It is fair to say that the Frank Turner audience are a diverse bunch, evidenced by the various shirts being worn around the Academy that included bands such as Ferocious Dog, Headsticks, Iron Maiden and Blackberry Smoke. But whatever corner of the musical world they have come from, there is no doubting the sense of togetherness that exists between the singer songwriter and his devoted audience. With show #3000 now in his rear view mirror, Frank informed us that tonight was not only #3017 but also his 22nd time headlining here in Birmingham, this being the final run of dates in support of last years Undefeated album.

After the very cramped and uncomfortable conditions at last years show at the Academy 2, it was something of a relief that tonight was in the main room as Frank and the Sleeping Souls served up nearly two hours of newer songs, old favourites and a few surprises along the way. In truth, every song was a highlight and this was a brilliant performance from the time they hit the stage and tore through ‘No Thank You for the Music’ to the closing ‘Four Simple Words’ that saw Frank making his traditional jump from the stage to enjoy a spot of crowd surfing. Stand out moments from the first hour included ‘1933’, a song that seems to have even greater significance in these strange times, and the impassioned romp through ‘Recovery’ and ‘Photosynthesis’.

Rule number two at a FT gig is “if you know the words, sing along”, and the crowd were happy to oblige as they moved through ‘Plain Sailing Weather’ and ‘The Next Storm’. The solo acoustic section traditionally offers the chance to take a breather, albeit Frank opened with the visceral howl of anguish that is ‘Worse Things Happen at Sea’ that elevated the performance to another level. Debuting back in 2018, ‘Be More Kind’ feels even more relevant in 2025, and ‘The Ballad of Me and My Friends’ reinforced the spirit of camaraderie and closeness. The Sleeping Souls returned and they were on the home straight with live staples ‘I Still Believe’, ‘Polaroid Picture’ and ‘Get Better’, all delivered with a determination and conviction that evidenced no matter how many shows he may have played, Frank still loves being in the moment with his audience.

Going to a Frank Turner show serves to prove that great music doesn’t need to be pigeonholed; if you love punk, metal, folk or rock then there will be something here that will appeal. And, given his relentless touring schedule, it surely won’t be too long before Birmingham welcomes Frank and the Sleeping Souls back for headline show number twenty three.

Setlist:-

No Thank You for the Music
Girl From the Record Shop
1933
Recovery
Never Mind the Back Problems
Photosynthesis
Ceasefire
Non Serviam
Plain Sailing Weather
If Ever I Stray
The Next Storm
East Finchley
Wessex Boy
Worse Things Happen at Sea
Be More Kind
The Ballad of Me and My Friends
I Knew Prufrock Before He Got Famous
I Am Disappeared
Do One
Try This at Home
I Still Believe

Encore:-
Somewhere Inbetween
Polaroid Picture
Get Better
Four Simple Words