At 50, Fran Healy, frontman/rhythm guitarist of the band Travis still looks every bit the rock star, even when he doesn’t feel like one. His neon-orange dyed hair, hoop earring, wiry frame and monochromatic black outfit contrast with his deferential demeanor as he humbly rejects the rock star label. “I really don’t see myself that way,” he says in his thick Scottish accent while sipping tea in the kitchen of his 115-year-old L.
A. Craftsman house in Venice. “I think narcissists generally see themselves like that.
They are drawn to our business because of the nature of it, but I’m writing because I want to express myself. It’s therapeutic.” The introverted Healy prefers his art to lead while he remains closer to the shadows.
It’s an approach that is reflected on the cover of Travis’ new album “L.A. Times,” its 10th full-length release, which features the downtown Los Angeles skyline illuminated at night and features Healy and his bandmates (lead guitarist Andy Dunlop, bassist Dougie Payne and drummer Neil Primrose) standing on a dimly lit street in Victor Heights.
However, Healy notes, he “can switch ‘it’ on” for live performances. His striking hair color, he explains, follows cogent advice he received long ago. “Someone once told me, ‘Look the part, become the part,’” he recalls.
“We’re putting out a new record, and it’s an important record for us, so I wanted a hair color that would be eye-catching onstage.” Until recently, Heal.
