Rattlebacks bring Brighton energy to Facebar’s rock show

Share
Brighton band The Rattlebacks rocked The Facebar in Reading Picture: Dijana Capan/DVision Images
Brighton band The Rattlebacks rocked The Facebar in Reading Picture: Dijana Capan/DVision Images
Share

The Facebar was buzzing on Thursday, October 23, as a mix of Reading and Brighton acts delivered a high-energy showcase packed with riffs, screams, and some serious pedal abuse.

The Facebar in Reading was rocking thanks to a set from Number of the Beef Picture: Dijana Capan/DVision Images
Number of the Beef brought their high-energy sounds to The Facebar Picture: Dijana Capan/DVision Images

Opening the night at the Chatham Street venue were Number of the Beef, Reading’s own Download Festival 2024 District X alumni.

Their set was both playful and heavy, featuring tight dual guitars and confident vocals.

The Facebar in Reading was rocking thanks to a set from Number of the Beef Picture: Dijana Capan/DVision Images
The Facebar in Reading was rocking thanks to a set from Number of the Beef Picture: Dijana Capan/DVision Images

They powered through a set that was both playful and heavy, with a killer cover of Breaking The Law. Their dual lead guitars locked in perfectly, and their vocals were on point.

The Facebar in Reading was rocking thanks to a set from Number of the Beef Picture: Dijana Capan/DVision Images
Number of the Beef performing at The Facebar Picture: Dijana Capan/DVision Images

When they introduced their final song as their Christmas hit, we knew what was coming: Killing In The Name.

Next up were City Dog, rolling in from Brighton and admitting to being “a bit hungover”.

Brighton band City Dog paid a visit to The Facebar in Reading Picture: Dijana Capan/DVision Images
Brighton band City Dog paid a visit to The Facebar in Reading Picture: Dijana Capan/DVision Images

That didn’t stop them from producing one of the most atmospheric performances of the night.

Brighton band City Dog paid a visit to The Facebar in Reading Picture: Dijana Capan/DVision Images
City Dog’s raw energy and 90s edge was evident at The Facebar Picture: Dijana Capan/DVision Images

Their bass-heavy sound and raw energy carried a distinctive 90s edge, with tracks like I Might Die adding a darker punch to their punk-infused set.

Headliners Rattlebacks, another Brighton export, brought a healthy dose of swagger and dry wit in equal measure.

Brighton band The Rattlebacks rocked The Facebar in Reading Picture: Dijana Capan/DVision Images
Brighton band The Rattlebacks rocked The Facebar in Reading Picture: Dijana Capan/DVision Images

Their set fused Guns N’ Roses-style bravado with grunge-era grit, mixing originals from their album Sidewinder with a fierce cover of It’s So Easy. The crowd lapped up the chaos — complete with cowbell — as the band tore through a relentless finale.

Brighton band The Rattlebacks rocked The Facebar in Reading Picture: Dijana Capan/DVision Images
Full power from The Rattlebacks Picture: Dijana Capan/DVision Images

The Facebar crowd was buzzing. A night of big sounds, bigger personalities absolute proof that Reading’s live music scene is alive and kicking.

Brighton band The Rattlebacks rocked The Facebar in Reading Picture: Dijana Capan/DVision Images
The Rattlebacks hit the right notes with their latest show Picture: Dijana Capan/DVision Images

For more on the band, log on to: https://www.therattlebacks.co.uk/

Cheeselogs

​Get Cheeselogs in your inbox!

Sign up to our weekly newsletter for the latest posts, news and surprises. It's completely free, and goes straight to your inbox. 

You may be asked to complete a puzzle, and will be sent an email asking you to confirm your subscription, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Share

Don't Miss

Countdown on to Reading’s Christmas light switch-on

Festive displays across the town centre start from Saturday, 14 November

Flight Club Reading gets festive with Christmas party Social Darts

Station Hill’s Social Darts bar adds Christmas trees, wreath-wrapped oches and festive cocktails from 16 November

Kathak dance show BIRD tells survivors’ stories at Norden Farm

Amina Khayyam Dance Company’s Edinburgh Fringe award winner, with a live score by Jonathan Mayer, visits Maidenhead on Wednesday 18 November

All the pantomimes in Berkshire for Christmas 2026

Reading’s Hexagon to stage Aladdin, while Theatre Royal Windsor to welcome Jack and the Beanstalk

Heaven 17 announce orchestral greatest hits tour including London date

Martyn Ware and Glenn Gregory team up with full orchestra and special guests China Crisis for November 2027 show at London Royal Festival...

Anything Goes sets sail at The Mill at Sonning this Christmas

Gemma Sutton and Josh St Clair lead the cast of Cole Porter’s ocean-liner musical, from 19 November to 17 January

Larry Lamn directs Of Mice and Men at Norden Farm

Larry Lamb directs Nigel Miles Thomas and Michael Roy Andrew in Steinbeck’s story of friendship in the Great Depression on Thursday 19 November

Kenneth Williams centenary celebration comes to Norden Farm

Simon Cartwright, Russell Davies, Mark Farrelly and Madeline Smith share scenes, sketches and diary extracts on Wednesday 25 November

Related Articles

Head Drop launch new album at High Vibes #18 in Reading

Treguard and Livestock join the bill at South Street Arts Centre on...

Heaven 17 announce orchestral greatest hits tour including London date

Martyn Ware and Glenn Gregory team up with full orchestra and special...

John Horler Trio pays tribute to Bill Evans at Norden Farm

The British jazz pianist, who fainted the first time he saw Evans...

Alice Armstrong brings acclaimed R&B and blues tour to Newbury this November

Double UK Blues Awards winner and European champion brings celebrated live show...