Travis live @ First Avenue 7/22/07

Travis live @ First Avenue - "Flowers in the Window"

Lots more (72) great Travis Photos: Flickr Photos | Flickr Slideshow

Travis. Holy f*cking #@$^. Wow. To get you "primed": Read Kyle's review of the DC gig over on Information Leafblower. After you're done, come back; don't worry, I'll wait...

OK, here's what happened at the First Ave gig:

> Yes, they entered from the back of the audience, walking through the whole crowd in boxer warm-up outfits with the theme from "Rocky." They then proceeded to the stage with James Brown's "Living in America." Their first (opening) tune was "Selfish Jean." Perhaps the greatest entrance of a band I've ever seen. Witness for yourself...

Travis - Rocky Theme / Living In America / Selfish Jean @ First Ave 7/22/07:



> "All I Want To Do Is Rock" really "rocked." ;) Guitarist Andy went into the crowd for this one...

Travis - "All I Want To Do Is Rock" live @ First Avenue, 7/22/07:



> Last song before the encores, "Turn." Magical. Watch Mr. Francis Healy jump off the drum set.

Travis - "Turn" live @ First Avenue, 7/22/07:



> First encore, b-side "20," I almost cried. Francis Healy solo, acoustic, without the PA system. Watch for yourself.

Travis - "20" live @ First Avenue 7/22/07 - w/o Mic:



> Second encore, "Flowers in the Window." Barbershop-quintet style...



> Third encore, "Sailing Away." According to Fran they had never played that one before... Check it out.



> They closed with the "pogo version" of "Why Does It Always Rain On Me". I don't have video of that one... Because I was jumping around pogo-style, sorry.

Luckily, Travis has a 2 minute summary (which includes the "pogo") of their whole DC show:




> After the show I got to hang with the boys for a bit.



> And look who I also hung out with.





Yeah, the Schwandt brothers from White Light Riot were in the house...

Setlist (A+):



This was the 7th time I've seen Travis. They put a smile on my face every time I see them. Fran is one the best and most entertaining lead-singers you'll ever see. Yes, he's Bono-like. Do check Travis out at a venue near you soon.

See you @ Fratellis Sunday. I hear they're playing The Fetus that afternoon as well...

Travis Website | MySpace

P.S. Klaus! Klaus! Klaus!...

P.P.S. For the record, I saw opening band/guy John Paul White as well. The guy was ok, not great. The ELO cover of "Cant' Get It Out Of My Head" was killer, though...





John Paul White Website | MySpace