On what felt like a mid summer’s day in the city of Toronto, the night brewed an intimate show for the ages. Former Gallows front-man Frank Carter with the Rattlesnakes, paved the way for a riotous show at the Hard Luck Bar.

The night opened with Swedish act Royal Republic, the band’s enigmatic lead singer, Adam Grahn danced and rocked the venue early in the night. With nifty riffs and an engaging performance, it was clear the band started the night off on a groovy note.

As the Hard Luck Bar filled the floor area, three-piece alt-rock act Dinosaur Pile-Up rocked the stage. The trio ignited the crowd off their feet leading up to the headliners. As the clock struck 10:00 the lights dimmed and out came the Rattlesnakes – the musicians alongside Carter then came the front-man himself. As soon as the band started, all hell broke loose with beer and bodies flying freely to the strumming of each chord. The band played through their set list including tracks off the band’s second release Modern Ruin, with the record released earlier this year.

Frank quickly engaged the crowd with banter and honest messages including dedications to his wife and young daughter. Soon after while introducing “Wild Flowers” he aptly called for women to stage dive, he called for a safe space to allow for a positive atmosphere. With a music scene so male-dominated, it was refreshing to hear a take from an ally presenting space for women to disregard the fear of harassment & unwanted action. Thus, the ladies had space to crowd surf and mosh to their heart’s desire. In the set, as Frank introduced “Lullaby”, he dedicated the track to his daughter and shared a message with the parents in the room, once again Frank proving his humanity and humility with the Toronto crowd.

As Frank continued to command the crowd with a controlled menace, he had the floor in the palm of his hand with his harrowing vocals echoing from wall to wall. It was easy to tell Frank was a veteran of the stage, with ease he led the night with a force to remember.