Travis singer Fran Healy has hit out against American security guards who confiscated recording equipment from their fans at a recent gig.

Rather than being concerned with fans illegally taping performances, Healy positively encourages the amateur recordings as they help the band hone their set.

He explains, “From a purely selfish view it helps me. I can go onto the internet and check out a song - at any given time you have 100 amateur cameramen taking a picture of your show from a variety of angles.

"It's a great way of finding out what works and what doesn't. The quality may not be great, but you get the vibe."