Frank Turner

Frank Turner Artistfacts

  • December 28, 1981
  • Turner has no delusions of grandeur regarding his chosen profession. In his Songfacts interview, he explained: "There are people in this world who hold musicians and songwriters in high regard, which always struck me as completely bonkers, because we're obviously idiots."
  • The tattoos on his fingers spell out "Freeborn," a reference to John Lilburne, a political rabble-rouser known as "Freeborn John" who was a key figure in the English Civil Wars of the 1600s.
  • He attended (on scholarship) the prestigious Eton College in Berkshire, England, graduating in 2000. In his class were Prince William and Eddie Redmayne.
  • A distinguishing characteristic in his songwriting is a lack of irony. "Some people find that puzzling or offensive," he told Songfacts, "A fact that I also find puzzling."
  • Turner says his tattoos all have a backstory - except the one of the state of Texas on his left biceps. He got that when he was drunk.
  • Frank Turner broke the world record for the most shows played across multiple cities in one day. The singer performed 15 20-minute sets over 24 hours, kicking off at Liverpool's Jacaranda Baltic at 12:30 p.m. on May 4, 2024, before finally completing his mission at Southampton's The Brook at midday on May 5, 2024. Turner underwent the 15-gig trek in aid of the Music Venue Trust.

    American country star Hunter Hayes previously held the record with 10 shows performed over 24 hours.

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Jason Newsted (ex-Metallica)

Jason Newsted (ex-Metallica)Songwriter Interviews

The former Metallica bassist talks about his first time writing a song with James Hetfield, and how a hand-me-down iPad has changed his songwriting.

History Of Rock

History Of RockSong Writing

An interview with Dr. John Covach, music professor at the University of Rochester whose free online courses have become wildly popular.

Gilby Clarke

Gilby ClarkeSongwriter Interviews

The Guns N' Roses rhythm guitarist in the early '90s, Gilby talks about the band's implosion and the side projects it spawned.

Verdine White of Earth, Wind & Fire

Verdine White of Earth, Wind & FireSongwriter Interviews

The longtime bassist of Earth, Wind & Fire discusses how his band came to do a holiday album, and offers insight into some of the greatest dance/soul tunes of all-time.

Julian Lennon

Julian LennonSongwriter Interviews

Julian tells the stories behind his hits "Valotte" and "Too Late for Goodbyes," and fills us in on his many non-musical pursuits. Also: what MTV meant to his career.

Tom Keifer of Cinderella

Tom Keifer of CinderellaSongwriter Interviews

Tom talks about the evolution of Cinderella's songs through their first three albums, and how he writes as a solo artist.