Leave the house? Seems quite likely with all of this going on.
GIG OF THE WEEK
Frank Carter & The Rattlesnakes
Frank Carter & The Rattlesnakes are set to bow out, at least for now, with a tour that promises to be just as incendiary and emotionally charged as their nine-year run. The duo’s announcement of an indefinite hiatus makes these October dates a bittersweet, rather sudden celebration of their legacy. With five albums under their belt, including 2024’s ‘Dark Rainbow’, Frank Carter and co. have carved out their own space in the rock landscape, blending raw aggression with vulnerability and social commentary.
With two intimate shows at Brighton’s Concorde 2 and London’s Electric Ballroom, they’re giving a final chance to experience the band’s ferocious energy in close quarters. Known for their cathartic live performances, where the boundary between band and audience often dissolves, these shows should be a (possibly final) powerful testament to the Rattlesnakes’ impact. As Frank Carter put it in their hiatus announcement, “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.”
From their blistering 2015 debut ‘Blossom’ to the more nuanced aggression of ‘Dark Rainbow’, The Rattlesnakes consistently pushed the boundaries of what punk rock can be. Their 2019 album ‘End of Suffering’ saw them break into the UK Top 5, while 2021’s ‘Sticky’ further cemented their status as one of the most vital acts in British rock. Each release has seen the band evolve, with Carter’s lyrics delving deeper into themes of masculinity, mental health, and societal pressures.
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Live, Frank Carter & The Rattlesnakes have become well known for their intense, often chaotic performances. Carter’s fearless stage presence, often diving into the crowd or scaling venue rigging, has made their shows a rite of passage – especially on the home turf of Reading & Leeds, where it wasn’t a proper festival if Frank wasn’t to be found sprinting his way around the front of the main stage. The band’s ability to create a sense of community and catharsis at their gigs has been a cornerstone of their appeal, with Carter often using his platform to champion inclusivity and safety at rock shows.
This farewell tour comes on the heels of Carter’s recent stint fronting the Sex Pistols, adding an intriguing layer to the hiatus. While it’s unclear what the future holds, these shows promise to be a celebration of everything the band has achieved. As the Rattlesnakes prepare to take a break, these shows are set to be a fitting send-off – a final, furious reminder of the band’s power to unite, provoke, and inspire.
Concorde 2, Brighton (15 Oct), Electric Ballroom, London (16)
BIFFY CLYRO
Biffy Clyro are taking fans on a nostalgic journey with their ‘A Celebration of Beginnings’ tour. The Scottish icons will perform their first three albums in full across the shows, offering a rare glimpse into their ‘I preferred their earlier work’days. From the raw energy of ‘Blackened Sky’ to the more experimental ‘Infinity Land’, it’s a surefire treat for long-time fans and newcomers alike.
O2 Shepherds Bush Empire (20, 21, 22 Oct), Barrowland Ballroom, Glasgow (24, 25, 26)
CAT BURNS
Cat Burns continues her meteoric rise with a string of UK dates that showcase why she’s one of the most exciting new voices in British pop. Following her Mercury Prize nomination for debut album ‘Early Twenties’, Burns’ honest, introspective songwriting and powerful vocals are sure to shine.
O2 Academy, Bristol (14 Oct), O2 Academy, Glasgow (15), Manchester Academy (17), Roundhouse, London (18)
DUA LIPA
Fresh off her triumphant Glastonbury headline set, Dua Lipa is set to bring her pop spectacle to the iconic Royal Albert Hall. This one-off show promises to be an intimate affair by her standards, offering fans a unique opportunity to experience her powerhouse vocals and chart-topping hits in one of London’s most prestigious venues. With her new album ‘Radical Optimism’ still riding high, expect a set that delivers Dua’s trademark confidence and flair.
Royal Albert Hall, London (17 Oct)
WALLOWS
Wallows bring their sun-soaked indie rock to the UK for their largest tour to date. Hot on the heels of their third album ‘Model’, produced by John Congleton, the LA trio are set to showcase their evolution from bedroom pop darlings to arena-ready act. With their blend of nostalgic melodies and fresher-than-fresh production, Wallows can roll back the rubbish European autumn with some proper West Coast vibes.
O2 Academy, Birmingham (14 Oct), O2 Academy, Edinburgh (15, 16), O2 City Hall, Newcastle (18), O2 Victoria Warehouse, Manchester (19, 20), Alexandra Palace, London (22)
