10:17am Friday 6th November 2009
THE hectic schedule for Winchester-based singer and guitarist, Frank Turner, shows no sign of abating.
It comes after he played in front of several hundred fans at Winchester Guildhall last Wednesday (October 28).
Promoters believe it is the city’s largest indoor gig for several years, as the historic venue is rarely used for live bands.
Playing at the venue had sentimental value for Frank. Spending his teenage years in Meonstoke in the Meon Valley, when he visited Winchester, his mother would collect him from the guildhall steps.
Speaking to the Chronicle, he said: “My mum would pick me up at 10 o’clock sharp, but on this occasion, I went outside and my tourbus was there instead.
“You could say it’s a case of local boy done good.”
He finished his current UK tour the night after, playing at the Shepherd’s Bush Empire in London.
Yet there will be “no rest for the wicked” as he puts it, as he has now flown back to America. He toured across the United States earlier this year, supporting chart-topping band, The Offspring.
After his current stint in America, a European tour beckons as he promotes his third album, Poetry of the Deed.
“It’s sold more than my first two albums, and people are singing along to the new songs, which is a good sign,” he said.
When speaking to the Chronicle several months ago, the former Million Dead frontman said 2009 would be a vital year in his career.
“I think it’s gone really well,” he said this week. “The gig at the Shepherd’s Bush Empire is one of the pinnacles, as I’ve seen a lot of my heroes there.”
He added that he now needed “new ambitions” as the touring schedule for 2010 is finalised.
His next concert in Hampshire is likely to be at the Portsmouth Pyramids Centre early next year, where as a child, he went swimming.
He added that one venue he would love to play is the Hammersmith Apollo, having seen Bob Dylan, Nick Cave and Neil Young on stage.
Despite his busy schedule, he is returning to Winchester for Christmas. It comes after he spent a few precious hours at home before his recent guildhall gig.
“I haven’t slept in my own bed since August, and it was nice to cook a meal for myself. I also picked up the post, and as I’ve been away for two months, there was quite a lot.”
For more details about Frank Turner and upcoming tour dates, visit www.myspace.com/frankturner.
© Copyright 2001-2012 Newsquest Media Group
http://www.hampshirechronicle.co.uk