In 2005, the post-hardcore band Million Dead decided to break up. For their fans, it was the end of an era. But for Frank Turner, it was the beginning of a new journey. He had already been playing small solo shows prior to the break-up. He decided to head out solo, and in 2006 he put out "Campfire Punkrock", his first solo EP. It was the beginning of a career that would see him release six solo albums and 5 EP's, selling out the legendary Wembley Arena, performing at an Olympic opening ceremony, and over 2,000 live shows. And with his first world tour announced recently, he shows no sign of slowing down.
Now, obviously this piece is going to come from a perspective that's biased. Frank Turner is undoubtedly the biggest musical influence on my life. I listen to him religiously. I have read his biography twice. I have his album art and lyrics tattooed on me.
So yeah, I am a pretty big fan. But the praise is warranted. No one in music is doing it quite like Frank, and no one works harder. He is constantly touring and on the road, and when he's not touring it's probably because he's working on his album. His lyrics are on par with some of the greats. Frank says Bruce Springsteen is one of his biggest inspirations, who is widely considered one of the greatest lyricists in the American songbook. He tells stories of love lost, songs about his politics, and about the state of the world. He sings about punk rock and what it's done for him.
In my personal favorite song "I Still Believe"—a song about how rock n roll and music in general for some is its own religion, providing an inspiration and community for the people—Frank sings "Now who'd have thought that after all, Something as simple as rock 'n' roll would save us all." In another song "Photosynthesis", Frank reminds us that the only person who can tell you what the "good life" is, is you. He sings "And if all you ever do with your life is photosynthesize then you deserve every hour of these sleepless nights that you waste wondering when you're gonna die."
His lyrics are matched by his on-stage charisma, spending every minute of each show jumping all over the stage, belting his songs with all his heart, and constantly engaging with his audience. Frank played Coachella in 2014 and earned rave reviews, including from "Rolling Stone" who called Frank the "Hardest-Rocking Acoustic Guitarist" of the festival.
Despite all of this, I still find myself blown away by how little Frank is recognized in America. While he's a huge act in the U.K. when I speak to my friends and tell them about his music, or when someone asks me about my tattoo when the answer is always something along the lines of "Oh that sounds familiar, but I don't know his music." His shows are always full when he comes to town don't get me wrong, but I still find myself scratching my head when these conversations happen.
A part of me loves this, like someone who has discovered a secret the personal connection I feel to Frank I worry would be lessened by him becoming a huge hit in the states. And I don't think Frank is bothered by it, in the few quick chats I've been lucky enough to have with him via e-mail, and with his music, he seems to be someone who is quite happy with his lease on life.
It is a cliche these days when artists sing that they are only doing it for the music, and I am sure the paychecks aren't a deterrent even for Frank but I truly believe that he is one of the good ones. And we are lucky to have him.
