On Tuesday evening, Indie legends The Libertines arrived at the ARC in Stockton, where the band kick-started their current UK tour.

On this run, the quartet are performing some of their most up close and personal dates in recent times. You would have to look back twenty years for a show as intimate in the region. Back then The Libertines played at venues such as Northumbria University in Newcastle and the Arena in Middlesborough.

The news of the band’s date in the region caused euphoria across the North East, with the show selling out almost immediately. Those who managed to get a ticket couldn't believe their luck. And even the Chelsea vs Middlesbrough cup tie wasn’t going to stop The Libertines fans from attending.

The audience was full of die-hard fans, some of whom were sporting vintage red military jackets as seen in the band's promo shots back in the day. Others had tattoos bearing the band's moniker.

But what of the support? A strong North East lineup featured on the bill, with Newcastle-based outfit Bear Park kicking off the proceedings. The band impressed the early fans in attendance. Even Pete Doherty was spotted watching on from the stage door on a couple of occasions. The band's cover of Caught By The Fuzz by Supergrass was of note. The band thanked The Libertines for believing in them.

Showing their allegiance to Teesside, Benefits’ vocalist Kingsley Chapman arrived onstage sporting a Middlesbrough FC shirt and socks. And whilst their appearance may have competed with the football, the group left everything out on stage. The band’s energetic performance, poetic and politically charged lyricism, social commentary and genre-defying sound captivated the Stockton audience.

At around 9.20 pm, the moment finally arrived for the headliners to take to the stage. The quartet gave a wave to the audience before they congregated around the drum kit occupied by Gary Powell. The atmosphere inside of the venue was electrifying from the off.

The Libertines are touring in support of their forthcoming album All Quiet On The Eastern Esplanade. The release was named after the location of the group's hotel, The Albion Rooms in Margate. With the album still under wraps until its release date on March 8th, the band’s setlist teased what was to come with the inclusion of recent singles Run Run Run and a beautiful airing of Shiver. Whilst these tracks are still very fresh, they have already won over their fanbase. By their admission, The Libertines believe their latest album to be one of the best to date, and judging by the strength of these songs alone, it's easy to see why.

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The Libertines latest material sat seamlessly alongside classics from the band's repertoire. Highlights included What Katie Did, Music When The Lights Go Out, and Can't Stand Me Now. The capacity crowd inside the ARC sang wholeheartedly at the tops of their voice.

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The group's iconic duo, Pete Doherty and Carl Barat, were mere inches away from the audience, which in turn created a unique experience for those in attendance. Doherty even took the opportunity to shake hands with some fans at the front. Subsequently, drummer Gary Powell received frequent chants from the audience. He may have been at the back of the stage, but he was not forgotten. At one point, even Pete joined in on the chants before segueing into an impromptu rendition of The Only Way Is Up by Yazz.

The Libertines wrapped up their main set with the anthemic Time For Heroes. Following a brief pause, the group returned to the stage to round off the proceedings with a further run of classics that concluded with a rather apt rendition of The Good Old Days and the classic Don't Look Back Into The Sun.

All Quiet on the Eastern Esplanade marks The Libertine's first studio album in nine years. On Tuesday evening in Stockton, the legendary quartet proved as the old saying goes, all good things come to those who wait.