HAMPSHIRE's own Frank Turner & The Sleeping Souls have announced the release of a new album, Live In Newcastle.

Captured at O2 City Hall Newcastle last November, the 20 track live recording was made during the pop punk star’s 2019 headline tour in support of his latest studio album release, No Man’s Land, his fourth consecutive UK top three album.

The release comes amid his current Independent Venue Love series of virtual fundraisers gigs, created to provide support to the UK's struggling independent music venues during the current coronavirus crisis.

The series has already helped to raise thousands to help the effort to save Southampton’s Joiners Arms, a venue close to his heart, from closure, and has also provided over £10,000 in donations for London’s beloved Nambucca venue. Frank also recently raised £10,000 for the Railway Inn in Winchester.

Having been forced to cancel his own recent 2020 tour dates due to coronavirus, Frank marked what would have been the Nottingham gig by hosting a viewing party for his Show 2000 - Nottingham Rock City - 15/12/2016 DVD release, filmed at his 2000th solo show four years ago. Over 6,000 fans tuned into his Youtube channel for the screening and live Q&A with Frank.

The digital release of Live In Newcastle snapshots a shake-up of Turner’s live set up, featuring un-plugged versions from his extensive back catalogue performed with The Sleeping Souls, uncharacteristically for Frank, to seated audiences.

Speaking about this alternate approach to his 2019 shows Frank, who grew up in Meonstoke near Winchester, said “The story-telling set that I put together with the Sleeping Souls last year was a new venture, an experiment, a risk, and in the end a huge success - I couldn't be more proud of the way we found a new angle on my songs and my live show. I'm excited that we managed to capture the magic and get it out there for everyone to enjoy.”

The album is available via Xtra Mile Recording / Polydor Records.

The Railway Inn is also part of the new Music Venue Trust initiative endorsed by Frank to help save venues around the country www.saveourvenues.co.uk www.crowdfunder.co.uk/railwaymvt