Local legend Frank Turner returned home to play a sold out show at The 1865 on 18th July. This show is part of his current 13 date UK ‘Undefeated’ tour, which promotes his recent 10th album of the same name.
Frank is accompanied on stage by his long serving Sleeping Souls band, Matt Nasir (piano), Ben Lloyd (guitar & mandolin), Tarrant Anderson (bass) and Callum Green (drums).
Frank Turner is at his best when playing live and it feels like he is always on the road – this is show 2,920 of his touring career (show archive). Show 3,000 taking place at Alexandra Palace, London on 22nd Feb 2025 (this show is already sold out).
The 1865 was an absolute sweat box for this show, not helped by a faulty AC unit that was leaking from the ceiling. But this didn’t stop the crowd getting fully involved, jumping and singing from the first track to the last. Adhering to Frank’s two rules for every show, don’t be a dick (if someone falls down pick them up) and if you know the words, sings along.
Opening with ‘No Thank You For The Music’ and ‘Girl From The Record Shop’, both from his latest album, before moving into ‘Get Better’, ‘If I Ever Stray’ and ‘Try This At Home’. It is clear that this will be a current and classic hits set list.
Before ‘Letters’, Frank tells us about the songs inspiration. Written for Holly, a girl he met on a camping holiday in Cornwall when he was 15. “I was wearing a Korn hoodie, because the first Korn album f’in slaps. I got chatting with Holly as she was wearing a Pennywise hoodie. We wrote to each other for about three years and then I never heard from her again. Until about two months ago when I got an email asking ‘is that song about me?’”
Frank points the crowd to the bass solo in the middle of ‘Letters’. Tarrant’s moment in the spotlight, which he tells us he gets once every couple of years!
Always engaging with the crowd at this shows, Frank talks about writing articles, songs and an old zine about music. Much to his astonishment and embarrassment , Matt says “is that the zine about Emo, Punk & Politics?”. “You don’t have a f’in copy” Frank replies. To which Matt shows him the proof on his phone, with Frank retorting “Someone is in f’in trouble for this!”. His sister being No.1 suspect.
The band disappear (to read the zine) and Frank treats us to a few beautifully stripped back acoustic songs. ‘The Way I Tent To Be’ ‘The Ballad Of Me & My Friends’ and the ever emotional ‘Long Live The Queen’.
The latter was written following the passing of one of Frank’s close friends, Lexie, in 2007. This track visibly means so much to so many in the crowd, many hugs and many tears make for a magically emotional moment.
This more acoustic phase is quickly followed by a fast & frantic punk section including ‘1933’ and ’Non Servium’. Cue mass mosh pit madness. Crowds at FT gigs always know how to bring it. There is a sense of community spirit, everyone jumping around but looking out for each other, it feels truly special.
The closing tracks of tonight’s set were all classic crowd favourites, ‘Recovery’ was followed by (my favourite FT track) ‘I Still Believe’. During which Lewis (the drummer from The Meffs) joined the band on stage to play the harmonica section. The final song of the night was a rousing ‘Four Simple Words’ , with Frank requesting a massive circle was opened for the traditional mosh pit!
Every time I see Frank Turner, solo or with the Sleeping Souls, I feel the same energy. It is an all consuming sense of togetherness, this is what he creates. He takes his job (if you call it that) seriously, he knows he can take people to a place where their lives can be better. His songs connect people, and tonight they sing them back with vociferous passion and pride, because he is one of our own.
To coin the line from my favourite FT song:
“Now who’d have thought that after all, something as simple as rock’n’roll would save us all”.
The support for this tour are Ben Brown, a solo artist from the Suffolk/Essex border. Along with The Meffs, who are a two-piece punk band from Essex.
I arrived late to the venue and missed Ben Brown, but I’ve heard very good things about Xtra Miles latest signing. I did catch The Meffs, and I’m glad I did. Their highly energetic and engaging set included ‘No Future’, ‘Stand Up Speak Out’ and finished with ‘Broken Britain, Broken Brains’.
Words & Photos: Mark Butler
NO COMMENT