The road to show #3000 had one small step for Frank Turner to take and those who got to witness the small gathering at 93 Feet East, London were greeted with lesser played deep cuts and covers from 21 years of touring. Show #2999, a benefit gig for Warchild, was going to be one for the ages.
First up was Ben Brown, whose path I had crossed just a couple of weeks earlier supporting Pet Needs in Cheltenham. This bundle of energy has the voice of an angel, with such immense presence and power, and proved a great warm up for Frank.
They both told the story of how they met at a house party/BBQ and, on the production of a guitar, Mr Turner thought, "hey, I've got the white bloke with a beard and an acoustic guitar demographic covered, move along sir', but was immediately taken by Ben's voice and songs. A few messages between them later, Ben turned up at Frank's house and, after a bowl of pasta, recorded the songs that would become his ‘Blue EP’.
Words could not describe what an infectious and fun guy Ben is. He bounces around the stage, verbalises every thought that crosses his mind and sings the most beautiful tunes. Steve the lighting guy became a part of the act and as each song was sung and story told, I'm sure he gained more and more fans. We know where he lives, details of all of his socials, we joined his mailing list, we even had his Stepdad's mobile number. You can't help falling in love with this delightfully warm and funny guy. I can't wait to hear more songs from Mr Ben Brown, catch him in the UK in the summer and I challenge you not to leave with a great big grin on your face....... and a t-shirt that is 2 sizes too small!
Then it was time for FT. Eagle eyed Turner fans had long ago worked out that, on announcement of show #3000, there was a show missing, but few could imagine it would take place at the venue of show #1, way back in September 2004. What a nice touch.
Tonight's show was going to be very different to the one that followed the next night at Alexandra Palace and he promised no tracks played tonight would feature the next day. By his own admission this had involved googling some of his own lyrics to 'help' him recall them.
These deep cuts and songs rarely played in a live environment, were a real treat to the 300 or so Turner faithful from all over the world. And they covered the spectrum of his career; 'Romantic Fatigue', 'Don't Worry', 'Balthazar Impresario', 'Substitute', 'Ginny Binghams Ghost', 'Ceasefire' and the tribute to Scott Hutchinson track 'Wave Across the Bay'. Then came the real kicker, he played the full set (7 songs) from show #1. We had covers (State Lottery, Outdoor Type, Smiling at Strangers on Trains, Glenn Tipton) early originals (Back to Sleep and Sunshine State) before a final cover, this time ABBA's Dancing Queen.
The set concluded with a rousing version of 'Love, Ire and Song' and an apologetic quick exit to rest up before a massive show the following day.
This one man acoustic set criss-crossed Frank's career but side stepped all of the favourites and delivered something a little special, a little different. All of the classics would come tomorrow but this night was for the die-hards. Frank even said at the end, this was one of his favourite shows and I can't disagree. Now to bed, big day tomorrow!
Words and Pictures by Glenn Morrison
