Formed in 2015, Frank Carter & The Rattlesnakes quickly became a formidable force in the alternative music scene, known for their raucous live performances and fearless approach to genre fusion. Across five studio albums, the band consistently pushed the boundaries of their sound, carving out a niche that mixed raw aggression with moments of introspection. Their most recent album, Dark Rainbow, became their fourth UK Top 10 release, a fitting testament to the band’s growing stature and continued relevance just at the time of their disbandment.

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The announcement itself reads more like a farewell letter than a simple pause in operations. “It is with sadness we announce that The Rattlesnakes are taking a hiatus,” the statement begins, acknowledging the weight of this decision after nine years and five albums together. “From the deepest lows to highest highs, in grief, in anger, and in joy, our band has been a celebration of being alive no matter the circumstances,” the note continues, carrying over some of the emotional sensitivity that has shaped the band’s lyrical output.

The band, rounded out by drummer Gareth Grover, bassist Tom “Tank” Barclay, guitarist Elliot Russell, and producer-bassist Thomas Mitchener, have been praised for their tight-knit performances and musical chemistry. Together, they helped shape the band’s distinctive sound—one that oscillates between explosive fury and nuanced vulnerability, with Carter’s voice often serving as the bridge between those extremes.

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The band’s live performances have become legendary for their ferocity and Carter’s ability to turn a gig into an experience of cathartic release. As much a collective ritual as a concert, their shows are where Carter’s punk ethos thrives most vividly. “Please join us all in celebration of the songs that changed our lives,” the band urged in their statement, directing fans to make the most of this final tour, which will continue through October and November.

Carter, formerly of Gallows, formed The Rattlesnakes in the aftermath of leaving his previous band, seeking a fresh start that allowed for more personal and artistic freedom. The band’s debut album, Blossom (2015), was an immediate success, earning acclaim for its raw energy and emotional intensity. Over the years, the band evolved their sound, with follow-ups like Modern Ruin (2017) and End of Suffering (2019) showcasing their willingness to experiment with more melodic and expansive arrangements without losing the visceral punch that marked their earlier work.

Their most recent release Dark Rainbow (2023) saw the band at the peak of their powers, balancing fierce punk energy with moments of vulnerability. In a glowing review, NME hailed the album as “a riotous, kaleidoscopic journey through joy, pain, and everything in between, proving once again that Frank Carter & The Rattlesnakes are a band unafraid to evolve.”

The band’s final tour for the foreseeable future will kick off in mid-October with UK shows in Brighton and London, before the band hits the continent, with the group finally saying goodbye in Eindhoven in the Netherlands on November 16. Fans hoping to seize their last chance to see the band can find tickets here.

Led by the bands Frontman Frank Carter and accompanied by the talented guitarist Dean Richardson, the band has gained a reputation for their electrifying live performances. Their music style, as described by Carter himself, bridges the gap between indie, punk, and rock and roll, creating a sound that is both raw and powerful.

In 2017 Carter described his genre of music to the BBC, Carter expressed his belief that punk is more than just a sound or fashion, but rather a mindset. This mindset is evident in the band’s music, which often tackles themes of rebellion, self-expression, and societal issues. He said “Perfectly fill the gap between indie, punk and rock and roll. Punk to me is not a sound, it’s not a fashion, it’s not a lifestyle. It’s a mindset. You either have it or you don’t.” Sounds from the band back in 2017, including the widely acclaimed track “Wild Flowers“, highlights on the insights shared by Frank Carter during his interview with the BBC.

The album Dark Rainbow, showcases the band’s ability to create a melancholic yet catchy tune. As described by Frank Carter himself, the song “Brambles” delves into the complexities of love, exploring the thorny nature of relationships and the dangers of becoming lost in them. With its heartfelt lyrics and infectious melodies, “Brambles” is sure to resonate with listeners on a deep emotional level. The Singer said, “Brambles is a melancholic bop born from the bramble thorns of love we let grow around us until we are tangled with no method of escaping unscathed. Like our neural pathways become stronger and deeper with each unconscious action, the thorns of love hook deeper and the brambles wrap tighter until we are barely recognisable and even our loved ones can no longer comfort us or lead us to safety for fear of being cut and torn themselves. An ode to the passion of love and a warning not to get lost in it when you go looking.”

