Texas-born singer-songwriter Chuck Ragan brought a stunner of a show to London’s iconic 100 Club with support from Hannah Rose Platt and a surprise set from Frank Turner – let us tell you all about it.
As the central London punk venue was slowly filling with fans, everyone eagerly awaiting the main man of the evening Chuck Ragan, it’s safe to say at least half the people there were hoping for a suprise appearance of beloved British folk punk singer Frank Turner during the set. What no one was prepared for was Turner strolling onto stage as Jess Guise’s support set was about to start and informing us that unfortunately she was unwell at home so he was filling in. No complaints from anyone, obviously (though we did very much miss Jess and her siren vocals!). Turner continues to perform a few brand new tracks from his upcoming record Undefeated as well as classic tune Photosynthesis which was met with roaring crowd participation.
After having filled up the front of the stage and pulled fans from the bar to the stage, Turner set the scene for the night and when Hannah Rose Platt took to the stage the room was packed with people and anticipation. Platt’s mix of romanticized dark mysteries and tales of dating in 1954 had us all wishing we were in some vintage romantic tragedy, soundtracked by an acoustic guitar and heavy bass.
With a swift switchover, one of the beauties of singer-songwriter tours you’d say, Chuck Ragan steps onto the stage for the main event of the evening. The room is buzzing with excitement, whistles and cheers are echoing throughout the small central London basement club. What was clear from the beginning was that connection between Ragan and his fans, they got each other. He would later on say that Hot Water Music wouldn’t have made it for 30 years without a community, people wouldn’t be here without a community. The sentiment was met with reciprocation from the crowd, beers in the air for a distant cheers.
Hitting right in the feels with the first track Nothing Left To Prove, Chuck Ragan takes us down a musical memory lane with songs spanning his career including Hot Water Music’s iconic State Of Grace, Bedroll Lullaby and 2016’s The Boat for which he was joined by Frank Turner.
Ragan is more than just a great storyteller, his voice will penetrate deep into your soul, making a connection that will last beyond just one evening. His charisma on stage and down-to-earth demeanor makes the 350-cap venue feel like sitting around a campfire with your friends. With Todd Beene on the pedal steel guitar, that campfire takes you right into the heart of the American folk and Americana roots.
Safe to say that after all these years, Chuck Ragan still has one of the most enchanting vocals out there and the 100 Club was the perfect backdrop for it this evening.
High Fives & Stage Dives 