Travis Turn Back Time and Prove Their Timelessness at Venue Cymru

Desh Kapur
4 days ago
2 min read

Venue Cymru, Llandudno, North Wales – Saturday 19th July 2025

IMAGES DESH KAPUR / WORDS SHARON CONWAY

Travis Turn Back Time and Prove Their Timelessness at Venue Cymru — Travis

As the rain fell over Llandudno on Friday, 19th July, it felt poetically fitting—after all, I was on my way to see Scottish indie legends Travis, a band forever associated with rainy-day anthems and soul-stirring singalongs. Held at the near sold-out Venue Cymru, the evening was more than just a gig—it was a powerful reminder of Travis’s legacy and continued relevance.

Opening the night were Wrexham’s own The Royston Club, a band steadily making a name for themselves in the ever-growing UK indie scene. Though their set was brief, it was packed with punch—stadium-sized indie bangers delivered with energy, confidence, and grit. Among the new wave of indie acts, The Royston Club are undoubtedly one of the frontrunners, and their ascent shows no sign of slowing. They were the perfect warm-up, igniting anticipation and setting the stage for what was to come.

At 9 p.m., Travis took to the stage to rapturous applause and cheers. They opened with “Bus,” before launching into the beloved “Driftwood,” which triggered the first of many mass singalongs. The band played with the polish of seasoned performers—no surprise given their storied career—but also with visible joy and gratitude. Fran Healy, ever the charismatic frontman, was chatty and engaging, sharing stories and connecting warmly with the crowd throughout the night.

The set was a beautifully balanced mix of past and present. Newer tracks blended seamlessly with the band’s iconic hits, proving Travis aren’t just living in their own legacy—they’re still contributing to it. Of course, it was the songs from the late '90s and early 2000s—“Why Does It Always Rain On Me?”, “Sing”, “Turn”—that drew the loudest cheers and the most emotional moments, transporting the crowd to a time of endless summers, festival fields, and youthful optimism.

For many, Travis were the soundtrack to a generation, standing shoulder to shoulder with the likes of Coldplay, Stereophonics, Snow Patrol, and Keane. And yet, they’ve never faded into the background. This show was proof they still know how to command a room, stir memories, and write songs that resonate—new and old alike.

As the final chords echoed around Venue Cymru, it was clear: Travis are not just a band of the past—they’re still very much of the now. Timeless, heartfelt, and utterly brilliant, their performance was a celebration of everything they've been and everything they still are.

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