Mosh Pits, Mental Health, and Pure Mayhem: Frank Carter’s Electrifying Farewell Show

October 22, 2024 rocknews

We love Frank Carter and, having photographed and reviewed him twice this year (at the Roundhouse in February and fronting the ‘Sex Pistols’ last month) we were very excited for this.

Our evening didn’t start according to plan. Delays on the Tube (thanks Northern Line!) meant we didn’t arrive in Camden in time to photograph opening band Snayx. We did, however, catch the last half of their set. They were a late replacement for original support Hot Wax who had to pull out due to illness.

Underground website describes Snayx as “punk-infused alt-rock, perfect for deviants and delinquents of all ages” – so a perfect fit for the packed out Electric Ballroom! The trio of Charlie, Ollie and Elaina (or “Lainey”) warmed the crowd up beautifully with an 11-song set of infectious grooves, thumping bass and atmospheric synths. We particularly liked ‘Sink or Swim’, taken from their latest EP ‘Better Days’ and ‘Fayx’ which saw vocalist Charlie really engage with the audience.

Closing number ‘Violence’, with its industrial sound, went down a storm and left us ready and eager for the main act.

This was a special night, as it marked the final London show for Frank Carter and the Rattlesnakes. And what a way to bow out! From the moment the lights dimmed and the sold-out audience roared them on stage, the Rattlesnakes put on what can only be described as the show of their lives. Carter is a natural performer, putting every ounce of his energy into his shows and tonight was no exception. He bounded around the stage, crowd surfed and engaged his audience like no other performer can. He is truly unique and the crowd love him for it.

The set list was a fantastic tour through the Rattlesnakes’ career, opening with ‘Why a Butterfly Can’t Love a Spider’, quickly followed by ‘Honey’ and ‘Tyrant Lizard King’. As usual, Carter spent much of his time in, or on, the audience as he made frequent trips to and from the stage. Our favourite moment of the night, though, came mid-way through the set when they played ‘Wild Flowers’. A women-only mosh pit was asked for, and who was at the centre of it? His Mum! “Protect her at all costs!” he demanded. And they did. What a fantastic sight and a demonstration of the inclusivity encouraged and given by Rattlesnakes fans.

Another thing we love about Frank Carter is his willingness to share his vulnerability. He spoke throughout of his mental health – something that he did with sensitivity and integrity and that was appreciated by the crowd.

The songs kept coming, with ‘Fangs’ and ‘Juggernaut’ from debut album ‘Blossom’ standing out for us. ‘Thunder’ from ‘Modern Ruin’ closed the main set, but they were back for a four-song encore that included one of the best things we’ve seen. Carter spotted someone holding a sign in the audience asking if they could sing ‘Crowbar’ – and he obliged. The fan was brought on stage and he gave a superb rendition, cheered on by Carter, the band and the audience. What a moment that fan will never forget. ‘Man of the Hour’ and ‘I Hate You’ finished the night off and left the Electric Ballroom a sweaty, exhausted and happy mess.

Once this tour is over, the Rattlesnakes will be on an indefinite hiatus. We dearly hope they will be back in the future, but whatever Frank Carter does next (more with Jones, Cook and Matlock maybe??) we can’t wait for it.