The Libertines Reunite ‘For the Money,’ Pete Doherty Says

Libertines vocalist-guitarist Pete Doherty has defended his motivation to reunite the group for a one-off gig in London’s Hyde Park this July with the paycheck in mind. Previously, the singer had reported a “burst of nostalgia” after listening to the group on YouTube, “then they told me how much they will pay us and, I cannot lie to you, I couldn’t say no, at least not in my state right now.” Now, in an interview with NME, he has made no qualms about selling out. “What do [critics] think the Libertines did? We signed to Rough Trade, right? Purely for the money,” he said. “It’s completely in the spirit of the band to play Hyde Park for the money. What the fuck are they talking about?”

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According to Doherty, the money he and fellow vocalist-guitarist Carl Barât were making to put aside the differences that split the band in 2004 was “filthy,” especially when compared to their 2010 reunions at Reading and Leeds festivals. “Last time was supposed to be £240,000 each, after, tax for me and Carl,” he said. “But by the time they paid for all the buses and shit there was just a tax bill. This time, I think we’re getting half a million each.”

Prior to appearing at Hyde Park, the prickly pair will play a few gigs together to get back up to speed. “There’ll be a warm-up, and there might be a free one for people who can’t get into Hyde Park, maybe,” Doherty said. But that’s not the only surprise the group is contemplating. “Hopefully we’ll come up with some new songs for Hyde Park,” Barât told The Independent recently.

Tickets for the Hyde Park gig go on sale Friday.