The highly anticipated opening night of a sold out tour for The Fray’s “How to Save a Life” 20th Anniversary has arrived! Arriving in Australia to celebrate their timeless debut album which continues to attract new fans – for over 20 years – to their music. It was a career defining album, and not just for them, it came at a time when music consumption was changing, with MP3s and streaming just tipping over the horizon it became a whole new world in how bands and fans interacted.
Tonight, they played their tour titular album, mixing it up along the way. The opening night is always full of tension and excitement and tonight is no exception, as The Fray stepped out to a sold out Metro City in Perth’s Northbridge. From the moment the lights dimmed and the first chords rang out, the crowd was swept into a wave of nostalgia and raw emotion. Celebrating their debut album, the band delivered a setlist that felt like a heartfelt journey through the tracks that defined their early sound.
With all three levels filled to capacity with expectant fans, the electricity built in the room. Blasting off with ‘She Is’, The Fray – playing as a 5-piece, lifted the crowd immediately. ‘All At Once’ and ‘Look After Yourself’ kept the momentum going, with Joe King revelling in the spotlight, adorning a trademark truckers cap. “Hey Perth, its great to be back!” Judging by the eclectic crowd many may not have caught the band on their last visit back in 2012 on their ‘Scars & Stories’ tour, but they sure came out to catch them this time with large sections of the gathered singing along during all the key moments.
‘Fall Away’ and ‘Little House’ continued the journey through the debut album, albeit being refreshingly played out of sequence – and so fitting that they did as it highlighted just how great these collection of songs really are.
Midway through the set, ‘How to Save a Life‘ became the night’s defining moment. As the first notes rang out, the audience fell silent for a beat before singing every word in unison, creating a spine-tingling atmosphere that felt almost sacred. Fans swayed, phones lit up like stars, and the band leaned into the emotion, stretching the outro to let the moment linger.
The Fray also shone a light on some of the crowd favourites from their other studio albums; ‘Heartbeat’ from ‘Scars & Stories’, ‘Never Say Never’ and ‘You Found Me’ from their self-titled release from 2009 – this was a set with something for everyone.
A large part of their appeal, I believe, is where the music and the band came from – basements & bedrooms and after all this time their new music still has that ‘friends in a garage band’ feel. Some will know that TVs Grey’s Anatomy opened the door to a whole new audience for The Fray, but what they’ve done with that is a testament to time – working hard to continue to grow audiences and continually introduce themselves to new fans whilst keeping a hold of those they gathered up along the way.
The Fray didn’t just play music; they told stories, connecting with the audience in a way that felt personal and genuine. It was a night of celebration, not just of an album, but of the enduring bond between artist and fan.
Whilst their tour might be sold out, don’t miss their latest EP ‘The Fray is Back’ which dropped in 2024 after a 10-year hiatus. Support came from former Perth-based alt pop-rockers Joan & The Giants, who now reside in Melbourne.
With thanks to Leanne Menard & TEG(MJR) for the media accreditation.
Photos by Shotweiler Photography.
GALLERY
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