Opening Acts: Fran Healy of Travis, Ingrid Michaelson
Date: August 7th, 2010
Link: www.keanemusic.com

This past Saturday in Philly marked the end of my week’s vacation, road trippin’ from NY to Chicago & Cleveland, and then back down to Philly, culminating with a grand finale with a concert with Keane! Opening for the UK stars was Fran Healy of the band Travis, performing some Travis songs and new solo work, and also Ingrid Michaelson performed.

Arriving at the gate, there was some drama as Security at the Mann Center in Philly did not like that I had a semi-professional camera and also didn’t comprehend that I had a photo pass. Reluctantly they let me in and I was able to proceed with the concert.

Fran Healy of Travis opened the show and was touring in support of a new release this October I believe where he will release a solo record. Fran really was funny and had the audience laughing in between songs, and even at one point forgot the words to his new song, pausing and apologizing. The audience clapped and it was an endearing moment. Fran played for about 25 minutes or so and next up was Ingrid Michaelson.

Ingrid Michaelson and her bandmates came out next, and you could tell there was a huge following waiting for her to perform. I really wasn’t familiar with her stuff except that one popular song, “The Way I Am” you probably heard a ton in commercials as well. Her music is not my cup of tea, and I just focused on shooting the show. Ingrid incorporated some Lady Gaga into her work and her final song was Britney Spear’s “Toxic” which was a pretty good cover for what it is.

Finally, Keane was up! The band came out to the intro music “House Lights” from their new EP “Night Train”, which is brilliant by the way, and opened the show with “Again and Again.” I think one misconception Keane gives off is that it’s not an exciting live band to see. I disagree completely with this and these guys were getting into it.. and quick too! Frontman Tom Chaplin commanded the stage from the beginning and the crowd was ready for whatever songs they sprung on them. It was also good to see the diehard fans up close in the orchestra pit and nearby as well. Nothing more disheartening when a bunch of local rich people take up all the seats and sit there like lugs the whole night. Keane performed from all 4 records they have out now, and it was a great collection of tracks including some of my favorites including “Everybody’s Changing,” “Spiraling,” “Clear Skies,” and “Is It Any Wonder.” The boys came back for an encore and closed out with one of my new favorites “My Shadow,” and “Crystal Ball.” I was a little disappointed in the crowd for so obviously bolting near the end of the show to leave. I guess the locals really hate to sit in the traffic. I don’t blame them but I wasn’t missing this show.

Overall, a fantastic show put on by Keane. Tom has great stage presence and they enjoyed the outdoor setting for the venue. Tom’s pitch was perfect too. We even got a treat as keyboard player, and principal composer for the group, Tim Rice-Oxley performed the track “Your Love,” from the new EP. What a fantastic song! Keane even tried out a new song “Disconnected” which the fans really appreciated. Keane is not a band to be missed live!

Photos from the show:

Fran Healy of Travis

Ingrid Michaelson

Keane