Travis roll in to town for a hometown show and final night of their Raze The Bar tour. Tonight Glasgow was ready for their favourite sons to return to the city. Tonight the tour supports are the excellent Juanita Stein and Hamish Hawk. As the crowds filled in to the sold out show the atmosphere was electric looking forward to see Travis return home.
Tonight’s opening act promises to set a captivating tone for the evening: Juanita Stein, an accomplished Australian singer-songwriter, renowned for her role as the frontwoman of the acclaimed band Howling Bells.
Stein is known for her ability to weave together intricate melodies that blend elements of folk and blues, creating a sound that is both rich and evocative. As she takes the stage at the Hydro, she will be accompanied solely by a drummer, allowing her poignant vocals and haunting lyrics to shine through.
Her set features a mix of songs that showcase her versatility as an artist. The heavier tracks in her repertoire possess a strikingly dark edge, reminiscent of the haunting styles of Nick Cave and Tori Amos, drawing listeners into a deep and immersive experience. In contrast, the softer songs are ethereal and uplifting, their melodies floating gracefully through the air, reaching even the farthest corners of the arena.
With her compelling stage presence and an impressive collection of well-crafted tunes, Juanita Stein is sure to leave a lasting impression and set the stage for an unforgettable night of music.
The evening’s highlight is none other than Hamish Hawk, an artist making waves in the dynamic Scottish indie rock scene. His unwavering dedication to live performances has seen him tirelessly touring various venues, winning over audiences and building a loyal fan base wherever he goes.
It’s clear why Hawk is amassing such a dedicated following. His theatrical and passionate vocal style distinguishes him, injecting each show with an electrifying energy that resonates profoundly with listeners. His music is a genre-blurring fusion, drawing from a rich tapestry of influences and styles that defy easy classification.
Notable tracks in his set include “Big Cat Tattoo,” “Men Like Wire,” and the fantastic “Elvis Look-alike Shadows.” His performances are overflowing with emotion, captivating audiences with his powerful presence. It won’t be long before he headlines the OVO Hydro on his own.
Hawk’s unique sound, marked by lush melodies and clever lyrics, evokes the spirit of a bygone era while remaining fresh and relevant. I have no doubt he will soon grace the Hydro stage again, captivating an enthusiastic crowd eager to experience his latest creations. His undeniable charm and artistic talent promise a performance that will be unforgettable, leaving fans eagerly anticipating his return.
The venue packed was getting ready to welcome back to the stage Travis featuring Fran Healy, Dougie Payne, Andy Dunlop and Neil Primrose on their last night of the Raze the Bar tour. As the stage was getting set up the bands roadies where dressed up as Santa. As the lights went down the bands into music started with the theme to Cheers.
As the OVO Hydro audience caught their first glimpse of the band, Fran stood out with his new bright orange hair. He humorously attributed this look to indulging a bit too much in the national drink, Irn Bru, during a secret set at the TRNSMT Festival. The show began with the energetic “Bus” from their latest album, and the crowd was mesmerized by its massive sound. The opening chords of the fan-favourite “Driftwood” sent everyone into a frenzy. It was clear that this was going to be an unforgettable party, and there was no better place for it. The band was ready to rock, and the audience was already in high spirits.
Standout moments from the early part of the set included “Alive,” “Writing to Reach You,” and the fantastic “A Ghost.” The crowd sang along passionately to hits like “Side,” “Sing,” and “Selfish Jean.” The new songs blended seamlessly into the set, making it feel like they had been beloved classics for ages. The set concluded with several new tracks, highlighted by “Naked In New York,” which truly shone on the album. The Glasgow audience erupted with energy during the closing song, “Turn,” which raised the roof before the band exited the stage.
Everyone knew they would return, as there were still a few anticipated tracks left. When Fran and the boys came back, they launched into “Flowers in the Window.” In a delightful surprise, they invited both support acts and the Red Hot Chilli Pipers to join them for a rendition of the Wings classic “Mull of Kintyre.” This special moment resonated with the audience, who sang along enthusiastically.
The band then played their quintessential Glasgow summer anthem, “Why Does It Always Rain on Me?”—the perfect way to wrap up the show and the tour’s final night. Travis was in top form, delivering an incredible set that shook the foundations of the Hydro.
If you have the chance to see Travis live, don’t miss it; they will leave you in awe. This night was a wonderful Christmas gift for the band’s hometown fans.
Review by Karen Edmond
Photographs by James Edmond Photography