The band took to social media to share their excitement about the new video for the single, hinting at the fun time they had during its creation. They stated, “Don’t mind me, just dancing with Brambles.”

As fans eagerly await the release of Dark Rainbow, Frank Carter and the Rattlesnakes continue to push boundaries and defy expectations with their unique sound and thought-provoking lyrics. With their energetic live performances and their ability to seamlessly blend genres, this band is undoubtedly one to watch in the rock music scene.

In addition to their new album, the band has also announced via their social media a UK tour to delight their fans. The band said, “Our new album, Dark Rainbow, drops on January 26, 2024. The first single, Man Of The Hour, is out now. We’re also pleased to announce that Dark Rainbow will be hitting stages worldwide. For early access to UK and Europe shows, pre-order the album from the official UK store. Worldwide General on-sale starts on Friday, October 6th, for worldwide access. Link in bio.”

Frank Carter and The Rattlesnakes UK Tour 2024 dates, purchase tickets here.

06/02/2024 The Great Hall Cardiff Uni Students Union – Cardiff
07/02 – O2 Academy Bristol – Bristol
09/02 – Manchester Academy – Manchester
10/02 – Northumbria Students Union – Newcastle
11/02 – Barrowland Ballroom – Glasgow
13/02 – O2- Academy Leeds – Leeds
14/02 – Wulfrun Hall – Wolverhampton
15/02 – Roundhouse – London
16/02 – Roundhouse – London 

The festival posted on their official Instagram page, “Beyond stoked to announced @Softplayband (formerly known as Slaves) are headlining the Thursday at 2000trees! New name, same songs, same incredible live show!!!”

The band first headlined 2000trees festival in 2017, between releases of their second and third album in 2016 and 2018. Their first album, Are You Satisfied?, reached the top ten of the UK music charts and was nominated for the 2015 Mercury Music Prize. They have performed and have song writing credits with other big UK artists, including Chase and Status, Gorillaz, and Slowthai. They last released music and performed together in 2019, before going on an indefinite hiatus.

The festival will be the rock duo’s first show since reforming as Soft Play. To commemorate the event, the band even said on Instagram: “First gig back headlining @2000trees_festival wtffff. We wanna know what tracks you’d like us to play on the night. Our set is in your hands.”

Playing alongside Soft Play on the Thursday includes big names in rock music such as Skindred, Eagles of Death Metal, American punk rock group The Bronx, and more.

Scheduled to play a plethora of festivals this summer, Hastings band Kid Kapichi are playing a set at 2000trees after completing their 2023 Here’s What You Could Have Won European tour. They last played in 2022, and have moved to the main stage after a successful year and the release of their first album Here’s What You Could Have Won. They said on Instagram: “Happy to be returning to 2000trees festival this year, this time on the main stage. What a festival. What a line up.”

One fan, @ziolipo56, commented on their post, calling them the “best band on the line-up“.

The Friday line-up features Rival Schools, Dinosaur Pile-Up, Simon Neil of Biffy Clyro’s metal side project Empire State Bastard, Prima Queen, and Motherhood alongside headliners Bullet For My Valentine. Kelsey Karter & the Heroines are a highlight, playing the festival after finishing supporting Billy Idol on his American tour. Playing on Saturday under Frank Carter and The Rattlesnakes are Deaf Havana, Black Honey, Electric Six, and American Football.

The other new acts announced include Dinosaur Pile-Up, Hell Is For Heroes, B-Sydes, Bilk, Beach Riot, CARSICK, Congratulations, Clarence, NOISY, Gaffa Tape Sandy, Haggard Cat, and Love Is Noise.

The full line-up is available on the website.

2000trees festival began in 2007, and is one of the UK’s most loved alternative music festivals. The organisers say it is a festival for a community rooted in music. Their manifesto says: “Trees is more than an event. It’s a family gathering based on positive community values. A sense of community, common culture, kinship and collective wellbeing. Music is the foundation for these positive values. Music brings this extended family together, giving everyone a powerful and vivid shared experience. This experience lingers long after the festival is over.”

Final weekend and day tickets are available on the offical website here.

