The Libertines Discuss the Making of ‘Anthems for Doomed Youth’ + Debut ‘Gunga Din’ Video

Earlier this week, we finally learned the specifics surrounding the Libertines’ long-awaited comeback album, Anthems for Doomed Youth. Now, in an interview with BBC Radio 1, the band has opened up more about the forthcoming LP and debuted a video for lead single, “Gunga Din.”

Speaking with Annie Mac yesterday (July 2), the band discussed the making of their third full-length in Thailand, where Pete Doherty was undergoing rehab treatment.

“In a period of time just before Christmas last year when Carl [Barât] appeared out of the blue while I was having some treatment to curb my enthusiasm and we spent a bit of time together,” Doherty said. “We just found ourselves picking up guitars at odd times, banging out a few tunes and with Carl mucking about, we decided to make music at the end of it.”

“It’s been part of our friendship that we decided to make music again,” Barât said. “We communicated through making music anyway.”

During the interview -- which you can listen to in its entirety below -- the band also premiered the LP’s lead single and second track, “Gunga Din,” which they’ve been previewing at live shows as of late, including a surprise set at this year's Glastonbury.

“[The title is] from a Rudyard Kipling poem of the same name,” Barât said, going on to quote the poem, “‘Though I’ve belted you and flayed you. By the livin’ god that made you. You’re a better man than I am, Gunga Din!’”

Those are also the lyrics heard in the new song, which has now received a music video that finds the English rockers wandering Thailand’s red light district. Watch the Roger Sargent-directed clip at the top of the page.

The 12-track Anthems for Doomed Youth will arrive on Sept. 4 via Virgin EMI. It marks the Libertines' first album in 11 years, following their 2004 self-titled LP.

The Libertines – BBC Interview