The Libertines kicked off their raucous set at Glastonbury by paying tribute to war-torn Ukraine, four months after Russia invaded the country.
Pete Doherty and bandmates are celebrating 20 years since the release of their debut album Up the Bracket this year and headlined The Other Stage at the famous festival as part of the celebrations.
But ahead of their performance, the group played a video from Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy who pleaded with music lovers to “spread truth”.
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Zelenskyyurged those at the festival to raise awareness for their charity United24 over the course of the weekend and encouraged them to put pressure on politicians.
(Image: Redferns)
During a break in The Gold Old Days, Pete led the crowd and chanted “Volodymyr Zelensky” to the tine of Seven Nation Army by The White Strips, which later returned at the closing of their set.
Meanwhile, drummer Gary Powell started the cheer: “We love you Ukraine, we do – oh Ukraine we love you!” sending the audience wild.
He said: “Greetings, Glastonbury! The festival resumes this year after a two-year break, the pandemic has put on hold the lives of millions of people around the world but has not broken.
(Image: Guy Bell/REX/Shutterstock)
“We, in Ukraine, would also like to live the life as we used to and enjoy the freedom and this wonderful summer. But we cannot do that because the most terrible has happened – Russia has stolen our peace.
“We will not let Russia’s war break us, and we want to stop the war before it ruins people’s lives in other countries of Europe, Africa, Asia, Latin America – they are all under threat now. That is why I turn to you for support.”
He went on to add: “Glastonbury is the greatest concentration of freedom these days. And I ask you to share this feeling with everyone whose freedom is under attack.
(Image: WireImage)
“Spread the truth about Russia’s war, help Ukrainians who are forced to flee their homes because of this war. Find our United24 charity platform and put pressure on all the politicians you know to help restore peace in Ukraine.
“Time is priceless, and every day is measured in human lives. The more people join us in defending freedom and truth, the sooner Russia’s war against Ukraine will end, prove that freedom always wins!”
This year, the group will be releasing a super deluxe edition of their debut album in October, as well as touring the UK.
Pete also confirmed that they will be working on a new album, their first since Anthems for Doomed Youth, which they released in 2015.
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
