The Libertines to reissue debut single What a Waster for 20th anniversary

Virgin Radio

25 May 2022, 11:37

It seems impossible that it's been over two decades since The Libertines first burst onto the music scene with their anarchic, ramshackle brand of indie-rock but, sure enough, they dropped their debut single 20 years ago.

The band, made up of vocalist/guitarist Carl Barât, vocalist/guitarist Pete Doherty, bassist

John Hassall and drummer Gary Powell, released What a Waster on June 3rd 2002. It was produced by former Suede guitarist Bernard Butler, and had I Get Along as the B-side. Both songs would go on to become firm fan favourites at live shows.

To celebrate two decades since it landed, The Libertines are reissuing What a Waster as a 7″ vinyl single. Just as it was back in the day, I Get Along will be on the flip side. It will be released on June 3rd.

And if vinyl records aren’t your thing, a new digital EP, What A Waster Live From The ICA, will be released on streaming services the very same day. The EP will include live versions of both What a Water and I Get Along, from their set at the London venue on original day of release June 3rd, 2002.

What a Waster made it into the top 40 of the UK singles chart, despite not getting much airplay due to some decidedly NSFW lyrics. 

Whilst I Get Along was included on the band’s debut album, Up The Bracket, What a Waster was left off the record upon first release. However, it was later added when the album was rereleased. 

To mark the 20th anniversary of their seminal debut album Up The Bracket, the band will be hitting the road in June and July, taking on shows in Newcastle, Manchester, London, Edinburgh and Cardiff. 

Those will be live shows not to miss as the Boys in the Band rattle through other classics from the record, such as Time For Heroes, Up The Bracket, and Death on the Stairs.