"The time that the U.K band the Libertines produced music, they were a chaotic mixture of raw talent, unmatched chemistry and violent conflict. Even from the beginning, the pairing of Carl Barat and Pete Doherty seemed like a ticking time bomb waiting to go off, which later would prove to be an accurate prediction. Barat grew up splitting his time living with his factory worker father and hippie mother. He eventually found music and attended Brunel University. He met Doherty's sister, who introduced the two. They fought almost immediately, but also had an undeniable ability to make great music together.The Libertines started with Barat on guitar and vocals, Doherty on the same, John Hassal on bass and Gary Powell on drums. The band managed to snag a record deal in 2001 with Rough Trade and released Up the Bracket in 2002 and again in the U.S. in 2003. They were becoming top stars in the U.K. with hit singles and were even gaining momentum in the US. Problems began to arise in the summer of 2003 when Doherty was MIA for a tour of Europe. Doherty decided to form his own group, which he named the Babyshambles. The Libertines continued to tour, but on a trip to Japan, Doherty broke into Barat's flat and stole electronics and instruments.Doherty pled guilty as the remaining Libertines were climbing the charts. He was out a mere two months later and performed with the Libertines soon after. They tried another tour with Doherty in the UK, but Doherty left abruptly during the band's performance after smashing a guitar on stage. Doherty and Barat appeared on a single together, ""For Lovers,"" while the Libertines worked on new material. Doherty released an album with Babyshambles in 2003, before being arrested for having a switchblade during a traffic stop. The Libertines released a self-titled album soon after, which was instantly number two in the UK. Since then, the Libertines have broken up and Doherty has continued on with Babyshambles."