to live, but there is a dereliction of duty, or of care, for smaller venues. Rock and roll isn’t considered cultural in the way that opera or theatre is, but I like that we are self-sufficient. There isn’t much state funding for rock music. The petition I’ve started isn’t about raising money. It’s about giving venues a fighting chance. It seems unjust that a venue that’s been in place for years can be closed down by a person who moves in next door and complains twice. The petition aims to change that. This is the first political thing I’ve been involved in. I’m decidedly not a political artist. It’s just sophistry. If you want to make a change you should stand for parliament.” I suggest that musicians have an important role to play in politics, giving kids a less stuffy alternative to suited politicians when it comes to the things that matter, “Yes, this is true.” There is a recognition that he has a political voice whether he wants one or not. In fact he is due to meet with the Culture Secretary to discuss the small venue issue. His major concern rather amusingly though seems to be what one should wear to meet a Tory politician. “Probably a Napalm Death T-shirt.”
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Live performance is where Turner really comes into his own. Those lucky enough to have been to a show will know what I mean. It’s an impassioned, heartfelt singalong to which everyone is invited on the proviso that they have fun and dance. We go on to discuss Turner’s reimagining of The Levellers classic Julie for their recently released Greatest Hits compilation, a track he has performed many times since his early teens on Cornish beaches with his sister. “It’s a really easy song to play as it’s only three chords. I love the song. I know the guys and they asked if I’d be interested in recording one of their songs, and it had to be ‘Julie’. I was nervous at first. I messed around the arrangement, but I’m so happy with the way it came out.” It’s at this point that tour manager Tre re-enters the room. Our 15 minutes (that actually took 30) is up, but I still have time to ask about the first record our interviewee purchased, which unsurprisingly was Iron Maiden. “My dad bought me a cassette copy of Killers from Our Price at Waterloo station. My parents, to this day, still believe that was their central parenting error,
Photo Credit: Frank Turner on stage at Wakefield Unity Works by R&J Photography ©2014
because everything changed that day. I was sleeping on floors and playing to no people for no money. But it all came good in the end.” Never was a truer word spoken. End
Jonathan Jones is host of The First 45, an alternative new music show broadcasting live every Friday on Sine FM. You can find more of his interviews in audio form at: www.soundcloud.com/the-first-45