Frank Turner is gearing up for racing around the UK by attempting to play the most gigs in 24 hours and break the world record. I caught up with him to ask him some questions about raising awareness for grassroots music venues.
As he approaches two huge landmarks – his 3000th show and the release of his upcoming tenth album ‘Undefeated’ on May 3rd, the musician said this was a unique challenge. Frank has to play 15 solo shows in a time frame of 24 hours and each set has to run for a minimum of 20 minutes. The whole challenge is to support grassroots venues and independent record stores across the UK. Covering a 500 mile journey, this is set to be a fun and exciting venture while raising awareness for a great cause.
Frank said, “With nearly 3000 shows under my belt, I’ve never been one to do things by halves or shirk a challenge – I once played all 50 American states in 50 days, for goodness sake. For the release of my tenth studio album, ‘Undefeated’, I will be making an attempt at a world record: the most number of shows in different cities in 24 hours.
“It’s not just self-promotion either. We’re working with 13 independent record shops and 15 independent grassroots music venues for the shows, highlighting two bits of the infrastructure of the underground that I care about most. It’s going to be tough, but hopefully fun too. Come down for a show!”
Music Venue Trust CEO Mark Davyd added, “We are delighted to support Frank Turner’s attempt to set the official Music Venue Trust world record for the most gigs played in 24 hours. With the help of FREENOW black cabs, Frank will be criss-crossing the nation hitting some of the country’s finest grassroots music venues for an action-packed day which promises to set the global standard for dedication to live music.”
Frank will be playing Portsmouth and a huge high five to anyone who managed to get tickets, as it is completely sold out! The show at Staggeringly Good Brewery will be on the 5th May at 9am, in association with Pie and Vinyl. I managed to chat to Frank in between all the prepping for his album launch and his 24 hour record breaking challenge.
Hi Frank, thanks for making time to chat and talk about this incredible task you have set yourself.
Where did the idea come from to take on the task of doing 15 shows in 24 hours?
It was my idea. I was thinking of things to do to promote the release of my new album, but also things I could do that would help out the Music Venue Trust. I also have a habit for coming up with ridiculous challenges, so this is kind of on-brand for me.
It is amazing you are working hard to promote independent music venues, what more can be done to help? Do you think the music industry could do more?
The best people to ask about this in detail are the MVT themselves, they’re a great campaigning organisation and are always coming up with great new ideas to helo the cause. The current campaign is an idea to institute a £1 per ticket levy on shows at large arenas and stadiums. Other countries do this already, it’s a form of investment in the future of live music, and it makes a lot of sense.
What do you love about playing in a grassroots music venue?
They’re my home, really, both as a music lover and as a musician. I grew up going to shows, and then later playing them myself. They’re where my culture resides, and I think they’re wonderful (and important).
Do you remember the first small music venue you played?
Yes; it was called The Red Eye, it was in Islington, 1998, and sadly it’s long gone.
You have your new album coming out ‘Undefeated’ it’s your tenth which is such an achievement, what can fans expect with this album?
I’m very proud of the record. I produced it myself, it’s the first recording with my new drummer Callum. It’s a pretty musically diverse record, there’s some punk rock, there’s some country and folk, and a bunch of other stuff in between.
Being from Hampshire, is there a park or venue there you would love to play that you haven’t already? Like something quirky, or never been classed a music venue before?
That’s a good question; I’ve played most places where they have shows in Hampshire I think. The Winchester Rec would be fun, perhaps.
Make sure to check out Frank Turner’s new album which you can pre order now.
