Arrived nice and early for this to make sure I was at the front, we brought a friend this time who we had told that her passing interest in Travis would change to full fandom if she saw them live - We were right, she grinned the entire show.

Fran was really chatty tonight and Andy was on form as ever. The new album sounds good, obviously a very passionate project for the guys. The atmosphere in the Carling was fantastic as well, doesn't quite match up to the Barras but it definately comes second in Glasgow. Everyone was in good spirits and enjoyed the show. Fran asked everyone to go and sign the double decker "peace the fuck out" bus they had aquired to which a hell of a lot of people obliged - me included.

Great fun

Linda :)

The last hometown gig was over a year ago during the UK Arena Tour for The Invisible Band at the SECC. But for these first gigs showcasing the new album, smaller venues have been chosen, and tonight Travis will play their first show in Glasgow's newest venue The Carling Academy.

Travis are already soundchecking and I can hear The Beautiful Occupation pounding out as I negotiate the warren of backstage corridors housing the dressing rooms and production office.

Finally I find my way out into the main hall and wave my hellos over the noise to familiar faces dotted all around the venue. There's even time for a quick spot of pogoing with Lola, Neil's three year old daughter, down by the front of the stage.

Catching up with the band after the soundcheck I am brought up to speed with the goss' from last night's gig in Belfast, which included Dougie's first ever stage fall during The Line Is Fine.

"I broke a string, changed bass, launched back in, somewhat over excitedly, and fell straight on my arse. Much to the amusement of crowd, band and crew!"

Fran didn't escape unscathed either, having to make a trip to the emergency ward post gig after smacking himself on the bridge of his nose with a guitar during one of the many changeovers in the set. Lighthearted bets are in place as to whether Travis will survive to the end of their UK dates!

Soundcheck done and dusted, it's straight up to venue's Mezzanine bar, where the band meet up with some competition winners from Germany and some fans who have travelled all the way from Israel to see them over the next three UK dates.

Meanwhile outside more fans and curious members of the public have gathered round the strange sight of an old style, open topped double decker bus.

The bus has been painted completely white with "Peace The Fuck Out" on one side and the word "Occupy" on the other. Soon the band appear and go up top to do a TV interview, then back down to do some press pictures standing in front. Fran then tells the assembled onlookers that the bus will be travelling to selected shows with the band and everyone is invited to add their signature to this mobile petition for peace. Inkys are procured and the first signatures are added by the band and fans.

Interviews, press and meet 'n' greets over there are only a few hours left till doors open. Myself and Neil go down to catering for dinner, Dougie, Fran and Andy are leaving theirs till after the gig and so retire to the dressing room as the first of the fans come through the doors of the venue.

Tonight's support is Simple Kid and on Dougie's recommendation I go out front to watch and thoroughly enjoy the set.

When I return to the Travis dressing room the pre-gig build up is now in full flow, with ACDC Live Collectors Edition blasting from the stereo while monitor headphones are adjusted and set. The tension rises as showtime approaches and as always with Glasgow there is that extra edge added by the frission of playing in their own hometown. This is the one where all of the band will admit to bad nerves pre-show.

As "For Those Who Are About To Rock (We Salute You)" kicks out all the band are on their feet and pacing the room - this is my cue to get out front and into the pit lane for their arrival onstage.

Glasgow's greeting for the band is as warm as ever and as the lights go up the band launch into "Happy To Hang Around".

This evening's setlist mainly features 12 Memories tracks with favourites from the other three albums thrown in. Including The Line Is Fine and I Love You Anyways from Good Feeling. Writing To Reach You and Driftwood from The Man Who, and Side and The Humpty Dumpty Love Song from The Invisible Band.

As the new songs are debuted it is amazing to note that many of the crowd are word perfect on the lyrics already and there is much singing along.

All I Want To Do Is Rock features some entertaining speaker climbing and Fran even ends up perched on Neil's bass drum.

Turn finishes the main set and then they are back for a four song encore starting with Coming Around and ending a memorable night with Peace The Fuck Out.

Andy even attempts some crowd surfing during the solo much to the worry of venue security. As the crowd chants finish the song the audience pile outside and as we leave the venue we pass the bus which has now been well and truly inked with signatures.

Next stop Manchester.