“This was the first CD I ever owned!” one concertgoer gushed with wide-eyed excitement as The Fray delivered a set steeped in nostalgia at The Wiltern.
On the first of two nights in Los Angeles on their “How to Save a Life: The 20th Anniversary Tour,” from the first shimmering chords of “She Is” to the triumphant encore, the Denver band reminded fans why their songs have soundtracked so many pivotal moments over the last two decades. Celebrating their greatest hits and guiding the crowd through a carefully curated musical journey, this performance felt like a heartfelt gift to the fans who have supported them since their beginnings in 2002.
Even as a casual listener over the years, it wasn’t until I stood in the crowd that I truly understood the depth of The Fray’s catalog of iconic songs. Each song felt instantly recognizable yet somehow fresh, from the soaring choruses of “Over My Head (Cable Car)” to the hauntingly tender notes of “Fall Away” to personal favorite “You Found Me,” all of which had the sold out crowd—myself included—belting along as if the songs had never left us.
Singing the first bellowing notes of “Look After You,” lead singer Isaac Slade paused to invite special guest and opening act Landon Barker to the stage. Son of Blink-182 drummer Travis Barker, it was clear Landon was no stranger to the spotlight as he strode back and forth, matching Slade’s unwavering emotion. Garnering hundreds of millions of views on TikTok for lip syncing to The Fray’s iconic tracks, this was a full-circle moment that allowed the 20-year-old song to bridge generations, connecting the band’s longtime fans with a younger audience in a shared celebration of music.
“It’s such an honor to be here, LA!” Slade addressed the crowd between songs, pausing to soak in the sea of cheering fans. Having openly shared his struggles with mental health and his past hiatus, it was clear this night was an honor for everyone—himself, the band, and the fans alike—offering a moment to pay tribute to the resilience and connection that has kept them together. A nod to this connection across decades, a single glowing light bulb hung on stage, recalling the imagery of their first album cover.
For those of us who grew up with The Fray, Saturday night wasn’t just a concert, but rather a nostalgia-fueled sing-along therapy session. And, for the newcomers, consider this an introduction to the enduring power of The Fray’s storytelling, a glimpse into why their music will continue to resonate for generations to come.
With their American tour running through September and European dates following, catching The Fray live is a must for anyone looking to relive—or discover—the magic of their timeless hits.
