Frank Carter & The Rattlesnakes, the dynamic British punk-rock outfit led by the mercurial frontman Frank Carter and guitarist Dean Richardson, have announced an indefinite hiatus following the conclusion of their upcoming UK and European tour. The band took to their social media platforms to deliver the news via a heartfelt written note, with the door possibly being left open for a return.
Formed in 2015, Frank Carter & The Rattlesnakes quickly became a formidable force in the alternative music scene, known for their raucous live performances and fearless approach to genre fusion. Across five studio albums, the band consistently pushed the boundaries of their sound, carving out a niche that mixed raw aggression with moments of introspection. Their most recent album, Dark Rainbow, became their fourth UK Top 10 release, a fitting testament to the band’s growing stature and continued relevance just at the time of their disbandment.
The announcement itself reads more like a farewell letter than a simple pause in operations. “It is with sadness we announce that The Rattlesnakes are taking a hiatus,” the statement begins, acknowledging the weight of this decision after nine years and five albums together. “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,” the note continues, carrying over some of the emotional sensitivity that has shaped the band’s lyrical output.
The band, rounded out by drummer Gareth Grover, bassist Tom “Tank” Barclay, guitarist Elliot Russell, and producer-bassist Thomas Mitchener, have been praised for their tight-knit performances and musical chemistry. Together, they helped shape the band’s distinctive sound—one that oscillates between explosive fury and nuanced vulnerability, with Carter’s voice often serving as the bridge between those extremes.
The band’s live performances have become legendary for their ferocity and Carter’s ability to turn a gig into an experience of cathartic release. As much a collective ritual as a concert, their shows are where Carter’s punk ethos thrives most vividly. “Please join us all in celebration of the songs that changed our lives,” the band urged in their statement, directing fans to make the most of this final tour, which will continue through October and November.
Carter, formerly of Gallows, formed The Rattlesnakes in the aftermath of leaving his previous band, seeking a fresh start that allowed for more personal and artistic freedom. The band’s debut album, Blossom (2015), was an immediate success, earning acclaim for its raw energy and emotional intensity. Over the years, the band evolved their sound, with follow-ups like Modern Ruin (2017) and End of Suffering (2019) showcasing their willingness to experiment with more melodic and expansive arrangements without losing the visceral punch that marked their earlier work.
Their most recent release Dark Rainbow (2023) saw the band at the peak of their powers, balancing fierce punk energy with moments of vulnerability. In a glowing review, NME hailed the album as “a riotous, kaleidoscopic journey through joy, pain, and everything in between, proving once again that Frank Carter & The Rattlesnakes are a band unafraid to evolve.”
The band’s final tour for the foreseeable future will kick off in mid-October with UK shows in Brighton and London, before the band hits the continent, with the group finally saying goodbye in Eindhoven in the Netherlands on November 16. Fans hoping to seize their last chance to see the band can find tickets here.
