Frank to raise our spirits
OVER the last seven years, Frank Turner has steadily been making a name for himself as a solid folk-punk solo artist.
And it’s only in the last couple of years he’s really made it into the limelight, with main stage sets at the UK summer festivals, a sell-out Wembley Arena concert in April and even a slot at the London Olympics.
With shout-out loud folk-fuelled anthems like I Still Believe and Glory Hallelujah and the heartfelt melodies of Rivers and Song for Eva Mae, Turner is fast becoming one of Britain’s greats.
He played at Mannifest last year to a fairly small but awestruck crowd on the Sunday afternoon. Now the 31-year-old Winchester boy is heading back over to our island for a full-on Villa Marina concert on Monday, December 3.
And the guy who went to Eton on a scholarship and is known for making funny video diaries in the language of whichever country he is touring in (check out the Manx one from last summer), always delivers a high-energy high-spirited set.
Last month, he and his band the Sleeping Souls returned from LA where they recorded their fifth studio album, due for release in March. Just back home from the States, they are now embarking on one of their biggest British tours.
On his website www.frankturner.com Turner blogged: ‘It’s the longest one I’ve done in many years, and probably the most number of people I’ve played to in my home islands in one tour. So it’s going to be ace.’
He added: ‘I will be taking part in this year’s Movember campaign, raising money for and awareness about men’s health issues. Practically speaking, this means I’m shaving clean for the first time in many years on the 1st, and will be sporting a (hopefully) lush mo for the tour dates.There will be donation buckets at the shows. I’ll be posting videos, photos and other updates as we go along.’
Initially the singer of London post-hardcore band Million Dead, Turner launched a primarily acoustic solo career in 2005, following the band’s split.
He has since released four solo albums, two rarities compilation albums and four EPs. His third album Poetry of the Deed reached No 36 in the UK charts. The following record England Keep My Bones, which boasted favourite I Still Believe, went straight to No 12.
Over the years he has toured with the likes of Biffy Clyro, The Gaslight Anthem, The Offspring, Green Day.
Often likened to Billy Bragg, in April this year Turner headlined Wembley Arena to a sold out crowd of 12,000, supported by the the politically outspoken folk singer.
Then in July he and the Sleeping Souls played Sailor’s Boots, Wessex Boy, and I Still Believe at the London 2012 Olympics Opening Ceremony in front of 80,000 and a British TV audience of about 28 million.
His Villa Marina Royal Hall show starts at 8pm.
Tickets cost £20 and are available from the box office on 600555, the Sea Terminal Welcome Centre, the Villa Marina reception or online at www.villagaiety.com
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Weather for Isle of Man
Wednesday 22 May 2013
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: 6 C to 12 C
Wind Speed: 24 mph
Wind direction: North west
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Sunny spells
Temperature: 6 C to 11 C
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