“Playing shows with no barrier is something I have felt strongly about my entire life.” Said Frank Carter in a statement on the band’s Facebook. So I wasn’t surprised upon hearing of the venue change for Frank Carter & The Rattlesnakes sold out show from Dingwalls to Underworld, as the band refused the barriers that Dingwalls would have insisted on putting up for the show.
The show was insane from start to finish, it was one of those ‘blink-and-you’ll-miss-it’ type of gigs. Everyone was on their toes anxiously anticipating what crazed frontman Frank Carter and his bandmates the Rattlesnakes would do next. Unsurprisingly they did not disappoint, initially I wondered whether the show would be more of a spectacle about the band’s frenzied live show and antics or would the focus stay on their music? But I can honestly say that everyone at that sweaty and dingy venue in Camden on a cold Monday evening was there for the music and maybe admittedly a bit of the spectacle, but hey, what a great way to start your week!
All hell broke loose after their second song Trouble and if anything, the already exceedingly hyperactive crowd became almost hysterical. The excitement in the room was palpable as Frank Carter prowled around the tiny stage and himself and his bandmates were thrilled to be invading the personal statement of their crowd, even going as far as to throw themselves into it. The tiny confines of Camden’s iconic rock and metal venue the Underworld just couldn’t contain the force of Frank Carter & The Rattlesnakes and if their immense success this year and tight live show are any indicators, next year has the potential to be overflowing with opportunities for the band.
Frank Carter is an enigmatic and charismatic frontman, watching him perform is almost a therapeutic activity as you get the impression that performing for him is cathartic. His audience certainly don’t hold back either. This is a gig best experienced right at the thick of it, right at the front with knees with knocking against the stage but don’t blame us if you manage to lose a phone, take a hefty elbow to the face or have to dodge a crowd surfing Frank Carter – that’s all part of the experience.
