With possibly the biggest name so far to play an in-store at Southsea’s Pie and Vinyl, it was an honour to be amongst the select few that made it into the record café for an intermit set by Mr Frank Turner.
As the dedicated fans came through the door it was clear Frank Turner and Matt Nasir (from Turners backing band The Sleeping Souls) were in high spirits, despite feeling the effects of the after party at London’s O2 gig the night before.
The low-key performance featured only a couple of songs that would be aired later in the day at their Portsmouth Guildhall concert as Frank Turner insisted on giving those lucky enough to make both gigs something to remember.
This also allowed time to play a couple of tunes by those that had been an inspiration, the likes of a Frightened Rabbit cover along with a rendition of fellow singer/songwriter John K Samson, as well as some lesser played tracks by himself.
Being a fairly laid back affair, Frank Turner enjoyed friendly banter with Matt Nasir and as the duo were supplied with endless coffee there was time for some story telling in-between songs, such as the introduction to “the Real Damage” whereby Frank reminisces of a particularly heavy night whilst demonstrates his great song writing.
If it weren’t for the fact there was another gig to play in the evening you had the feeling both these guys would have happily played Pie and Vinyl all afternoon, there was even time to be treated to a couple of new numbers – one of which still being work in progress, although Turner kindly requested no cameras for this part of the set and the crowd were happy to respect this so we will have to wait until the new tunes appear elsewhere to hear them again.
Then as the set came to a close there was the sing along of “Photosynthesis” leaving everyone happy and with some great mandolin playing from Matt Nasir and the wonderful songs of Frank Turner, what better way to spend an afternoon.
The obligatory photographs and record signings followed the performance before the pair thanked everyone for coming and rushed off to the Guildhall, complete with take away pie, hopefully in time to make the sound check ahead of the sold out concert in front of a much larger crowd – who if this afternoon was anything to go by, were in for something special.
Love music, love life
Mr Teeth
