Fran Healy from Travis revealed to Absolute Radio how he once confronted Noel Gallagher for using Oasis chords without asking.
While discussing ‘Writing To Reach You’ from the band’s ‘The Man Who’ album, he explained that he got the idea for the chord progression after seeing Oasis perform at T in the Park in 1995. So, the chords of ‘Writing to Reach You’ were from the ‘Wonderwall’ song of Oasis. Healy continued by saying:
“The verse chords are absolutely lifted massively as we do, and as he does! I thought, ‘I’m never going to meet Noel Gallagher in a million years, because I’m on the dole, nothing’s gonna happen. But in the off chance, I should mention a little nod in case he hears it – a little doff of the cap to the originator.’ So I did that, ‘It’s ‘what’s a Wonderwall anyway’ because I’ve nicked your chords, thanks Noel!’”
Then, the singer recalled how his encounter with Gallagher went:
“We ended up like a year and a half later, touring with them [Oasis]. And Noel come up to me after we came offstage and he went ‘nice f*cking chords, mate.’ And I’m like [makes relieved noise], I thought he was gonna hook me.”
It Wasn’t Healy’s Only Memory With Oasis
In 2018, Healy talked about another touring memory with Oasis during a performance at London’s Royal Festival Hall. He reflected on how he once made Liam Gallagher cry while touring with them in the ’90s:
“We supported Oasis on the ‘Be Here Now’ Tour in 1997, and it was like supporting The Rolling Stones they were so big back then. I was walking backstage and Liam Gallagher was sat there in his round shades and he goes, ‘You come here.’ So I went over and he goes, ‘Play me a song.’ I was really nervous and I just picked up my guitar and started playing this next song [‘Luv’]. I couldn’t even look at him I was so nervous. When I finished playing the song I looked up and there were tears streaming down his face.”
In March, Travis released a new song named ‘Gaslight’ and announced their tenth studio album ‘L.A. Times.’ The record will arrive on July 12, 2024. The band’s next show is at Jelling Musikfestival in Denmark on May 24.
You can listen to the full episode below.