Travis
Pressing Play
Hello you. Make a cup of tea, put a record on. Welcome to The A to Z of Britpop, your introduction to the bands, music, and characters that defined the most exciting genre of the 1990s. In this article, we introduce Travis, a Glasgow-based band whose melodic, introspective style helped define post-Britpop, bridging the gap between the optimism of the Britpop era and the reflective tones of the early 2000s.
Britpop was built on personalities, fierce rivalries, soundbites, and of course, the music that defined a decade. It captured the restless energy of the country and signalled a wave of optimism across the UK that had been missing for years.
Each entry in this series is a fact file, giving you the key details: who they were, where they came from, and what they made. It’s the perfect starting point for revisiting the era if you were there, or figuring out why your mum or dad keeps going on about it.
Overview
Originated in: Glasgow, Scotland
Active years: 1990–present
Associated genres: Post-Britpop, Britpop, soft rock, alternative rock
Record labels: Red Telephone Box, Virgin Music, Independiente, Epic Records, Kobalt, BMG
Members: Fran Healy – lead vocals, rhythm guitar, piano / Dougie Payne – bass guitar, backing vocals / Andy Dunlop – lead guitar, banjo, backing vocals / Neil Primrose – drums, percussion
Former members: Geoff Martyn – keyboards / Chris Martyn – bass guitar / Simon Jarvis – drums / Catherine Maxwell – lead vocals
Formation and Early Years
Formed in 1990 as "Glass Onion" in Glasgow, inspired by The Beatles' song of the same name.
Fran Healy joined as lead vocalist in 1991, bringing a songwriting focus influenced by Joni Mitchell.
Transitioned to Travis after replacing founding members Geoff and Chris Martyn with Dougie Payne, who learned bass specifically to join the band.
Early demos such as The Glass Onion EP hinted at their potential, with tracks like "Dream On" and "Whenever She Comes Round."
Rise to Prominence
Released debut album Good Feeling (1997), which peaked at No. 9 on the UK Albums Chart and established their reputation for energetic, heartfelt songs.
Gained mainstream success with their second album The Man Who (1999), featuring the anthemic "Why Does It Always Rain on Me?" which propelled the band to global fame.
Headlined major festivals, including Glastonbury 2000, following the massive success of The Man Who.
Commercial Success and Albums
The Invisible Band (2001) built on their success with hits like "Sing" and "Flowers in the Window," reaching No. 1 in the UK.
12 Memories (2003) marked a darker, politically charged turn, addressing themes like domestic abuse and mental health.
Subsequent albums such as The Boy with No Name (2007) and Where You Stand (2013) demonstrated their consistent ability to craft emotive, melodic rock.
Celebrated their legacy with the 20th anniversary reissue of The Man Who in 2019, accompanied by live performances of the album in full.
Later Activities and Legacy
Fran Healy launched a solo career with Wreckorder (2010), featuring collaborations with Paul McCartney and Neko Case.
Continued to tour and record as a band, releasing 10 Songs (2020) during the COVID-19 pandemic and L.A. Times (2024), showcasing Healy's songwriting in a Los Angeles-inspired setting.
Frequently acknowledged as a key influence on later acts in the post-Britpop and alternative rock genres.
Notable Facts
The band’s name was inspired by the character Travis Henderson from the film Paris, Texas (1984).
Neil Primrose suffered a life-threatening injury in 2002 but made a full recovery, allowing the band to continue.
Their 1999 Glastonbury performance is considered pivotal to their commercial breakthrough, despite the band believing they had performed poorly.
Defining Lyric
"Why does it always rain on me?" — Why Does It Always Rain on Me? (1999)
Discography
Good Feeling (1997)
The Man Who (1999)
The Invisible Band (2001)
12 Memories (2003)
The Boy with No Name (2007)
Ode to J. Smith (2008)
Where You Stand (2013)
Everything at Once (2016)
10 Songs (2020)
L.A. Times (2024)
Essential Listening
"Why Does It Always Rain on Me?" (1999): The band’s signature anthem, capturing melancholy and hope in equal measure.
"Sing" (2001): An uplifting, harmony-driven track that defined their softer side.
"Closer" (2007): A heartfelt ballad showcasing Healy’s gift for relatable, intimate lyrics.
Why You Should Be Listening to Travis Now
Travis embody the emotional depth and melodic finesse of the late Britpop and early post-Britpop era, offering a catalogue filled with timeless songs that still resonate today. Their reflective lyrics and enduring appeal make them a perfect listen for any generation.
See you on down the road.
