We all knew it was going to happen, now it is official: Carl Barat is going solo. The former half of the Libertines songwriting team has decided to embark on his own, according to NME. Barat has inked a record deal with Vertigo, which is an imprint of Mercury Records.

Vertigo head honcho Greg Castell said: “Carl is one of the greatest talents in modern music. His contribution to The Libertines was fundamental to the band’s success and we’re delighted to have the opportunity of working closely with him.”

Alan McGee, the founder of Creation Records, will be Barat’s A&R stud, so his career is in very good hands. Rumor has it that an album is expected by the end of this year. He has also hinted that members of his new band will contain former members of the Libertines. So this will be the Libertines minus Pete Doherty, marketed as a solo project. Sounds good to me.

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