Travis have made a name for themselves as being nice guys in rock. That pretty much sums up the band’s performance at Ann Arbor’s Michigan Theater. Imagine a band like Oasis or Radiohead, only much more people friendly.

Opening the show was Remy Zero. The band’s sound was very similar to Travis’ and for once the opening act went together with the headliners (unlike the very odd pairs of late like Cold opening for Weezer). The band, who are currently promoting their new release The Golden Hum, hit all the right notes. Frontman Cinjun Tate (better known to some as the former husband of Alyssa Milano) gave a solid performance with the right mix of seriousness, charm, and classic rock style.

For Travis this show marked the second area appearance this year. Over the summer the Scottish group opened up for Dido on her tour. The bulk of the band’s set consisted of material from their most recent albums, The Man Who and The Invisible Band.

Travis’ time spent on the road shows with the band’s live performance. The band showed signs of improvement since their stint with Oasis last year. The band took their time and did the songs right. There was no rush to get everything in.

Along with their hits, which include “Sing” and “Why Does It Always Rain On Me?,” the band threw in more obscure tracks. “We’re now going to do one of our infamous cover songs,” said bassist Dougie Payne before the band went into an amazing version of “All the Young Dudes.”

Most bands take their shows so seriously. This is rock and roll and there should be some element of fun. Travis were full of good humor and it made for a rather relaxing concert atmosphere. From singer Fran Healy’s speech about celebrities and toilets (and Payne’s faces afterward), to the sheer goofing off on stage, the band seemed as if they were having a genuine good time. The show was well worth the money and well worth standing in the cold Ann Arbor rain waiting to get into the venue, a must see all the way.