Libertines lead singer Carl Barat has cast doubt on the future of the band saying they have no plans to continue “as it stands”.
The group, minus Peter Doherty, attended the premiere of a documentary film charting their return last night.
“It’s the end of a chapter for sure for me,” said Barat. “Tonight a curtain is falling on something.”
The original members reunited following a six-year split to play last year’s Reading and Leeds festival.
‘Emotional’
The 90-minute documentary film called There Are No Innocent Bystanders is directed by photographer Roger Sargent.
It features candid interviews with each of the band members, archive footage and coverage of their rehearsals in the run-up to their return at London’s Forum and Reading and Leeds.
Anything is possible again but for me it’s [the film] almost cathartic and I can now move on
Carl Barat on future of The Libertines
There had been speculation following the band’s performance last summer as to whether they would play more gigs and write new material.
Carl Barat had hinted at it, telling Newsbeat in August 2010 that the group would “like to write new material”.
However, he said at the premiere that that was now unlikely.
“Anything is possible again but for me it’s [the film] almost cathartic and I can now move on.
“If Pete wants to open a dialogue about things creative then so be it.
“Right now I feel quite liberated and everything is out there and it won’t be a dog fight any more.”
Tough to watch
Director Roger Sargent admitted Doherty had been “emotional” having been shown the film before its premiere.
He said: “Peter’s seen it and he was very emotional about it basically because he was very honest in what he talked about. If you’re in the band it’s very difficult.
The Libertines reunited to play last summer’s Reading and Leeds festivals
“It’s an honest depiction of a band who mean a hell of a lot to a lot of people.”
Asked if he thought his film could signify the closing of The Libertines story he admitted: “It could be, it really could be.
“There’s not enough healing gone on in my opinion. They’ve not had enough time to spend together.”
Speaking to Newsbeat Carl Barat explained that he too had found some of the documentary tough to watch.
“I try to keep my emotions on the inside but it’s impossibly difficult.
“There’s stuff in there that I’m a bit uncomfortable with but that’s the way it’s been with The Libertines.
“But it’s the honesty and I guess that’s why people feel so close to it.
“It’s just a very turbulent, difficult, creative friendship. It’s nothing new. Maybe it’s open on a level to people that things haven’t been in the past.”
Nearly 2,000 fans were in attendance for the first showing of the film at the Troxy theatre in London.
It was also the official opening of the 10th annual East End film festival.