Arriving at the venue, the über cool 93 Feet East, an hour before the doors open to find the queue not just down the road, but down the road and around the corner is always a good sign that something very exciting is about to take place. And when the vibe within the queue, despite the pouring rain, is one of jubilation and great excitement, it can only mean one thing: Frank Turner is in town for BRITs Week 25, delivered by DHL for War Child.
Frank is well known for his passion and support for this incredible charity and tonight he’s playing an intimate acoustic gig to a very lucky few who have managed to get their hands on the hottest ticket around. And what’s even more incredible is that Frank is playing this very intimate gig the day before his sell-out show at the vast Ally Pally. It doesn’t get more special than this!
Frank Turner @ 93 Feet East
War Child has built a reputation for hosting the coolest gigs at the most intimate venues, showcasing up and coming artists and accomplished artists alike. They carefully select those with a conscience who want to make a difference. As a charity, they have never been more needed or more relevant with the current situation in the world where one in five children is affected by war. And if you’re lucky enough to get a ticket to one of these gigs, as tonight shows, you’re going to have one of those pinch me nights that will stay with you forever and give you maximum bragging rights too.
It all starts with a very passionate lady from War Child who pays tribute to late, great The Jam drummer Rick Buckler and then, turning to tonight’s line-up, jokes that “It’s a good sign when the support band carry your stuff”. From the onset, it’s clear that there are no egos on the stage tonight as the damn right hilarious and lovable Ben Brown steps up.
Ben, who has the incredible and unusual ability to use his mouth like some sort of kazoo, goes down an absolute storm with a great set of both light hearted and slightly more serious tracks. Obviously thrilled to be on the stage tonight, he tells the packed venue how Frank had seen him play at a barbeque and had invited him over, made him pasta, and suggested they record some music together. I think the audience could all agree that pretty much sums Frank up.
Ben Brown @ 93 Feet East
When Ben sings about feeling blue, the audience are anything but. He even jokes that he does weddings and vow renewal ceremonies, adding that the audience can renew their vows as many times as they like.
After Ben’s incredibly enjoyable set, it’s time for the legend that is Frank Turner to be welcomed to the stage by none other than Radio X DJ John Kennedy. John shares that War Child has made an incredible £7-million to support children living in conflict since its inception in 2009, which is a sobering thought indeed.
When Frank comes onto the stage, the audience erupt into ecstatic applause, and Frank, who is undoubtedly one of the nicest guys in music, thanks them and reveals that this was where he played his first ever solo gig (also a benefit show) in September 2004. He then goes on to play all seven songs from that show. His warmth and gratitude are clear to see as he begins his set with the beautiful The Real Damage. The power in his voice is absolutely stunning and the audience are definitely in their happy place. As he sings about cigarettes and shame, there’s no shame here tonight. His voice is raw and gritty and the audience are captivated.
Frank Turner @ 93 Feet East
Next up is Mittens, a heart wrenching yet beautiful love song of sorts. The crowd sing along and another beautiful moment is born. Absolutely magnificent! Then it’s straight onto Wessex Boy with Frank taking the audience on a journey through his teenage years as a Wessex boy. Another superb track!
Whilst the set tonight features more amazing tracks than you could shake a very big stick at, two of the absolute best are the wonderful Substitute and Romantic Fatigue, which, Frank shares, is the first song he wrote after deciding to go solo. What a song it is!
As the evening continues and the crowd pleasers just keep coming, it’s blatantly clear how grateful Frank is to be on the stage tonight. He even tells the crowd: “I’m so fucking honoured to be here this evening” before giving a shout out to his crew. You don’t get more humble than that.
Frank with his acoustic guitar in hand makes it feel like a very special and intimate performance. When he sings about spending the night with all his friends, it couldn’t be more fitting as it feels like we’re all chilling at Frank’s house. His ability to speak so candidly and openly makes the evening feel even more special. He shares that it is 21 years since he played his first solo show and that at the time he did a fair amount of asking himself what the fuck was he thinking. Proof if you ever needed it that even the most accomplished musicians doubt themselves sometimes. He adds that the first song he played as a solo artist is the Propagandhi cover The State-Lottery, which he then performs for the first time since 2013, much to the thrill of the crowd.
Frank Turner @ 93 Feet East
At one point Frank plays Smudge cover The Outdoor Type, declaring that this is the song that changed his life. The audience are absolutely mesmerised, while a stunning cover of the ABBA classic Dancing Queen sends them into an excited frenzy. Just incredible!
Frank goes on to play the Million Dead song Smiling At Strangers On Trains, which was a game changer for him: it’s the track John Peel played on his show that took Frank from near obscurity to the big time. He then shares that a Million Dead reunion is on the cards, much to the audience’s absolute delight.
Throughout this incredible evening Frank constantly chats with the crowd and talks passionately about raising money for War Child. At one point he even asks for the house lights to go back on as he tells everyone in the room: “We’re all in this together.” Indeed we are.
There are so many phrases to describe this remarkable evening and Frank’s stunning performance, but the two that come to mind are “life-affirming” and “heart-warming”. A shared night that will stay with me forever and an incredible evening which has raised much needed funds for a great cause. And I, for one, will be keeping my eyes peeled for Frank’s next War Child show as it might just be the highlight of my year!
Live review by Louise Phillips of Frank Turner at 93 Feet East, London on 21st February 2025 as part of BRITs Week 25, delivered by DHL for War Child. Photos by Patrick Gunning.
For more information on the invaluable work that War Child do or to make a donation to this incredible charity, please visit warchild.org.uk.
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