Photos and Review by Amanda Lynn
@sincerely_amandalynn

Alt-indie rock icons The Fray delivered a powerful and emotional performance at the historic Fox Theater on August 22, playing to a sold-out crowd as part of their “How to Save a Life 20th Anniversary Tour.” The night was a heartfelt celebration of a record that defined a generation, and for many fans including myself it was a vivid return to the soundtrack of our high school years.

The evening began with opener Landon Barker, who performed with impressive intensity and charm, and whose youthful passion and charisma set the tone for the night. He was followed by The Strike, who delivered a feel-good set packed with immaculate vibes that filled the room. And when the lights came up on The Fray, the room really transformed.

The band took the stage with members Joe King (lead vocals/guitar), Jeremy McCoy (bass), Ben Wysocki (drums), and Kai Welch (piano), launching into their full debut album from start to finish. From the first note, the crowd was fully immersed, singing, dancing, and reliving memories tied to every lyric. The communal energy in the room was electric, especially during “Over My Head (Cable Car),” when the entire theater rose to their feet in unison. The performance transported us all back to simpler times, truly reminding us why this album holds such a special place in our hearts. Landon Barker even came back on stage to join the band for a stirring rendition of “Look After You,” which had the whole crowd erupting with emotion. All the way through the set, The Fray sounded just as crisp and emotionally charged as they did two decades ago. Their live sound was flawlessly true to the original recordings, yet still pulsed with the raw emotion and maturity of seasoned performers.

Visually, the production was both intimate and dynamic. The Fox Theatre was the perfect venue. The show began with moody, single-lit bulbs reminiscent of the band’s debut album cover, gradually evolving into a colorful, floral visual landscape as the set progressed. A standout moment came during “How to Save a Life” when Joe King tossed roses into the audience and walked through the crowd mid-performance, as fans joined him in harmony.

Overall it was a magical evening filled with nostalgia, passion, and a reminder of music’s ability to bring people together, with The Fray proving that their music continues to transcend time.  

Don’t miss your chance to see them as the tour continues across the U.S., Mexico, and Europe this fall– check out www.thefray.com for all the latest news and tour information.