Libertines' drummer takes leap of faith

Gary Powell with old band The Libertines. Photo / Supplied

Gary Powell has revealed setting up new band 'The Invasion Of...' was 'a leap of faith'.

The Libertines drummer - who is to reunite with his former bandmates Carl Barat, Pete Doherty and John Hassall for the Reading and Leeds Festivals later in the summer - admits putting the group together was a risk, but his endeavours have paid off as the band is releasing its debut mini-album in October.

He explained: "Starting The Invasion Of... was a real leap of faith not only in myself, but the soon to be members of the band.

"It would have been easier for me to set it up with other musicians from other bands and follow their lead, but instead I decided to get things going with friends, regardless of their musical background."

However, the rocker is pleasantly surprised by how well things have turned out.

He told Clash magazine: "It has worked out better than I could have ever imagined as the musicians I play and work with have surpassed my wildest expectations.

"It has been a big ask to expect the guys to take their own leap of faith in me but they've done it and brought along their own ideas, emotions and overall dynamic determination into the mix which has really helped shape the mad ideas we have into something cohesive."

-BANG! Showbiz