Live Review: ‘Are you hot, Sydney?’ Frank Turner Takes Over The Crowbar – Spotlight Report

‘A combination of brutal schedule, jet lag and insane onstage heat made that one of the hardest shows to get through that I can remember’ says Frank Turner, who just six months earlier broke the world record for most shows played in 24 hours. That’s 15 by the way. In 15 different towns, all in independent music venues. Hardcore.
Turner finished his insta post with ‘Thank you to the crowd for pulling me through, that was tough.’ And for Frank, that’s what it’s all about.
Sydney’s beloved Crowbar was the scene of the sweaty crime, the wall mounted fans no match for soaring temperatures and unforgiving humidity.
The venue was filled with the other type of fans, (the human kind!) all piled together in the long dark room, holding cold drinks, wiping sweat out of their eyes, sporting huge smiles. It was 12 months since Frank was last in Sydney and they were primed and ready for the rules.
The rules? Yes, even at gig number 2,982 (true fact!), Turner takes time to go through the rules because no one like a dXXkhead! The show is all about looking after each other so everyone can have a good time. And you better believe he means it.
The night that followed felt very special. Like the homecoming for a friend who has been gone just a little bit too long.. and one you’re probably seeing again on Saturday at Good Things Festival!
What a homecoming it was, bringing the energy opening with No thank you for the music followed by Girl from the record shop and 1933, encouraging the crowd to make space for the most caring but chaotic of circle pits in the narrow room.
Recovery followed (and how apt), rounding off the perfect gig intro as the fans matched Frank word for word, gesture for gesture – like they were living the story with him.
Turner is an exceptional storyteller. The song Letters on the 2024 Undefeated album is a perfect example of this. A story from his youth about a chance encounter with a girl at a camp site who on becoming his penpal, wrote letters and shared mix tapes with him over the years, introducing him to all the greats like Pennywise, Minor Threat, Dead Kennedys… the musical diet of champions.
Crediting her with him finding his love of punk, he tells the crowd she recently heard the song and contacted him after a 27 year hiatus, asking simply ‘Hey Frank, is that song about me?’
We should all be so lucky.
Frank Turner and The Sleeping Souls were supported by Central Coast superband, Little Quirks. With floaty sleeves, long hair and killer eyeshadow, you’ll be transported back to the time of Fleetwood Mac, with harmonies for days and more than a little Stevie Nicks ‘rockitude’. A seriously festival ready band, soaking up the praise bestowed on them every time they play, don’t miss the early, pivotal years. Recently releasing their self-titled, debut album, this family band mean business racking up over 4 million streaming plays alone on hit, Crumbled.
If you like what you’ve read and you’re ready for a bit of Frank, jump onto the Good Things site for tickets. See you there, Sydney!!