TRAVIS // ROYAL CONCERT HALL, GLASGOW
TRAVIS BRING ‘THE INVISIBLE BAND’ IN FULL TO GLASGOW’S ROYAL CONCERT HALL TO CELEBRATE TWENTY YEARS SINCE IT’S RELEASE.
★★★★☆ (4.5/5)
TRAVIS // ROYAL CONCERT HALL, GLASGOW - 22.05.2022
PHOTOCREDIT // KENDALL WILSON
Travis are a band with plenty of super-fans. These are the fans who know every release inside-out; they know the B-sides, the hidden tracks and the alternative versions. But, Travis’s appeal stretches far beyond those obsessed with them; their melodic, poetic, simplistic but profound style has a universal power to spike up the ears of any music fan. It seems like everyone knows and loves at least one of Travis’s songs and those who have had the pleasure of diving into their discography will have cycle of ever change favourites by the band. Twenty-five years after their debut, Travis are standing strong and touring hard to remind the world they are the band who conquer.
A brilliant choice of support joined the tour with the modern rock band Fatherson. The support’s set was filled with edgy, rock songs and beautiful lyrics that glow with connection – something that translates perfectly with the main act of the night. Singer Ross Leighton has a honey soaked voice that would shake Ed Sheeran and adds a silk-like quality to their songs. Drummer Greg Walkinshaw’s upbeat antics on stage are impossible to ignore while bassist Marc Strain zips around the stage heightening the excitement. They played a great set that perfectly prepared the crowd for what was to come.
This tour from Travis showcased the 20th anniversary of their incredible album The Invisible Band. It’s a cherished album that shows the band’s eclectic rock flare. Despite the band’s steady release of work - their most recent album being 10 Songs in 2020 – the main set was the entirety of their landmark 2001 album and it was exactly what fans wanted. After a tough couple of years, the album comforts listeners like a much needed hug and attendee were treated to hear it played live.
Travis took to the stage with a spring in their step. Frontman, Fran Healy, donning a standout electric pink suit yet oozing a humble, warm charm. Healy introduced the band and night’s set before the notorious ringing that opens track ‘Sing’ blasted out in the auditorium. Beloved classics like this, along with the stomping ‘Side’ and the uplifting ‘Flowers in the Window,’ got the crowd going but what really stood out is Healy’s openness. He shared his nerves for performing the tender ‘Dear Diary,’ he told stories of being in LA and partying with Moby, he connected to the crowd as if he’s relaxed and unafraid to be vulnerable.
Dougie Payne, Travis’s bassist, was hard to take your eyes off. He appeared to smile the whole set through and looked deeply invested in bringing joy to the crowd. Andy Dunlop poured his heart and soul into the performance and Neil Primrose drummed up a storm. After the album’s biggest hits, a collection of intimate tracks sailed through the crowd. ‘Safe’ almost stunned the crowd into awe-filled silence and the closing tracks of the main set ‘Afterglow,’ ‘Indefinitely’ and ‘The Humpty Dumpty Love Song’ were poignant and prevailing.
The band returned to the stage for a roaring six song encore which included the only update track of the night ‘A Ghost’ from their most recent album. Closing the night with two belt-it-out anthems ‘Turn’ and ‘Why Does it Always Rain on Me?’ The crowd had their hands up, their feet had been jumping and voices had been heard.
Travis sent the crowd home joyous and singing. The night showed the progression of British rock with Fatherson, yet also proved that something great will stand the test of time with the display of The Invisible Band in full spotlight. Thanks guys for a cracking evening.
REVIEW BY // KATRIN LAMONT
PHOTOS BY // KENDALL WILSON
SETLIST
ROYAL CONCERT HALL, GLASGOW
SING
DEAR DIARY
SIDE
PIPE DREAMS
FLOWERS IN THE WINDOW
THE CAGE
SAFE
FOLLOW THE LIGHT
LAST TRAIN
AFTERGLOW
INDEFINITELY
THE HUMPTY DUMPTY LOVE SONG
ENCORE:
A GHOST
LOVE WILL COME THROUGH
DRIFTWOOD
CLOSER
TURN
WHY DOES IT ALWAYS RAIN ON ME?
TOUR DATES:
23RD MAY 2022
DUNDEE // FAT SAM’S
17TH JULY 2022
GLASGOW // HAMPDEN PARK
14TH AUGUST 2022
EDINBURGH // PRINCES STREET GARDEN’S