Frank Carter and the Rattlesnakes play energetic and inclusive show at Alexandra Palace

Frank Carter & The Rattlesnakes fans braved Storm Dennis this weekend to support the high-energy performance of the punk rock band at the iconic Alexandra Palace. Playing their biggest headlining show to date, on their The End of Suffering tour, the band made up for the harsh weather with an engaging show that had the entire room celebrating their legacy with them.  

The tour (named after their 2019 record) is a celebration of the band’s evolution in sound, featuring songs from all three of their albums. The band’s musical journey is evident; the setlist showed their shift to a more alternative rock style from the heavier and harsher music featured in their 2015 debut Blossom. Paired with top-class lighting and sound, the show captured the band’s defining musical moments and invited the audience to enjoy each song, regardless of the new album’s differing genres.   

Opening with newer tracks such as Tyrant Lizard King, then kicking into past hits like Juggernaut, the band tried to appease the tastes of all their fans. Carter’s showmanship and charisma stayed constant as he moved from acoustic moments to flying punk steps with the same enthusiasm and energy. We saw his crowd dives and riling-up banter keeping the venue atmosphere alive and excited.

However, the band couldn’t match Carter’s energy on their older work. There was a lack of passion and aggression that defined their performances from their first album. As a collective, Frank Carter & The Rattlesnakes seem to thrive away from the punk roots that first defined them and have been with Carter since his time with Gallows. The band seem more passionate and excited about their future sound, as they genuinely came alive together while performing tracks from their latest album.

Carter is a born entertainer, and his emphasis on inclusion and self-worth make for an unforgettable experience. A standout moment was a mosh pit for the women at the beginning of the show, sparking a safe environment full of respect. As a woman who has grown up in the alternative scene, I was impressed by this gesture at an often exclusionary setting. Frank Carter’s fans come across as his top priority, and going to his shows is a guarantee of a good time no matter who you are.

Emma-Jane Betts
Photos: Virginie Viche

For further information and future events visit Frank Carter and the Rattlesnakes’s website here.

Watch the video for Tyrant Lizard King here (warning: do not watch if you have epilepsy):