Review: Frank Turner, Rock City, by Jayne Garfitt

FROM the moment Frank Turner stepped on stage the audience at Rock City were in the palm of his hand.

Choosing to open his biggest UK tour in five years solo, without the support of his band, the first bars of If Ever I Stray left the previously rowdy crowd in silent awe.

Without pausing for breath, Turner launched into lively renditions of The Road and Peggy Sang The Blues.

From musician to lyricist Turner then showed the audience why he is so much more than a singer with Long Live The Queen, a song written about a friend who died.

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It is this knack for storytelling through music which makes him such a hit and the well-loved classic was swiftly followed by material from his upcoming album: Time Machine, Where For Art Thou Gene Simmons and Four Simple Words - all giving a glimpse into how cult hero turns every day experiences into contemporary poetry.

No Turner show would be the same though without a smattering of the old favourites and the showman seamlessly went from I Knew Prufrock Before He Got Famous to I Believe and Photosynthesis, with a freshness and energy befitting of an artist at his first gig - not his 1,286th.

Finishing off the opening night of his tour with Dan's Song, Turner ended the night like any true idol would - leaving the crowd wanting more.