LIVE REVIEW: Travis Live at Darling Harbour Theatre (14/1/2026)

Why does it always rain at a Travis gig? Cause it did! On a Scottish weathered Sydney Wednesday evening, Darling Harbour Theatre proved the perfect setting for a night steeped in melody and nostalgia as Scottish indie alternative band Travis returned to the stage, joined by beloved Australian singer-songwriter Josh Pyke. The result was a concert that felt both intimate and expansive—equal parts sing-along celebration and reflective outlook.

Josh Pyke opened the night with the kind of ease that comes from decades of connection with Australian audiences. Armed with an acoustic guitar and disarming charm, he delivered a tight, heartfelt set that reminded everyone why his songwriting endures. Songs like Middle of the Hill and The Lighthouse Song landed with warmth rather than bombast, his voice clear and expressive, drawing the crowd gently in rather than demanding attention. Pyke’s between-song banter struck a relaxed, self-aware tone, setting the emotional temperature perfectly for what was to follow.

When Travis took the stage, the shift in energy was immediate but seamless. From the opening chords, the theatre filled with a collective sense of familiarity—the comforting feeling of songs that have soundtracked lives for over two decades. Frontman Fran Healy was in fine form, his voice remarkably strong and expressive, balancing vulnerability with confidence. Healy’s easy rapport with the audience, peppered with dry humour and genuine gratitude, made the large venue feel surprisingly personal.

The setlist was a well-judged journey through the band’s career. This tour (the first in 24 years) was dedicated to their 2nd studio album The Man Who. Classics like Why Does It Always Rain on Me?, Sing and Side drew huge crowd participation, transforming the theatre into a UK football stadium. Rather than feeling dated, these songs sounded refreshed—proof of Travis’s knack for writing melodies that age gracefully. Deeper cuts and newer material sat comfortably alongside the hits, showcasing a band still engaged with their craft rather than coasting on past glories.

Musically, Travis were tight without being clinical. The arrangements allowed space to breathe, with moments of restraint amplifying the emotional payoff. There was a eager sense of joy on stage, particularly in the quieter passages, where the band leaned into subtlety and atmosphere rather than volume.

One of the night’s greatest strengths was its emotional consistency. There were no jarring shifts, no unnecessary theatrics—just strong songs, honest performances, and a shared appreciation between artists and audience. Josh Pyke’s presence felt like a thoughtful pairing rather than a simple support act, reinforcing the night’s theme of sincerity and songcraft. By the time the first part of the show was over, everyone was on their feet and migrated to the front of the stage as Fran stated "This is a gig, not Disneyland, this isn't a Coldplay concert" . What stood out for me was how funny they were. From random slideshows of dogs with fish net stockings on to stories from Glastonbury in 1999 when it rained when they played Why Does Always Rain On Me?. There was presence of that Scottish humour you see in people and shows like Billy Connolly and Still Game.

By the time the final notes rang out, the audience left not buzzing from spectacle, but glowing from connection. Travis Live at Darling Harbour Theatre, featuring Josh Pyke, was a reminder that great concerts don’t need fireworks—sometimes all they need are well-written songs, artists who believe in them, and a crowd ready to listen.

TRAVIS THE MAN WHO SETLIST 14/1/2026

The Man Who

1. Writing to Reach You

2. The Fear

3. As You Are

4. Driftwood

5. The Last Laugh of the Laughter

6. Turn

7. Why Does It Always Rain on Me?

8. Luv

9. She's So Strange

10. Slide Show

11. Blue Flashing Light

Encore

1. Bus

2. Love Will Come Through

3. Good Feeling

4. Side

5. Closer

6. Selfish Jean

7. Gaslight

8. Flowers in the Window

9. ...Baby One More Time (Britney Spears cover)

10. Sing

Special thanks to Nicole Hart and Live Nation for allowing us access to this heartwarming gathering