Words by: Anna Hatfield
Photo by: Callum Amos
This was one of the most monumental gigs I’ve ever had the pleasure of witnessing. Before Frank Turner rose to fame as a solo artist, he was part of a legendary band that spanned the early 2000s with hardcore and punk, before their eventual breakup in 2005. This was seemingly the end for the band as members moved countries, started their own projects, and moved on with their lives. 20 years later, the idea of a reunion was mentioned and set the wheels in motion for one of the most iconic 2000 Trees sets I’ve ever seen. I saw this and thought I could finally die happy, knowing I’ve witnessed that which I thought I would never see. Little did I know that the band was doing a limited run of dates later in the year, which I had the privilege of attending.
The full band, 20 years older but not lacking in energy, filled Electric Bristol with high energy from start to finish. Frank’s usual folk punk vocals reverted back to the old hardcore style, leaving all those, including me, short of breath and with sore throats by the end. The level of enthusiasm, energy, and quality throughout was truly admirable.
The crowd loved every minute, with the pit buzzing with crowd surfers and dancers alike. The barrier hosted all ages, each as loud and enthusiastic as the other, showing music really does transcend age. Some members of the audience cheered for having seen the band before they broke up, while others were only just born. All were screaming along to every word.
Hearing some of my favourite tracks, including To Whom It May Concern, Breaking The Back, and After The Rush Hour, was an absolute joy. Hearing their first release, Smiling At Strangers On Trains, was a particular pinch-me moment, and they ended with their iconic opening track from the first album, Pornography For Cowards.
This felt like such a once-in-a-lifetime gig that to say I’ve seen this band twice this year is unbelievable. For a lot of people that night, this was the only chance they would likely ever get, and they certainly took the chance to have some fun. Plenty of shouting, moshing, and cheering went on in Electric that night. A few songs before the end, Frank looked out at adoring fans as they all shouted lyrics back to him. Ending the song on his knees, with open arms, at eye level with the crowd, you could tell how special this tour was for everyone on stage as well as in the crowd.