It takes place:

05/07/23 – Upcote Farm – Cheltenham

06/07 – Upcote Farm – Cheltenham

07/07 – Upcote Farm – Cheltenham

08/07 – Upcote Farm – Cheltenham

Singles like “Go Get A Tattoo”, “Off With His Head”, and previously mentioned “My Town”, shows the dedication to mosh heavy rock that Frank Carter has been blasting out to crowds for 6 years- if we don’t include his work with previous bands. With a new love for featuring artists on his songs that we haven’t seen before in previous albums.

With sophomore Modern Ruin (2017) and follow-up album End Of Suffering (2019), Carter has made a name for himself as a stand-out performer and forward-thinking musician. But, Sticky shows his dedication to the craft, while outshining anything he’s done before. Sticky is the fourth album from tattoo enthusiastic Frank Carter and his rhumba of rattlesnakes. It is great to see that they are still coming up with new and inventive ways to get people to simultaneously Cathrin-wheel their arms and ripping their vocal cords repeatedly shouting “Bang Bang”. Sticky is sure to be topping the charts this coming week, as Frank Carter songs like “Cobra Queen” receive thousands of streams.

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With tour dates starting in just under a month, Frank Carter will be blowing up stages across the UK. Starting off with a killer show at Nottingham Rock City on the 11th of November. Flooding through Southampton, Birmingham, and even Manchester, on this course for mayhem. Hoping to see a setlist as full of hits as his recent festival shows, with the biggest tracks from his new album. We are sure these tickets will sell out – so hurry to get yours here.

Frank Carter tour dates:

Carter described the track as being “about that moment where you’re drunk at a bus stop at 3 am. You know there are no more buses, but you sit there anyway because you’re too fucked to figure out your options. Your kebab is on the floor, there’s a Stella in your pocket and you’re woken up by a dirty little fox eating your shoes.”
The upcoming album, was produced for the first time by the bands guitarist Dean Richardson and also features some big names such as Primal Scream‘s Bobby Gillespie, Lynks and Cassyette. When asked about the album Carter stated that “Someone described it to me as ‘they felt their youth’ when they were listening to the record,” adding that “When you make albums, those are the ones you want to make. Nostalgic, but classic. Timeless, and also modern.”

The punk rock group have previously previewed their new album with the track ‘My Town’, which takes a metaphoric look at the collective mental health of a nation after all the long arduous lockdowns. On the song they collaborated with IDLES frontman Joe Talbot.
Those who pre-order ‘Sticky’ from the band’s official store will then on July 14 at 10am local time receive early access to tickets for their latest tour. Details for said tour were announced around the same time they released the first single off the new album. They are set to tour UK and Ireland for November this year and will also play a pair of gigs at the O2 Academy Brixton in London in January before heading out on a European tour. After the early access period tickets will then go on General sale on July 16 at 10am local time.

Frank Carter & The Rattlesnakes also recently headlined the opening night of the Download Festival pilot, where they played to 10,000 people.

 ‘Sticky’ Tracklist:

1. ‘Sticky’
2. ‘Cupid’s Arrow’
3. ‘Bang Bang’ (featuring Lynks)
4. ‘Take It To The Brink’
5. ‘My Town’ (featuring Joe Talbot)
6. ‘Go Get A Tattoo’ (featuring Lynks)
7. ‘Off With His Head’ (featuring Cassyette)
8. ‘Cobra Queen’
9. ‘Rat Race’
10. ‘Original Sin’ (featuring Bobby Gillespie)

Frank Carter & The Rattlesnakes UK and Ireland tour:

10/11/2021 Academy – Dublin
11/11 Rock City – Nottingham
13/11 UEA – Norwich
15/11 Guildhall – Southampton
16/11 O2 Academy – Bristol
17/11 Engine Shed – Lincoln
19/11 O2 Academy – Birmingham
20/11 O2 Academy – Newcastle
22/11 Barrowland – Glasgow
23/11 Corn Exchange – Edinburgh
24/11 O2 Academy – Liverpool
25/11 Academy – Manchester

The band relayed all the details to followers via social media, revealing that they’ll be playing on Friday 13th November at 8pm BST, and fans will choose the setlist as well as being able to “invade the stage” virtually. General sale tickets will be sold from Wednesday 14th October at 10am, and tickets bought before midnight will allow a chance to be shown on stage.

