Vancouver Stripped Show
18 August 2010
I was singing the first song tonight off mic. The room was an old theatre with very good acoustics. I thought I might play the next song off mic too but then thought if I’m gonna do it off mic, I really should do it all off mic. So tonight’s show was my first “stripped set”. No amplification for 110 minutes. I made sure everyone could hear it and then pushed off. It was so cool. I could be as subtle as I wanted or as loud as I wanted and it was all audible. Really was magical. Everyone was so quiet. I like amplification but it is not really accurate. Nobody sings that loud and one sings different when one is mic-ed. Stripped is the way we used to perform before gigs got massive and shit needed to get loud. Tonight was quiet but crystal clear. Thanks Vancouver for going with it. I’ll never forget that.
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cool..please try the same thing in jakarta..pleeaassseee..
I still remembered the times when you would do “20″ off mic during encores. The first time I saw it in ’07 I was all teary-eyed by the end.
That’s what we need in this dysphoric world. A little bit peaceful, back to the music itself. =) Wish I were there.
That sounds pretty special. What a treat for you and the audience.
It was certainly a privilege to be part of your first ‘stripped set’ in Vancouver last night. I loved the new songs and it was wonderful hearing the anecdotes of your song writing process.The only thing is, now you got me curious about your two ‘Eric Idle’ songs! hehehe! We had a brilliant evening! Thank you very much for such a special performance. Looking forward to your new album!
Sounds incredible! Wish I could have witnessed it. Come back soon with your new tunes. Lx
sounds amazing – wish i could be there – it probably makes everyone totally present . is it a lot more demanding – can you talk / sing regularly after ?
Fran, the Vancouver show was amazing! My husband and I were blown away!! So lucky to have seen you so raw like that! And when you did “side” I couldn’t help myself I was yelling, “that was my favorite song!” I was the teary eyed blond who asked for a hug. I will never forget that night either! Thank you so much!
Fran, last night was simply magical…we walked home glowing on what was a special experience from one of the most genuine, endearing and intimate performances we’d ever seen. The anecdotes on the songs and boys from Travis were hilarious…and so insightful. Also admired the way you remembered the set list promised to a fan, and stayed behind offering to sign anything! Thanks Fran, for coming with it. We’ll never forget that.
Andrew
Wow, that must have been a fantastic show. Very jealous of Vancouver this morning. I heard you do a couple songs “stripped” in Phoenix a couple years back and think that where possible – you should go for it. Just a man, his vocals and a guitar. Pure brilliance.
Keep it up Fran. Saw you in Vegas last month (sorry I said you were from the UK – still can’t believe you heard that) and hoping for a return trip to Phoenix soon.
Hey Fran,
Just wanted to drop you a quick note to say that the show really blew me away last night. I was sitting front row and was amazed to hear the new material in such a intimate format. I had brought a friend whom did not know very much about Travis or you for that matter and as we left the venue he was saying “that was the best show ever ” and I have to agree.I am hoping one day to get a yellow post it note on my fridge from Fran Healy.Please keep a eye out for a mp3 in your in box
Cheers, Kevin
Sounds absolutely stunning, Fran. I was this close to flying to Vancouver for this gig (even bought a show tix!) instead of Edmonton but the lack of seat sales was quite a blocker. Everything happens as it’s meant to though. Lovely to see you having a fabulous time on this side of Canada! Acoustic is the tops and stripped is the icing on the proverbial cake.
Hey Fran , I forgot a link for a shameless plug
Kevin
Fran, that show last night in Van was unreal. I have never been in a concert setting like that that was so honest and exposed. I didn’t know what I was expecting from the show but I must say that it went beyond my expectations. You nailed the old stuff and the new stuff was SOLID. I have never heard any of it before the show but Rocking Chair gave me goosebumps, Fly In the Ointment made me laugh out loud, Buttercups was much less poppy than I thought it would be, the duet sounds like it’s going to be great and the song Paul played bass on is also a winner. You won me over.
Keep going and doing what you are doing. It takes a lot of guts to lay yourself out like that and ask that people listen to you with fresh ears; however, your material is there and your energy and honesty will guide you through the right channels.
Thank you again for gracing our city with your presence and I hope to see you again next time you are passing through. Good luck on the rest of the tour.
Hi Fran,
I took my sons, 19 and 20 to the show with me last night. The sound was incredible. You could really hear the depth of the songs.
Jeff my oldest, was front row the last time you came to the Commodore and got a
pick from Andy, which thrilled him to no end. After the show last night he came to the stage and shook your hand.(He was wearing a Travis American Flag Tshirt)
He was pretty quiet the entire trip home. I asked him what he was thinking and he simply said “I’m replaying the show in my head.”
I think we all were.
Good luck for the rest of the tour!
You sounded great – It’s cool to finally know that “Pillars turn to butter” does not actually refer to melting architectural columns… Also, thank you for helping me learn the right chords to Sing!
I’ve been to a few Travis concerts, but the one thing that always sticks in my mind is the unplugged version of Flowers in the Window in the huge hall at the BIC (Bournemouth International Centre) a few years ago. Last night’s fantastic concert at the Vogue was a complete acoustic show. So truly, one to be remembered for a long time.
You are great with or without a microphone,I just know that haha although I’ve never been to a Travis show
but if you visit Mexico soon… I’m theereeee (:
It was indeed a special night being part of the Vancouver audience. I don’t think I’ve been to a show where it’s been that intimate and quiet. There’s usually interruptions of random cheers or song requests (although I commend the one fellow who asked for your guitar). It was quite the departure from attending a Travis show. You were thoughtful to double-check now-and-then with the back of the crowd to make sure they could hear you (which also verified there were Glaswegians in attendance).
I’m looking forward to your record’s release so I can hear Paul’s bass contribution and your song about the elderly couple. You really gave your all for “Turn”! Thanks for playing “Driftwood” and “Writing to Reach You”, telling so many stories (the Chateau and Dougie) and taking the time to meet with the audience after the show. I can’t wait until you return to Vancouver again.
It was absolutely captivating…hugely appreciated. 2 hours went by so fast, thanks Fran and much love!
Fantastic show, Thanks for signing my poster for my miracle baby Hayley. I wrote a nice piece about it if you want to check it out @ http://whatsforlunchbc.wordpress.com/ Sorry if I’m being a little “Beach House” but your show meant a lot to my wife and I. Thanks again.
Scott
Hi Fran!!
Wow Fran!! thank you for that concert! and everyrhing!! i will not stop thank you for Last Train! i got suprised for it!! The show it was incredible!!! the sound, the stripped and intimate songs, the stories. BEST concert ever! really!
you impress me, the lyrics for Anything are genius!! and the explanation of Driftwood haha really, you are an amazing Songwriter, Musician, singer, Artist!
Everything was amazing yesterday! thanks for my OTJS Signature the photo and the guitar Pick. And for talking your time to talk a little! really!! what an amazing day!!!
Totally agree with you! Amazing night despite the interruptions..I cheer for México during The Humpty dumpty song…so sorry..I met you after the show, I think so.
Most amazing show I have been to ever! Thank you so much!