Frank Turner Wraps Up Solo North American Tour

Frank Turner ended his solo North American tour at Punk Rock Bowling in Las Vegas. He also played Sing Us Home festival in Philadelphia and Pouzza Festival in Montreal. Amongst those festival dates he played at a number of uncharacteristically small independent venues that gave fans a very intimate view of Frank. The small venues also gave Frank the opportunity to more closely connect with his fans. As Frank had mentioned multiple times, as it was his headlining tour he got to choose the opening acts. For this tour, he had Katacombs and Dave Hause in tow.

Katacombs (Katerina Kiranos) is a solo artist with a bright future. Katerina may be familiar to some as she is the keyboard player for Amigo The Devil. However, she tries to downplay her involvement with that band when performing on her own. She’s attempting to build her solo career which is quite promising. She has a captivating voice that is as sultry as any singer before her. Katacombs is also an amazing songwriter. Her songs are from the heart and evoke thoughts of torch singers of old. As the tour progressed, so did her confidence. In the early days of the tour, she seemed a bit timid and reserved. By the end, she was boldly putting forth her music and reveling in the love the crowds were showering upon her. Katacombs had said she’s trying to smile more during her shows but I honestly feel her lack of smiling is because her songs are not happy uplifting songs. They are songs relating to her emotional roller coaster of a life. Her EP, “You Will Not” is a stunning presentation of these songs. She is working on her first full length album which she is writing, performing, and producing herself. It sounds like an ambitious project but if anyone can pull it off, Katacombs can!

Up next was Dave Hause. Hailing from Philadelphia, Dave is also an amazing songwriter. Frank alluded to the fact that he was thrilled to have great songwriters joining him on this tour. It has been 14 years since Hause released his first full length album, “Resolutions” and he shows no signs of stopping. His 6th and latest, “Drive It Likes It’s Stolen” is an eye opening view on the difficulties life presents as well the joys that are interspersed throughout the tough times. His live performance is an emotional storm. There are moments like the eye of the storm, calm and introspective. Then he brings the crowd into the teeth of the gale with his powerful songs of the desperate straits that many folks are in during these uncertain times. Dave encourages crowds to stand up for what feels right and not merely sit back and wait for what happens next.

Rounding out the evenings on this tour which boasted quality acts, was Frank Turner. Having seen Frank and his band, The Sleeping Souls countless times since 2010, I had no idea what to expect from a solo show. Yes, I’ve seen him at a record store performance once or twice but never on a solo tour. I can honestly say that he brings the same energy to the solo stage as he does with his band. I admit, I did hear what The Sleeping Souls would play at certain times of his songs early in the tour. By the end of the shows I attended, those thoughts had vanished as I had settled into the realm of a solo Frank Turner. He shook up the sets from night to night. There were a number of songs repeated nightly but they were peppered with songs that are rarely heard at his shows as of late. For anyone who is on the fence about seeing Frank Turner solo, I can attest to the fact that his solo shows are every bit as entertaining as his full band sets.

Having become friends with Frank a number of years ago, I’m very fortunate to be privy to some off and on stage goings on. I figured I’d share a bit of the fun. Enjoy!

The folks that kept the tour rolling, Jamie who covered merch. Dougie and Cahir who were the jacks of all trades regarding equipment, set up, and sound. Tre who is one of the most fab tour managers in the business!