Long before Pete Doherty’s face was gracing the gossip pages of women’s magazines, Britain’s most famous junkie was plying his trade as part of The Libertines, one of the biggest British bands since the turn of the millennium.

Doherty and songwriting partner Carl Barat met in the late 1990s, while Doherty was studying literature in London. After settling on Johnny Borrell as bassist and Gary Powell on drums, the band began to make waves around London in 2001, before Borrell left the band to form Razorlight. Former bassist John Hassall returned to the fold shortly before the band linked up with former Suede member Bernard Butler, who produced the double A-side single of What a Waster and I Get Along.

Profuced by The Clash’s Mick Jones, Up the Bracket, the band’s debut album, was released in October 2002 and put The Libertines on the musical map. The four-piece had become known for their ‘guerrilla gigs’ (Doherty and Barat were known for playing in public places as well as house parties around London) and they quickly became a favourite of the local music press.

As the hype machine propelled them to new heights, the band’s reputation for the memebrs’ off-stage antics began to play a major part in their image. Doherty’s substance abuse problems were splashed across the covers of the London tabloids, while the local police became well acquainted with the band’s after-hours activities.

As the band started working towards their second album, tensions between Doherty and the rest of the band took their toll. Frustrated with Doherty’s behaviour on a promotional visit to the US, Barat failed to show at a series of guerrilla gigs organised by his songwriting partner. In retaliation, Doherty refused to join the band on a European tour, forcing Barat, Hassall and Powell to play on without him.

The band’s eponymous second full-length release came out in August 2004. With Doherty out of the band and in and out of rehab, the remaining members hit the road with Anthony Rossomando filling in as a second guitarist. The remaining four performed their last gig as The Libertines in Paris at the end of 2004 before going their separate ways.

Since the group’s split, Doherty has remained in the news for his drug habits as well as his on/off relationship with supermodel Kate Moss and Babyshambles, his latest musical venture. Barat and Powell formed Dirty Pretty Thing with Didz Hammond (The Cooper Temple Clause) while Hassall floundered with new band Yeti.

Doherty and Barat recently reunited on stage for the first time in almost three years, sparking rumours of a reunion. While no official statement has been issued regarding a second coming, Doherty and Barat have made no secret of their intentions to work together in the future.