With their drummer’s future in doubt – medical opinion was that Primrose would probably not walk again, much less play drums – Travis decided to take a break. According to the remaining three members, “there were no ‘ifs’ or ‘buts’ about it – no Neil, no Travis.”

Well, Primrose did in fact make a recovery and three weeks from the accident, was behind the kit. While he was on the mend, the entire band took six months off. It was their first break since 1999.

“We hadn’t anticipated the success of The Man Who and by the time of The Invisible Band, little cracks were beginning to appear,” lead singer Fran Healy said. “Suddenly, we weren’t this little band in Glasgow anymore. We desperately needed to take a step back and reevaluate.

“Neil’s accident was devastating and almost the end of Travis. This band would not exist without one of the four members. Neil’s recovery was amazing and we were all given another chance.”

That second chance resulted in a revamped Travis. The band headed to the West Coast of Scotland to record their fourth album, 12 Memories. The disc will be released mid-October and finds the band taking a more serious course in their lyrics, including addressing domestic abuse.

With a new record coming out, it’s the perfect time to hit the road again. Travis have announced a North American tour for October. Starting things off with a one-two in New York City on the 21st, the band has eight shows on the books right now. European and U.K. dates are expected to be announced soon.