As he approaches his 3,000th show and the release of his tenth album, a Hampshire musician has announced details of a unique challenge he will be undertaking.
Frank Turner, whose album 'Undefeated' comes out on Friday, May 3, will be embarking upon the first-ever Music Venue Trust world record attempt to play the most gigs in different cities, by playing 15 shows within 24 hours on Saturday, May 4.
The rules are simple. In a timeframe of 24 hours, Frank has to play 15 solo shows, with each set running for a minimum of 20 minutes. The previous official record is held by Hunter Hayes with ten shows and before that it was the Flaming Lips with eight.
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The challenge will support grassroots venues and independent record stores across the country. To attend one of the shows, purchase an album and ticket here.
Frank’s effort will be supported by London’s Taxi app FREENOW, which will be providing e-taxis for him to complete the almost 500-mile journey, which runs from Liverpool to Southampton.
Frank says: “With nearly 3,000 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 attempting a world record of 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!”
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Music Venue Trust CEO Mark Davyd said: "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 crisscrossing 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 Turner will be visiting The Railway in Winchester at 10.30am on Sunday, May 5 before travelling to The Brook in Southampton for the final of the 15 shows.
The world record attempt is sponsored by FREENOW, the mobility super app with the largest vehicle choice for consumers across Europe available in nine markets and in over 150 cities.
After the challenge, Frank will return to the road, playing a run of European dates in May, including shows as special guests on NOFX’s final tour, before heading across North America in late May and throughout June.
He will play a series of UK festivals in the summer including Latitude and Y NOT?, before taking the seventh instalment of his Lost Evenings extravaganza to Canada for the first time in September. More information including dates can be found at frank-turner.com/live-gigs.
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