A world record attempt by Frank Turner to play the most shows in twenty-four hours was beaten a day before by fellow folk artist Crywank.
In support of the release of his tenth album, Undefeated, Turner planned a fifteen-date tour in an attempt to break the world record for most shows played in twenty-four hours. Crywank founder Jay Clayton announced their intention to tour sixteen shows in a twenty-four-hour period the night before Turner would embark on his set.
His unofficial attempt at the record saw Clayton play sixteen shows in sixteen different cities in a twenty-four-hour time frame.
READ MORE: Frank Turner – Undefeated Review
Speaking after the attempt, Clayton wrote: “Thanks a lot John, really appreciate your congratulations. It’s not officially verified by any record breaking bodies, but it was mostly just done for fun/the jokes/the fans.”
Because Crywank’s attempt was not approved by the Music Venue Trust rules, the record-breaking feat was deemed “unofficial”.
Rules from MVT stated the performer “must be paid” for each gig and that they “reserve the right to disqualify any attempt should the quality of performances be below what would generally be accepted as a paid-for concert” among other rulings.
Controversy over the officiality of the record attempts has seen several grassroots musicians criticise the Music Venue Trust and Turner’s record attempt. Clayton, taking to Twitter, wrote: “I did it 16 shows in 16 cities in 24 hours I don’t care if some people don’t think this record is official or not So so so grateful to everyone who helped this happen.”
Rock band Johnny Foreigner wrote: “…today is a phenomenal day for GR (grassroots) venues, DIY promoters, independent musicians and anyone who ever got goosebumps at one of those ‘daft half gigs’.” Invada Records alumni Benefits added: “Unreal achievement, getting this together in the time you’ve done it in with the resources you had is genuinely amazing. And your tweets have been dynamite. Just class.”
Crywank planned and routed the venue without the help of a record label or album to promote, contacting music venues on Twitter and receiving audiences through word of mouth on the social media platform.
Turner, speaking of his recognised record attempt, said: “In 2009, for the music video for ‘The Road’, I played 24 shows in 24 hours – all in Greater London. House parties, venues, record shops and more. It was fun but kind of unofficial, and hard work. I didn’t think I wanted to do it again.
“In the last 24 hours, accompanied by my crew (Doug and Tre and Mark), we played 15 shows in 15 different towns around the UK. According to the @musicvenuetrust rules, that’s the world record by 5 shows. Every show was at an independent venue, ticketed by an independent record shop. We did it. Proud. Tired. Grateful. Long live independent music.”
Elaborate guidelines were met by the Turner tour, which now holds the official record for most gigs played over a twenty-four-hour period. But fans of Crywank and grassroots venue activists seem uninterested. Clayton took to Twitter and wrote: “Awwww my gigs don’t count. Should’ve got a big corporate sponsor and charged all my fans for twenty minute shows, oh well,” in response to MTV’s guidelines.
R N Taylor of Sparky Deathcap wrote: “Hard luck to Frank Turner after narrowly missing out on the world record set by @CrywankBand.”
Clayton added those who had attended the unofficially record-breaking sixteen gig stretch had donated to medical aid for Palestine. They added: “Pennies counted, thanks so much to everyone who donated. I’ll share a breakdown of expenses later today after we get the final pile of petrol to get us home. We totally did not make money this tour (we did all the shows for free, one venue gave me £70 from donations).”
The Music Venue Trust has been contacted for comment.
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