Frank Carter & The Rattlesnakes - Live Review

FRANK CARTER & THE RATTLESNAKES / BIRMINGHAM O2 ACADEMY / 19TH NOVEMBER 2021

A couple of days ago, in the most Rock n Roll of fashions - we’re sure, Frank Carter fractured his elbow. We were worried this might effect the show going ahead, or maybe the energy/pace of the show. We should have known better… Even with a poorly arm, so delicately placed and held up in a sling, Frank prowled the width of the vast stage like a tight penned captive Tiger, searching for a weakness in the fence. Stomping out every track with an unparalleled tenacity. Said delicate care of the arm in question, did not last long, as second song in, Frank was in the crowd, chucking his sling off and asking everyone to just be careful! As if! 

It’s safe to say that the style and sound of the rattlesnakes has progressed over the years, the new songs are a little more polished and dare we say a little more processed, but this doesn’t mean that Frank approaches the vocals with any less power and attitude. It’s been a while since we’ve seen Frank and his Rattlesnakes, with time you forget the feels. With a stunningly simple stage set up, that looked super classy and cool, Deano & Frank were the stars of the show, with the rest of the band behind, creating an immoveable, never-ending wall of sound. Opening with ‘My Town’ their entrance to the room was explosive. 

After the horrific events that took place at Astroworld Festival, crowd safety is at the forefront of bands, spectators and the media. Frank announced to the crowd;

“Open up the pit, open up the pit… This pit is just for the ladies… If you’re female, non binary or identify as female… This pit is for you. Guys, protect this pit, this is a safe space”

Which for those who can acknowledge the struggles of people who appear feminine, especially at shows, really meant a lot. The Rattlesnakes are part of the new movement, a generational change, not only in music and at shows but in life, we don’t give a FUCK about what you think, concerning many many things, but we also care a whole great lot. About each other and the world. This show was a place of safety and love. Frank even stopped a song when a girl got kneed in the head by a passing crowdsurfer, she wasn’t bothered at all, but Frank was genuinely concerned, and that was so touching to see. If you’re in a crowd for a Frank Carter show, you’re not just a sea of blurry faces, your individuals who deserve to be respected and acknowledged. His repour with the crowd is like no other artist we’ve seen, even with a fractured elbow Frank heads into the crowd “look after me…” he tells them “but let me enjoy the mosh pit experience” He trusts his fans completely and in return the fans treat him with the up-most respect, holding him aloft high above the crowd while he spits out ‘Wild Flowers’ one of the stand out tracks from the new album.

When on stage (and not out in the crowd) Frank stalks his surroundings with the menace and swagger of a man who is sick and tired of what he sees around him. He has lost non of the burning fire of the Frank Carter we first saw over six years ago at The Rainbow Rooms in Birmingham. 

Frank is a punk with a heart, his anger comes from a place of frustration with our out-of-touch government and an apathetic society. We love Frank Carter and the Rattlesnakes, we love the fire, the venom and the sheer pissed off-ness but we can’t help but love the Frank Carter that sat in a field with us at Leeds Festival and talked about his love for yoga and mindfulness. That’s what makes Frank Carter such a force, he isn’t one dimensional, he is a complex individual who has layer upon layer of compassion, consideration and emotional depth. 

Frank Carter and The Rattlesnakes truly served us all an unbelievable night, leaving with a warm heard and a fire in our bellies, and an insatiable thirst to head back to our chosen streaming service…to give that latest album another blast. 

*On a personal note, whoever threw a full two pinter hard into my back, that’s not the care and respect we expect here is it… I’m disappointed in you. As is my hair and dress… Frank love, please look after that arm.*

Using Format