band split in 2004 after releasing two albums, with co-frontmen Doherty and Carl Barat going on to pursue their own careers amid sporadic reunions.

Doherty released solo material but became better known for his drug problems, brushes with the law and relationship with Kate Moss than his music, while Barat fronted the band Dirty Pretty Things.

The Libertines scored top 40 hits with singles Time For Heroes and Don’t Look Back Into The Sun, and their biggest hit, Can’t Stand Me Now, which echoed the difficulties between once-loyal friends Barat and Doherty, reached number two. Their second, self-titled album topped the charts in 2004.