Concert Review: The Fray

It was a beautiful Saturday night for Clevelanders to head over to the Agora and welcome alternative rock favorites, The Fray, back to the stage. This particular tour was a celebration, the 20th anniversary of their now-classic album, ‘How to Save a Life (2005)’, an album that still hits just as hard as it did two decades ago.

The ballroom was packed with fans of all ages, from teenagers experiencing the emotional toils of adolescence to grown adults who probably first heard the sweet sounds of “Over My Head (Cable Car)” on their MP3 players or a burned CD. Nearly everyone in the crowd was rocking some sort of Fray merch, from the fresh printed tour tees and hats to proudly worn-down vintage shirts. 

The Fray absolutely delivered for them. They put on one hell of a show, with the crowd singing every word like it was still 2005. Their songs, especially those from the ‘How to Save a Life’ album, have lived rent-free in the hearts of many, largely thanks to the many features in 2000s pop culture (i.e., the unofficial anthem of hit show, ‘Grey’s Anatomy’).

The night kicked off with “She Is”, the emotional opening track from the album, and the audience immediately erupted in applause. Frontman Joe King— a founding member of the band who took the lead after Isaac Slade stepped down in 2022—channeled the crowd’s energy and gave it right back, tenfold. He was backed up by lead guitarist Dave Welch, drummer Ben Wysocki, keyboardist Kai Welch, and bassist Dane Poppin. During “Little House”, King grabbed a spotlight and swung it across the crowd as the stage lights dimmed, allowing individual fans their little moments of fame. Many waved peace signs or stood cheering, holding on to what will undoubtedly be docked from their “15 minutes” and hoping their love and support reached the band. 

This tour differs from most album anniversary celebratory tours. Missing lead vocalist aside (King’s voice is distinctly different from Slade’s), The Fray chose not to play the album’s songs in sequential order. Not bad. Just notable. Perhaps they would reorder the songs if they could do it all over again. Perhaps they feel that the live show flows better with a reordered tracklist….Heck, who cares? They have their reasons, and it worked!

Then came the moment everyone was waiting for, and to hold on to the energy in the room right before launching into their hit single “How to Save a Life,” the stage was transformed. What started as a fairly minimal setup with some round platforms and the signature orange light bulb dangling in the back became a vibrant scene, echoing the brightness of the updated album art. Flowers adorned the back wall that dripped into cascades of brilliantly multi-colored petals. Bursts of confetti littered the floor, and new floral arrangements popped up at the end of the platforms. It gave off part nostalgia, part celebration, and all heart from the band to the crowd.

And when it seemed as if the crowd couldn’t get any more hyped, the band surprised everyone by playing their newest track, “My Heart Is a Crowded Room” (2025). King hopped off the stage and into the pit, joining fans as if it were a small hometown show.

They closed the main set off with “You Found Me”, and fans could feel the collective emotion in the ballroom—everyone singing with their arms raised high, reminding the band that to Cleveland, The Fray is anything but a passing phase.

And of course, the night didn’t end there. After a deafening encore chant from the crowd, the band returned for a three song-encore. For the grand finale, they invited one of their openers, The Strike, back onstage to join them in a cover of Hank Williams’ 1948 classic, “I Saw the Light”. It was a heartfelt moment, having an old anthem close out a night that was filled with deep memories and new beginnings. The Fray came to remind us how to save a life, but left knowing Cleveland already knew every word by heart.