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Brixton. By Request. We’re getting back on stage via the powers of @melodyvirtual, and you are all coming with us. You are going to pick the setlist (), and invade the stage via giant screens looming over us.⁠ ⁠ We’ll see you @o2academybrix on Friday 13th November. Tickets bought before 23:59 on Wednesday 14th October put you in with a chance to be on the stage. Screen space is limited so get your tickets fast  General sale starts 10.00am BST on Wednesday.⁠ ⁠ Our shows, in person or virtual, aren’t right without you all involved.

A post shared by Frank Carter &The Rattlesnakes (@andtherattlesnakes) on Oct 12, 2020 at 2:06am PDT

⁠Frontman Frank Carter gave more insight into the show, saying, “There are few places like O2 Academy Brixton, a venue where you feel the history every time you walk out onto the stage. Our sold out Brixton show a few years back was wild and we had to create a live album from it.”

This specific show has been dubbed ‘Brixton By Request’ in the ‘Live From O2 Academy Brixton’ series, and it will feature live versions of songs from the band’s new deluxe rendition of their 2015 debut album ‘Blossom’. Announced in June, it was disclosed that in addition to the ten original tracks, there will be fifteen unreleased songs.

Carter said of the release, “It all started with Blossom, an incendiary record as visceral as it was chaotic. An experiment in capturing pure emotion. To commemorate this prestigious event we have curated a special version of the album. Included with the original studio recordings are three previously unheard tracks that were recorded in the same session. We listened to them recently and sadly enough they sound as though they were made for the year 2020.”

The upcoming performance follows that of Tom Grennan who kicked things off last week on Friday 2nd October, debuting new material and playing his most popular hits. He commented, “Nothing can replace the thrill of live music, especially in a venue as iconic as O2 Academy Brixton.”

Tickets for the mega show are going on sale on Friday, August 28 at 9am here. Fans who pre-ordered Biffy Clyro’s new record “A Celebration of Endings” or registered via the band’s official store before August 17 will have access to pre-sale tickets from today, August 25, at 9am.

People who have signed up for the Team Biffy mailing newsletter are going to have access to a special Team Biffy pre-sale tomorrow, Thursday, August 26, at 9am. Details about the pre-sale will be sent out at least 12 hours before the pre-sale. If you haven’t signed up for the newsletter yet but still want to, you can do so here.

Biffy Clyro announce special homecoming show at Bellahouston Park in Glasgow for June 2021 alongside @yungblud, @therattlesnakes and @porridgeradio. Details and ticket information at https://t.co/UXKZGkd0Fa pic.twitter.com/t73Td0sQ3u

— Biffy Clyro (@BiffyClyro) August 24, 2020

At the show, the band will play loads of new tracks from the new album, which recently went to Number 1 on the UK charts, amongst songs from other records. The band announced the show on their social media platforms, and Doncaster-born Yungblud showed his excitement in a tweet, saying “yo SCOTLAND see u next year”.

“A Celebration Of Endings” is the band’s ninth album, containing a total of eleven songs. When the band released the new LP on August 14, they also played a release show a day later, on August 15, which they livestreamed so fans from all around the world could listen to the new tracks live. At said release show, the played the entire new album, as well as a best-of set.

But now there’s a chance to hear the album live in front of the stage, rather than in front of a screen. If you don’t want to miss out on the opportunity of seeing Biffy Clyro, Yungblud, Frank Carter & The Rattlesnakes and Porridge Radio all in one night, don’t hesitate to buy a ticket on Friday. However, don’t be sad if you shouldn’t get a ticket, as Biffy Clyro are also going on a small intimidate UK tour in 2021.

Carter had been due to tour Europe with Papa Roach in the coming days, but revealed that he’s been ‘fighting demons’, and has subsequently cancelled.

In a lengthy Facebook post, the singer explained his situation to his fans.

Carter starts the statement by saying “The past two years have been a whirlwind of intensity and high emotion for myself and my family. It has been both a wonderfully fulfilling and exciting place to be and at times a brutally bleak landscape that I have found myself walking in, alone and terrified.

“No person should ever have to constantly fight through demons […] So instead, I am taking some time away from touring to focus on finding the light within myself to be able to always find a safe passage through any situation that the dark labyrinthine confines of my mind can throw at me.