Reformed Libertines make onstage comeback in London

The reunited Libertines played their first gig in a north London pub in March

The Libertines have played their first full gig together in six years in front of an audience of "friends and family" in London.

Described as a 'live rehearsal', the London foursome played a 22-song set in front 300 people at the Kentish Town Forum.

Pete Doherty and Carl Barat's band have spent the last few days practising there for this weekend's Reading and Leeds festival.

The group reformed in March.

NME reported that the band kept any on stage chat "to a minimum" but that the band played a set comprising of material from their two albums - 2002's Up The Bracket and 2004's The Libertines, as well as a few rarities.

They played tracks including Horrowshow, Can't Stand Me Now and Time For Heroes, adding What A Waster and I Get Along as their encore.

Gig 'nerves'

The foursome will play a show for fans who have bought tickets at the same venue tonight (25 August).

Speaking to Newsbeat last month lead singer Carl Barat said: "Overall I'm excited, and that's starting to come through a lot more now. It started off as pure nerves. Now I'm starting to look forward to it.

"Of course we'll be able to do it [Reading and Leeds] and we'll be able to do it with aplomb."

The quartet - Pete Doherty, Carl Barat, Gary Powell and John Hassall - officially announced they would come back together during a press conference at a north London pub in March. They originally split up in 2004.

They play this weekend's Reading and Leeds festivals performing before headliners Arcade Fire.