The Libertines in Zurich at Volkshaus 14.02.2025

Another day another concert… The Libertines in Zurich: a highly anticipated, sold-out show. While the queue outside wasn’t overly long at doors, the venue filled up nicely eventually —though not without some delays.

Despite doors opening at 7 PM, access to the actual concert hall was held back due to technical issues, apparently due to some soundcheck issues of one of the bands. As a result, fans had to wait around 20 minutes before being let in, and the first support act was rushed onto the stage without much of a buffer.

Fitzroy Holt and The Broken Beats Warm Up the Crowd

The night kicked off with Fitzroy Holt, a British singer-songwriter known for his bluesy, soulful sound. Even with the rushed start, he captivated the audience, showcasing incredible vocal power. I loved how he simply sat down at the edge of the stage, performing in a way that felt raw and intimate. Next up was The Broken Beats, an energetic Danish band that quickly amped up the crowd. Their lively performance set the perfect tone for the main act, shaking off any remnants of the earlier delay.

Concert Photos: Fitzroy Holt / The Broken Beats in Zurich

The Libertines in Zurich: An Energetic Yet Unpredictable Set

The Libertines finally took the stage with a slight delay, greeted by an enthusiastic audience. The backdrop on stage appeared to resemble The Albion Rooms. The crowd was buzzing, and it didn’t take long before the first beer shower hit—just one song in. While the atmosphere was lively, it felt somewhat subdued at times. Interestingly, the demographic leaned slightly older and was more male-dominated than most shows I usually attend, which was an unusual but refreshing change.

Pete Doherty vs. Carl Barat: Who Stole the Show?

One thing was clear: Pete Doherty drew most of the attention, whether due to his larger-than-life reputation or his stage presence. However, Carl Barat’s charisma and energy stole the show for me. He seemed more eccentric and engaging, making an impression even on someone like me, who isn’t deeply familiar with the band’s dynamics. Both musicians are undeniably talented, but Carl’s stage persona stood out that night to me.

Technical Difficulties and a Memorable Comeback

Midway through the set, technical difficulties struck again. The sound system malfunctioned, muffling the music and cutting out the vocals entirely. At first, the band didn’t seem to notice and kept playing, while the audience exchanged confused glances. The crew scrambled to fix the issue, but after some tries and then an announcement that resembled more of a mumbling from the band, they left the stage. It felt like ages (but was probably more like a 15-minute wait as techs worked frantically to resolve the problem. Eventually, it turned out to be an issue with the PA system, and once fixed, the show was back on —and with even more energy than before. Fans, refreshed from impromptu beer runs, threw themselves into the second half of the concert, complete with jumping, pushing, and flying beer cups.

A Night to Remember Despite the Hiccups

Despite the hiccups, The Libertines delivered an great performance, proving their veteran status. They played until shortly after 11 PM, and while there was some speculation that the setlist may have been trimmed due to curfews, it still felt like a complete and satisfying show. The crowd celebrated them as they deserved, making for a memorable night. Who needs a cliché Valentine’s date when you can rock out at a Libertines concert? Zurich got a real rock show, imperfections and all, and even though I might not see myself as a “fan”, i truly enjoyed the show!