Frank Carter & The Rattlesnakes

For the fourth time in just over two years UK punk rockers Frank Carter & The Rattlesnakes will make their way down under. This time around the band will be commemorating the release of their third album, End Of Suffering. Which is somewhat fitting given the recent bushfire tragedies which have befallen our beautiful country.

When speaking with Carter ahead of the tour he was incredibly saddened by the news coming out of Australia.

“With everything that’s going on right now in Australia we’re desperate to get out there and provide some sort of relief for people. I know we can’t bring any level of normalcy but at least we will come, play out hearts out and you can come have a moment of catharsis with us.”

It’s statements like that one, along with his Carter’s longstanding push to ensure Rattlesnakes gigs are safe for everybody which prove he, and the band, have incredibly big hearts.

During every Rattlesnakes performance, Carter and the band make a point of ensuring women feel safe at their gigs. In order to do this, the band sets aside one song early in their set which opens the dance floor up to the women in the audience only.

“Unfortunately rock environments, in particular, can be very testosterone-heavy, so we felt like we had to make a change,” Carter explained, “It’s not about the gesture or a small token of giving women one song. That one song early on in the set turns the entire atmosphere into one of love, protection, friendship, unity and equality. Quite often what happens afterwards is all you see for the rest of the night is girls crowd surfing or moshing in the pit, and you see the guys protecting that space.”

By implementing these small changes into their live performances the band hope to see their fans carry this into their everyday life. Therefore making society in general much more inclusive. Something which Carter says he has set a personal deadline on seeing happen.

“I’ve given myself a deadline of 15 years from now. When my daughter is 20 and playing/going to shows I want her to do so without feeling uncomfortable. If we’re still having this conversation then, I’ll be very disappointed in myself.”

Looking ahead, Carter says people ideally shouldn’t head into the upcoming show in Sydney with any expectations. But, if they do “come with an open mind and open heart ready to have a great fucking time because you’re probably about to see your new favourite band in action for the first time.”

Jan 18. Roundhouse, University Of New South Wales, Anzac Parade, Kensington. $60+b.f. Tickets & Info: www.arc.unsw.edu.au