The Libertines at O2 Academy Bristol

The Libertines at O2 Academy Bristol - review and setlist

Truth be told, there are many who thought Pete Doherty wouldn't reach the age of 40, himself included.

The troubled troubadour's drug addiction has been well documented over the years and a number of people in his circles have lost their lives to substance abuse.

But this year he unveiled his new solo project, Pete Doherty and The Puta Madres, while the seminal band he and Carl Barât formed in 1997 announced a major UK tour, including a stop at Bristol's O2 Academy on Monday night.

Door staff could have done with handing out hardhats to punters as they passed through the venue's metal detectors, as it's only a few moments into The Delaney before full pints of beer, shoes and various other missiles are being lobbed across the room.

Words from Doherty, Barât and co are few and far between as the band rattle through the set, which is unsurprisingly littered with The Libertines' biggest and most-loved hits, covering all three of their albums.

What is perhaps more surprising is just how tight and professional the performance is (aside from their tardiness taking to the stage), including seamless transitions into songs - a sign they are not the rambunctious lads they once were. Well, not quite as disorderly anyway.

It's pretty much straight up rock and roll from start to finish although things are taken down a notch or two when Barât takes to the piano for the stunning You're My Waterloo, providing much-needed respite for the band and crowd.

A barnstorming rendition of Can't Stand Me Now in the middle of the mammoth set manages to raise the fervent crowd to another level, setting up a finale packed with absolute bangers.

Gunga Din lights the blue touch paper for the incendiary ending, which includes Up The Bracket and Time For Heroes.

After departing stage for a lengthy period, leaving some people to question whether there would be an encore at all, they duly return for one to remember, culminating in the timeless Don't Look Back Into The Sun which ensures everyone leaves on a high.