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The Libertines: A Tattoo of Commitment
In the early 2000s, Pete Doherty and Carl Barât made a remarkable gesture of commitment to their band and each other. During a trip to New York in 2003, while recording the Babyshambles Sessions, they decided to get matching tattoos of the word “Libertine” on their arms. What made this tattoo unique was that it was written in Carl Barât’s own handwriting, a deeply personal mark of their artistic partnership.
The Story Behind the Ink
The tattoo wasn’t a spontaneous decision. In fact, the seeds were planted earlier during their recording of Up the Bracket, their debut album. On the track “The Good Old Days,” Doherty can be heard shouting “Get a tattoo!” after a lyric about things they’d do tomorrow. This playful moment foreshadowed their eventual commitment.
A Symbol of Turbulent Friendship
Their relationship was far from simple. The Libertines were known for their volatile dynamic, largely influenced by Doherty’s struggles with drug addiction. The tattoo represented a moment of unity amid increasing tensions. As photographer Roger Sargeant described their relationship, it was like “first love, with all the jealousy and obsessiveness that comes with that.”
Tattoo as a Cultural Artifact
The Libertines tattoo became more than just body art. It was: - A mark of artistic brotherhood - A testament to their shared musical vision - A symbol of their complex, intertwined personal history
The Aftermath
Interestingly, their commitment wasn’t permanent in the way they might have hoped. Barât mentioned that Doherty even attempted to modify his tattoo with a knife at one point, symbolizing the fractured nature of their relationship.
🎸 Note: The tattoo remains a powerful reminder of their unique bond, despite the band's numerous breakups and reunions.
Their story demonstrates how tattoos can capture moments of intense connection, serving as permanent markers of fleeting emotional landscapes.
The final chapter of their musical journey continues to unfold, with The Libertines reuniting and performing, their matching tattoos a lasting testament to their enduring, if complicated, friendship.
When did Pete Doherty and Carl Barât get their matching tattoos?
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They got their matching “Libertine” tattoos in 2003 during a trip to New York while recording the Babyshambles Sessions.
Whose handwriting was used for the tattoo?
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The tattoo was written in Carl Barât’s own handwriting, making it a deeply personal artistic statement.
What did the tattoo symbolize?
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The tattoo symbolized their commitment to the band and their unique friendship, despite the turbulent nature of their relationship.