h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

First gig of the year yesterday night, Travis, supported by Keane at the Manchester Apollo. As always, I took Kat. This time as a (late)Christmas present.

Keane were great, they look like the next big thing, even though the lead singer is a bit porky, and dances like he's on a stairmaster (as I pointed out to Kat). It's unusual for me to like them, seeing as they have no guitars involved anywhere, but I advise anyone to buy/download the debut single "Somewhere only we know"

Travis were as good as the last time I saw them, with Fran being animated to the point of looking like he had St Vitus' dance, Dougie dancing to a chorus of laughs, wolfwhistles and a miniature glockenspiel, and Andy swapping guitars every song, playing one behind his head on top of a speaker, and diving into the crowd. Neil Primrose (the drummer) was predictably subdued, with ony a bit of a dig at Fran and a V-sign to the crowd. Kat seemed to enjoy herself too, which isn't bad.

My Highlights of the Night:
Lead Singer of Keane's stairmaster dancing.
Fran's 'downloading music is good,' 'this is for anyone who wants a shag,' and 'I love you all' rants.
'Writing to Reach You'
The following exchange on the bus with Kat when I was clinging to her to hide from horny drunken housewives;
Me 'Did I ever tell you I loved you?'
Kat: 'Not often enough.'
Me: 'Typical woman's answer'
Kat: 'Typical man. Only telling me when you want something.'


Anyway, party on peoples.
Andy

Fran : "Any time you're ready Andy..." *Fran waits for Andy to stop having a cigarette, and then makes a comment about having to treat them so they know you're the boss*


Spooky. I was there too. Travis were great.

Did you see Andy fall in at the end, with the struggle to get his guitar out? Brilliant. Thats the first time I've seen them live, but they've got to be one of the best live bands around at the moment.

Yeah 'you don't see me smoking and drinking while I'm working...'

It was funny as hell when the guitar appeared on stage without Andy attatched.