News Summary
The Fray performed at GLC Live in Grand Rapids, drawing a crowd of around 2,000 fans. After a decade-long break, the band showcased new music and classic hits, including ‘How to Save a Life.’ Their set featured 15 songs, engaging fans with an energetic performance that blended nostalgia with fresh material. The evening was marked by lead singer Joe King’s interactions with fans and impressive visuals, culminating in a powerful encore that left the audience buzzing.
Grand Rapids, Michigan experienced a memorable evening on Friday, as The Fray took the stage at GLC Live at 20 Monroe, captivating an audience of approximately 2,000 attendees. This concert marked the band’s return to live music after a decade-long hiatus and showcased both new material and classic hits, reclaiming their space in the music scene.
The concert commenced with the energetic track “Angeleno Moon” from their newly released EP titled The Fray is Back. The 90-minute performance was a blend of fresh tunes and beloved classics, indicative of the band’s evolving musical journey since the release of their debut album over 20 years ago.
Throughout the evening, the band delivered an impressive set list featuring 15 songs, which included five tracks from their debut album. The crowd was particularly engaged during performances of popular hits like “Over My Head (Cable Car)” and “You Found Me,” the latter enriched with visuals of cityscapes displayed on a large screen behind the band.
Lead singer Joe King maintained an active presence on stage, frequently interacting with fans and encouraging participation. Notably, he entertained the crowd by using a fan’s cellphone to film moments with fellow band members. The night was further visually enhanced during the performance of “Hurricane,” where stormy cloud visuals complemented the music, creating an immersive experience for the audience.
As the performance progressed, King shared that “Look After You” is regarded as the only true love song the band has written, resulting in fans enthusiastically singing along. This connection highlighted the emotional resonance of their music and the loyalty of their fan base.
The concert concluded with a powerful encore, featuring a mix of new and classic tracks. The finale included a performance of “Crowded Room,” taken from their new material, followed by their iconic song “How to Save a Life” and a cover of Simple Minds’ “Don’t You (Forget About Me).” This ending left the audience buzzing and fully engaged until the final note.
The current lineup of The Fray consists of Joe King (vocals, guitar), Ben Wysocki (drums), David Walsh (guitar), along with tour support musicians Dane Poppin (bassist) and Kai Welch (multi-instrumentalist). The band’s return with new music demonstrates a refreshing commitment to their craft while presenting an opportunity to reconnect with fans who have followed their journey since the early days of their career.
Prior to The Fray’s performance, the acoustic trio Very Gently opened the show, performing songs from their EP “Fame.” Their presence set a warm and inviting tone for the night, preparing the audience for the energy that The Fray would bring to the stage.
The Fray’s concert at GLC Live at 20 Monroe not only highlighted their new music but also illustrated the enduring appeal of their classic songs. With a balance of nostalgia and innovation, the band effectively captured the essence of their artistic evolution, fostering an exhilarating atmosphere that resonated with both long-time fans and new listeners alike.
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HERE Resources
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Additional Resources
- Local Spins: The Fray Delivers Heartfelt Messages
- Google Search: The Fray concert Grand Rapids
- MLive: Billy Strings Homecoming
- Wikipedia: The Fray
- That Eric Alper: The Fray Announces Global Tour
- Encyclopedia Britannica: The Fray
