by photojournalist Dan Fernandez
Tuesday night September 23, The Ritz in Tampa’s historic Ybor City played host to early 2000’s Brit phenoms Franz Ferdinand’s first stop in the state in two decades and first ever performance in the Tampa Bay area. Man, did they bring the heat! The bands untamed and ferocious on-stage enthusiasm coupled with the funky brit-rap set that opener Master Peace provided had the attending crowd captivated for the duration.
Opening the night off was relative newcomer Master Peace, whose given name is Peace Okezie. Born in London, Peace’s upbringing foreshadowed the duality of his music, quoted as saying that he “grew up around people involved in crime” but also attended “quite a posh school.” As a youth he had a deep love for UK rap while also stating that “Don’t Speak” by the band No Doubt was his favorite song growing up. He would often listen to rap and hip hop with his friends while indulging in indie rock bands such as Arctc Monkeys at home. In 2018 Peace quit the rap collective that he was part of and set out as a solo artist to industry success. Soon finding himself collaborating with the likes of JME and UK Rap pioneers The Streets pushing Rolling Stones UK to state that Ozekie was “leading the way for a new generation of indie stars.” Peace’s eclectic presentation, staging heavy rock & roll guitar to accompany his vocal prowess and empowering lyrics created an exceedingly distinctive sound that resonated throughout the venue. I am extremely excited to see where life takes this young musician next and will be keeping a close eye on his trajectory.
Franz Ferdinand (FF) does not make it down to our neck of the woods often but when they do look out! The Scottish group formed in Glasglow circa 2002 has had quite the journey. The band’s current lineup consists of Alex Kapranos, Bob Hardy, Julian Corrie and Audrey Tait with Corrie and Tait signing on after the departures of original members Nick McCarthy (2017) and Paul Thomson (2021). Branded a post- punk revival dance band and the answer to the early 2000’s indie movement gaining traction in the US, the group originally found popularity in 2003 with their debut single “Darts of Pleasure.” Building off their initial momentum it was their second single released the same year “Take Me Out” that blasted them into the stratosphere, cemented their place in the rising UK indie rock scene and introducing the band to the international music world. Along the way Franz Ferdinand has accumulated several grammy nominations, taken home the 2004 Mercury Prize, an NME award and two Brit Awards. They may have begun their tenure in the early 2000’s but that does not mean that they are slowing down in any form with their most recent releases both coming in 2025 with the EP Some Remixes of Hooked and their full length The Human Fear.
The bands raucous demonstration of eternal showmanship rang true as Kapranos’ animated dance moves, dynamic presence and engaging crowd banter endeared Franz Ferdinand to the entire room, while their ninety-minute, twenty songs deep set featured
b-sides, hidden gems and fan favorites alike. The band took the stage to euphoric applause kicking off the night with jams “Matinee”, “Night or Day” and “No You Girls” before launching into “Build it up” and the popular “Do You Want To?” Refusing to settle the nights energy down, FF then indulged fans in two of their most well-known tunes “Love Illumination” and “Take Me Out” with a tireless Kapranos flamboyantly bouncing and jumping around the stage while engaging audience members with his trademark magnetism. As the night waned FF dropped an encore featuring bangers “Audacious”, “Fallen”, “Ulysses” and “This Fire” before sincerely thanking the audience for their sustained support, going on to cheerfully state that although this was their first time in Tampa it would not be their last. Over the years Franz Ferdinand has continued to prove the strength behind their staying power with Tuesday night being no different. From start to finish this was one of those shows to write home about.
