Written by: Nick Hopton and Photographed by Michael Greco
As the lights dimmed in the heart of Philadelphia, the air thick with the smell of overpriced beer and rarely washed denim, we felt the weight of life lift off of our shoulders, if only for a little while. Frank Turner and his band of Sleeping Souls ended their Undefeated Tour of 2024 in our city, promising an evening that would resonate deeply with every lost soul fortunate enough to find their way. Standing amid a sea of fans as I had many times before, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of being at home…. connected by a shared passion for a sound that defies the boundaries of genre and generation.
Show 2097 was about to begin.
As we gathered at The Fillmore Philadelphia, the venue itself seemed to pulse with the energy of anticipation. The newer yet somehow historic charm of The Fillmore set a perfect backdrop for the evening to come. The doors opened at 5:30 PM, ushering in a diverse crowd, from eager teenagers experiencing their first concert to seasoned punks who have been through hell and back. Each person’s excitement added to the collective buzz, making the air electric with pre-show wonder.
The venue’s layout, with its own excellent acoustics and intimate setting, promised that every attendee would feel the raw energy of Turner’s performance, no matter where they stood. Amigo The Devil, Bridge City Sinners, and Micah Schnabel & Vanessa Jean Speckman took the stage in the earlier hours and owned it in their own right, each more than capable of headlining their tours. The crowd’s chatter turned into cheers with each passing moment, setting the tone for what was to come. It was a gathering of love, ire, and song. The final stop on the tour.
At 9:15, Frank Turner took the stage. The atmosphere shifted palpably, charged with an electric anticipation that only his performances could elicit. Opening with new fan favorites “No Thank You For The Music” and “Girl From The Record Shop” from his latest album, the crowd was instantly captivated, singing along to every word, their voices a unified chorus in the hot as-hell Philadelphia night. The real sing-alongs began directly after as “Get Better”, “Recovery” and “Try This At Home” damn near blew the chandeliers off the ceiling. Turner’s ability to blend heartfelt lyrics with soaring, electric songwriting was on full display, creating an opening that was both emotive and exhilarating like a tornado of emotion. You knew damn well where you were at…and it wasn’t Kansas anymore.
As the night progressed, the energy surged as Turner and his band launched into rousing epics “I Am Disappeared,” “Haven’t Been Doing So Well,” and the always massive singalong “Polaroid Picture”. Two highly emotional tracks followed, “Ceasefire” and “A Wave Across The Bay” which damn near brought the entire room into a sea of tears from the inspiration they carry. The connection between Turner and the audience deepened with every passing moment, each song acting as a cathartic release for both the artist and his fans.
As the show progressed, one singalong after another in a massive 25-song set, and the night drew to a close, Turner’s performance of “Photosynthesis” was a standout, embodying the spirit of defiance and renewal that his music champions. The crowd’s enthusiastic participation, shouting back “I won’t sit down, and I won’t shut up, and most of all I will not grow up” was a reminder of resilience in the wake of shit that life will throw at you, and to always be you. A quick break ushered in a 4 song encore featuring “Undefeated”, “If Ever I Stray,” and “I Still Believe,” closing the night out with the riot dance anthem “Four Simple Words.”
Being the eighth time I’ve seen him live, I can say that no Frank Turner show is the same. Always different emotions, and different themes of the night. Reflecting on the Undefeated tour, especially the unforgettable evening in Philadelphia, this felt more raw. More heartfelt and to the point, no cherry on top of the melted structure of life we once knew and loved. He spoke often about how fucked up things have been and continue to become over the past few years. He’s right when he says that we don’t open up and truly talk about where we are and the shit we’ve been through. But the one unifying thing we do have…is this. This synergy between his thoughts written on paper then conjured into a release, and the palpable enthusiasm from the audience united in the transformative and healing power of live music. Turner’s ability to connect through his heartfelt lyrics and energetic performances, coupled with the engagement and shared passion of the fans, created moments that transcended the boundaries of the event, leaving lasting memories and a deep sense of community among those present. We don’t have many things we agree on anymore. Nights like these are a reminder that we still can have hope to remedy that.
The significance of this tour goes beyond the confines of The Fillmore, weaving into the fabric of the attendees’ lives a tapestry of musical fervor, collective joy, and the enduring human connection that music fosters. As we look back on that night, the experience serves as a vivid reminder of music’s role in shaping our narratives, keeping them true, and enduring through the storm. This tour not only celebrated Frank Turner’s artistry but also the communal spirit of his fans, highlighting the enduring impact of gathering in appreciation of music that speaks to the soul.
