Dirty Pretty Things Split | Could This Lead To The Libertines Reforming?

Dirty Pretty Things, the band that rose from the ashes left by The Libertines, have split up. While lead singer Carl Barat has made it clear this isn’t because of any plans to reform The Libertines, could it be that this eventually could mean the return of the seminal band?

There were rumours circulating this morning that Dirty Pretty Things had split, and they have now been confirmed by an official statement issued by the band to NME. It reads:

“It is with some sadness we announce the farewell of the Dirty Pretty Things. It’s been a glorious three years which we all would gladly live out again, but it is time for us to try new things (not The Libertines).

“We are reluctant to give up touring but will give the last waltz everything. We have and are determined to go out as we came in, after which we all have other ventures to be getting on with and splendid future plans.

“Heartfelt thanks to all who made it what it was, much love and we’ll see you on the road.”

The band are due to kick off an 11-date UK tour in Glasgow on October 4th, and this tour is still going to go ahead. The last gig at Southampton Guildhall on the 18th is sure to be a doozy as it will mark the end of the band for good.

Dirty Pretty Things may only have been in existence for 3 years, but in that short space of time, the band has seen some success. Their début album, Waterloo To Anywhere reached number three in the charts and Bang Bang You’re Dead reached the top 10 in the singles charts.

The band is/was made up of Carl Barat and Gary Powell from The Libertines, along with Anthony Rossomando, who used to stand in for Pete Doherty, and Didz Hammond, formerly of The Cooper Temple Clause. With such a strong connection to The Libertines, it has to be hoped that this split leads to The Libertines being reunited at last.

I know the statement expressly mentions that this isn’t to do with The Libertines, but with Barat and Powell now bandless, and Pete Doherty not really doing much of anything, it would be a supreme opportunity to reform the band who kick-started the current British indie scene at the beginning of the noughties. Libertines bassist John Hassall has his own band, Yeti, but the draw of The Libertines would surely be enough to tempt him.

I’m sure Barat and co hate the speculation about whether The Libertines will or not reform, and in fact, it could have had an impact on Dirty Pretty Things. But The Libertines were a class act before it all went wrong, and fans can’t help but wish they’d get back together.

[Photo Source: dido at Flickr]