FRANK Carter and The Rattlesnakes have gone on hiatus after nine years together.
The popular rock group has released five albums, four of which have reached the top 10 in the UK.
However, no new music will be forthcoming for the foreseeable future after the band surprised fans by announcing an indefinite break.
Writing on Instagram, members Carter and Dean Richardson said: “Nine years, five albums, hundreds of stages shared all over the world and our songs sung with each and every one of you. It is with sadness we announce that The Rattlesnakes are taking a hiatus.
“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. So please join us in celebration of the songs that changed our lives.
“Our UK and European tour will go ahead and we look forward to seeing you all on the dancefloor.”
The band has two upcoming gigs in the UK – Brighton and London – before going on a European run that ends in Milan on November 2.
Frontman Carter, who previously led punk band Gallows, has recently been performing with The Sex Pistols.
He joined Glen Matlock, Steve Jones and Paul Cook for three shows to raise money to save the legendary Shepherd’s Bush Hall venue.
Such was the reception from fans that the foursome decided to go on a small tour and performed five more gigs.
Each member looked to be loving their time together, with Frank writing on Instagram after their Manchester gig: “Having a f**kin blast and each show feels better than the last.”
Fans couldn’t have agreed more, with one writing: “Bloody BRILLIANT last night – don’t think I’ve ever seen anyone as ecstatic to be on a stage as you looked fronting the Pistols.”
Another said: “Brilliant last night just brilliant.”
A third shared: “You were astounding!!! Took them songs and made ‘em your own. Best frontman I’ve seen in ages!”
Carter is filling in for The Pistols’ original frontman John Lydon, who was reportedly furious about the new look version of the band.
A source told us earlier this summer: “These Pistols gigs aren’t just for charity, they’re to show Rotten how rotten they think he’s been to the rest of the band over the years by battling to stop them earning royalties from their music.
“Rotten thinks he IS the Pistols and has the rights to all their music, but these gigs will show they don’t need him any more.
“In typical fashion, John has told pals he thinks the upcoming gigs will be b****cks.”
The band released one studio album, Nevermind The B*****ks, in 1977, but despite its limited output, The Pistols made a huge cultural impression with snarling attitude and raucous antics.
Lydon would go on to form experimental outfit Public Image Limited after leaving the group in 1978. He has reunited with The Pistols numerous times over the years most recently in 2008.
