Concert Review: The Fray

The Fray @ Time Warner Cable Amphitheater

I knew about The Fray's summer tour for a while and wanted to attend very much since I hadn't seen them for two years. I have to admit though, when I heard Jack's Mannequin was one of the openers, I was a tad nervous. I've been feeling really dizzy in public places as of late, I'm pretty sure my crowd phobia is escalating into a anxiety disorder, and I know how bitchy Fray fans are and pushy Jack's fans can be---so I wasn't sure if I should go to this or not. Also, money is tight, even more so now that my roommate left me, so paying over $50 for a ticket wasn't looking to hot. I was flipping channels on the radio and heard an ad on 106.5 to win Fray tickets on their website. I thought, 'what the heck' and did it that night. The beauty of it was you could enter your name as many times as you wanted. I checked back on Monday and discovered that I was one of the winners. I asked my friend, Danielle, who saw them with me the first time 30 rows back. She had to work until five, but would meet me afterwards.

My mom dropped me off at the amphitheater around 3pm, and there were a group of people already in line. I figured there would be. I had to wait for my tickets, since the box office said the station hadn't dropped them off yet. I mostly just sat and waited, ate some food, drank some water, eventually picked up my tickets. The gate opened about 5:30. I was happy to hear that they were allowing cameras because the last time I saw The Fray there, they weren't allowed and I had to give the staff my batteries...grrrr. I rushed to the stage---safely rushed, of course---and got front row towards the left. I was happy to have open space in front of me and something to hold onto so people couldn't cut in front (which fray fans are notorious for) and in case there was a lot of pushing. Danielle was having some trouble finding the place. She finally arrived right before the first opener came on, and I was able to save her a spot.

Richard Swift came on at 7 and played for half an hour. He was pretty good. Nothing too memorable, but not bad.

Jack's Mannequin came on about 8. I would say half the crowd was there to see them. They are always wonderful to watch and listened to--great energy and sound. I've never seen them from front row, so this was a treat. And the fans weren't pushy! yay! They played for a good hour.

The set up for The Fray was relatively quick. They were set by 9:15, but of course we can't just go when we're ready (one of the main annoyances about concerts I don't understand). After waiting what felt like an eternity, they came out at 9:30.

They played (not all in the right order):

Intro of Happiness

Over My Head

She Is

Absolute

Say When (my fav off the new album)

How To Save A Life

UnGodly Hour

Enough For Now

Little House (amazing live omg)

Syndicate

We Build Then We Break

Look After You

Never Say Never

You Found Me

E:

Heaven Forbid (joe alone)

Heartless (amazing cover)

All At Once

Happiness

For half the show, Isaac just sang without playing the piano. I thought this was very cool, and he could come to the edge of the stage and sing out to the audience. It was crazy to be that close. The lighting was phenomenal. They always have very creative lights and sound. It was really a great show, and for free? Even better. Afterwards, we went to get something to eat. The only thing open was IHOP, so we got some grub and headed home. Great show, and I'm glad I got to go.