On a sweltering evening in St. Petersburg, FL, Frank Turner and the Sleeping Souls, Amigo the Devil, and the Bridge City Sinners turned up the heat to 11 at Jannus Live. The iconic outdoor venue was packed to the brim on June 18th with fans old and young, creating an electric atmosphere that perfectly matched all of the bands on this impressive Undefeated World Tour.
As the sun started to set, Frank Turner and the Sleeping Souls took to the stage with their signature blend of folk-punk rock. From the moment they struck their first chord, it was clear that this wasn’t going to be just another concert – it was going to be a communal experience. The show kicked off with a new track from the Undefeated record called “No Thank You for the Music” and it was met with enthusiastic cheers as Turner belted out its catchy chorus. The song, a tongue-in-cheek response to ABBA’s “Thank You for the Music,” playfully explores the idea of music as both a blessing and a curse. Its upbeat tempo and clever lyrics had the audience singing along by the second chorus, despite it being a new track. Frank has said about the song, “A song about defiance, rejection of mainstream culture, pride in the underground, and staying angry as you get older.”
Turner, known for his engaging stage presence and honest lyrics, didn’t disappoint. Between songs, he connected with the audience, sharing stories and cracking jokes. At one point, he even remarked that this was “one of the hottest shows” he’d ever performed. The Florida heat, combined with the body heat from the packed crowd and the intensity of the performance, created a sauna-like environment. But rather than dampening spirits, it seemed to fuel the fire of both performers and audience alike.
The setlist was a perfect mix of old favorites and new hits, keeping longtime fans happy while introducing fresh material from Turner’s latest album, “Undefeated.” “Do One,” another new addition to Turner’s repertoire on Undefeated, became a big singalong during the chorus. This uplifting punk anthem, with its defiant lyrics and driving beat, had the crowd pumping their fists and shouting along. The song’s message of standing up for oneself and not backing down resonated with the overall positive and empowering tone of the night by Frank and the band.
Midway through the set, the band took a break, leaving Turner alone on stage with an acoustic guitar. This stripped-down segment of the show provided a beautiful contrast to the full-band performances and showcased Turner’s versatility as an artist. He delved into some older, more intimate songs, including “The Ballad of Me and My Friends” from his early album “Campfire Punkrock.” As Turner strummed the opening chords of “The Ballad of Me and My Friends,” a hush fell over the crowd. The raw emotion in his voice as he sang, “We’re definitely going to hell, but we’ll have all the best stories to tell,” has everyone singing along with a smile on their face.
Even through the heat and humidity, Frank Turner and the Sleeping Souls maintained an incredible level of energy. During the last song of the evening “Four Simple Words”, Frank leaped from the stage to crowdsurf with the fans. The crowd went wild as he rolled over the pit and managed to continue singing the verse! Overall, the band’s tight musicianship was on full display, with each member contributing to the wall of sound that filled Jannus Live. Matt Nasir’s keyboard flourishes, Callum Green’s thunderous and precise drumming, Ben Lloyd’s searing guitar solos, and the temporary fill-in for Tarrant Anderson (I don’t recall his name) resounding solid bass lines provided the perfect backdrop for Turner’s passionate vocals and guitar.
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The night’s festivities kicked off with a captivating performance by Amigo the Devil, setting the stage for what would be an unforgettable evening. From the moment Danny Kiranos, the mastermind behind Amigo the Devil, stepped onto the stage and launched into the haunting opener “Small Stone,” it was clear there were a lot of Amigo fans in attendance. His unique blend of dark folk and macabre humor created an atmosphere that was both chilling and oddly comforting.
Throughout the set, Amigo the Devil showcased his impressive vocal range and masterful storytelling, weaving tales of love, loss, and the human condition. Standout tracks like “My Body is a Dive Bar” and “It’s All Gone” had the audience singing along in unison with Kiranos’s powerful delivery. As Amigo and the Devil’s set progressed, the energy in Jannus Live continued to build, reaching a fever pitch with the final song, “Hell and You.” This fan-favorite closer left the crowd hungry for more, perfectly priming them for the headlining act to come. Amigo the Devil’s performance was a testament to the power of a man, his guitar, and a collection of beautifully twisted songs.
In an era where so much of our entertainment is digital and distant, there’s something magical about sweating it out with thousands of strangers, all united by a love of music. Despite the challenging temperatures and humidity – or perhaps because of them – all of the bands delivered a show that will be remembered by all who attended. Frank Turner, Amigo the Devil, and the Bridge City Sinners reminded us of that magic, proving once again the communal and powerful experience of a live concert. Indeed, Frank is still “Undefeated” with his one of a kind live show and is touring through the summer – don’t miss it!
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