Frank Turner has set a new world record for the most concerts performed in 24 hours in different cities; 15 shows at independent music venues across the UK, all ticketed by independent record shops, both of which he firmly champions (encouraging the crowd to support live music, take a punt on whoever is playing next week, as he finished the show). Rules required a 20 minute set to at least 25 audience members; no issues there as each show was sold out. The endeavour was to support the Music Venue Trust and as a celebration of his tenth album, Undefeated, released this week. The English folk-punk singer is no stranger to epic endeavours, having last year played in all 50 American states in just 50 days, and with his 3000th headline concert scheduled for early 2025.
We caught the final show of the 15 at The Brook venue in Southampton, hosted by Vinilo Record store. Frank told us he had started a 24 hour timer on his phone as he started the first show, and as he walked on stage in Southampton it had 29 minutes left. Apart from asking whose stupid idea this was (his), a sentiment written across his t-shirt (the same one for all 15 shows, he regretted later), the performance was full of energy and characteristic charm, encouraging a crowd sing-along in the very first song. Favourites from the new album included “Girl from the Record Shop” and closing the set “Do One”.
Frank Turner continues his an epic tour with a few dates in May in Europe before an extensive run across America through May and June, returning to the UK to play Glastonbury, then to Canada and across Europe through October and November.
