“Well, we’re going nowhere slowly, but we’re seeing all the sights.”
-Frank Turner
On a lazy, damp, gray, springtime Saturday morning I found inspiration to write another blog post. It’s been awhile. My season takes my attention and when it’s over, I tend to get reflective. So here is me reflecting on something I saw that moved me.
It’s an historic music venue in London. I’ve never been there. But I’m in love with the ideal. So many great performers have launched careers, playing in front of 300 people in a rollicking little pub on a place called Holloway Road.
Ever since I started using my Pride Jazzy Air, (And I don’t have to worry about getting knocked down anymore), I’ve rediscovered live music in small venues. Seeing a great band at The Stone Pony in Asbury Park, NJ, for instance, is one of the great experiences in life.
The NBA has taken me to London twice, and another with the NFL. I felt at home every time. I wish I could have seen seen Frank Turner at Nambucca, but sadly never got the chance. He mentions the venue in his song “The Ballad of Me and My Friends.”
On Friday, May 13th, Turner played the final show at Nambucca, and of course he played the song to end the show. To appreciate this post, you must watch this.
Everyone sings the song at the top of their lungs, a song about enjoying the ride of life with your friends.
I saw Frank Turner open for the Counting Crows in Manhattan last year. At the start of his all acoustic set, he told the crowd, many who didn’t know anything about him or his music, that his goal by the end of his set was to make friends with everyone in the room. That’s what great artists can do, form that connection.
Music is so powerful. It’s such a huge part of my life. Frank Turner is one of my favorites.
He’s doing a daunting 50 shows in 50 states summer tour in some cool, intimate venues. I still can’t believe you can still see him in these places. Do yourself a favor and check him out now.
