“We need to stick together”, Frank Turner & The Sleeping Souls perform the second Greatest Hits set of the Lost Evenings series.

Last weekend saw Frank Tuner take over one of Camden’s most iconic venues, the Roundhouse. In partnership with OneFest, a 4-day festival was held with events running throughout the day and evening celebrating live music and providing an opportunity for the next generation of music performers and industry professionals to get involved. As we went there last Monday night we had a pleasure to watch Frank Turner & The Sleeping Souls round off the incredible weekend with their last headline set.

“Probably the best show I’ve ever experienced”, I think as I leave Roundhouse that night. Big words, I know. I’ve said them twice maybe three times in my entire gig-life but on this occasion it seemed like that was it. However, before we move to the end, let me tell you what happened.

One thing you can surely say about Frank Turner is that he’s developed a truly exceptional bond with his fans over the years. There’s no doubt about it, every show of his feels one of a kind. Naturally, the audience is to blame as well but the live shows the band put leave highly deeper marks.

When I arrive at Roundhouse the view I encounter is quite impressive. Of course, I was expecting to see the room totally packed but this here tonight seems more like a family reunion, with kids running around and the older lot casually chilling in the back. I bet a lot of people have spent their entire weekend at this venue, enjoying all four shows of this mini-festival.

After an extra and unexpected feature of tonight’s set, that involved a dancing competition (yep that happened), it is time to welcome the men of the night. It takes seconds for the loud cheers to erupt as the band takes to the stage. Kicking off on a positive note, Frank Turner & The Sleeping Souls dive headfirst into the superb track Get Better and comforting Glorious You, making the set glorious from the very beginning indeed. The reception is remarkable, first few tunes and a couple of fans have already sung their lungs out. Perhaps, those tracks have never been just some Positive Songs For Negative People, it has always been a little bit more than this.

With his broad songwriting skills and a super talented band, Frank Turner easily creates relatable songs that carry significance and a sense of belonging within. All that finds a susceptible ground on the current musical landscape, reaching many people in a way that every musician would aim and hope for.

Having a plethora of outstanding tunes in their repertoire, tonight’s song choices vary, surprise and satisfy. The upbeat The Next Storm, thrilling Out Of Breath and emotive Josephine keep the energy on the highest level throughout the beginning of the set. With crowd singing along every word it is already what we’ve come here for. Nevertheless, going back to 2013’s Tape Deck Heart works as a trigger bringing along the pristine brilliance of Recovery, Polaroid Picture and The Way I Tend To Be. If anyone has been holding back until this very moment, it is now the right time to join in.

“That’s been a very long weekend. Who’s been here every day?”, Frank shouts. “We’re gonna play a few songs we didn’t play the other nights. I have a great feeling of being home. It’s because I live just around the corner [laughs]. Having breakfast at home every day is fucking glorious. And then having you here. This next song is about home, and it doesn’t matter where everybody is from”, singer adds as he proceeds with an acoustic Rivers and St. Christopher Is Coming Home, the latter being dedicated to all of his friends, the existing as well as future ones.

Never mind the technical issues as the performance still falls flawless as we’re being told to “talk to each other for two seconds”, and get to witness a pretty grand drum solo. “It’s very scary time to be human being in 2017. We need to stick together. We need to be kind to each other. I wanna see a split in the middle of the room. And I want you to hug someone you don’t know.” Well, surely no one questions the command and does as asked. If I Ever Stray and Photosynthesis round off the main set accompanied by an absolute madness.

But of course, they’re back. “I’ve got one more. That’s enough, you’ve been the best audience we’ve ever played to in our career and that’s a fact. We’re gonna try to do this festival every year, and after that we’re gonna go and make new album”, the band returns for an encore with a few more songs than promised.

The nostalgic vibes fill the room with the notes of Love Ire & Song and The Road. However, the end is fast approaching and people trying to catch their breath, myself including, are best to prove it. This was hell of a night, filled with a cheerful and high-energetic spirit that infiltrated the entire gathered audience.

Four Simple Words close up the performance with Mr. Turner showcasing his best stage diving skills as he crowd surfs throughout the whole venue. I’ve never seen anything as such, and judging on everyone’s face expressions this right there is quite extraordinary.

You know how they say that music brings people together? Well, it appears to be a slight understatement when it comes to these guys.

Photos: Kasia Osowiecka