Introduction
Formed in 2002 by Colorado based school friends Isaac Slade and Joe King, The Fray released debut album “How To Save A Life” three years later which has since gone quadruple platinum! This particular Manchester concert review is from the Manchester show which celebrated 20 years of that very album. The band have released for studio albums in total as well as a couple of live albums and compilations.
After a brief hiatus the band have returned with King now on lead vocals after Slade decided to step away from live performances. King though is a more than capable frontman having previously sang lead vocals on a number of the bands hits. Musically the bands music can be described as pop-rock as well as a good number of ballads thrown in there too.
Getting To Albert Hall Manchester – Travel Experience
After a two hour drive we took the Manchester tram service into the centre, which as always is a quick, cheap and pleasant experience. With the closest tram stop being just four minutes walk away from the venue this is a really great option.
Even with our Christmas market distraction (featuring apple crumble!) we were only eleven minutes away which felt close enough to the venue to not worry about missing the start. We were at the venue thirty minutes prior to doors opening and were in the queue watching with surprise at just how many people were walking past us to join the end. It was going to be a busy one!
Albert Hall Manchester Review – Atmosphere, Acoustics, And Layout
The gigs venue was the absolutely gorgeous grade II listed building that is the Albert Hall. Where we decided to situate ourselves was the middle of the upper section right at the back. This part of the building used to be a chapel and had been specially renovated to turn it into a seating area for concerts.
This ended up being pretty ironic as the show felt like a religious experience! With stained glass and an amazing ceiling this place really is a sight to behold. It also has the best acoustics of any gig I have ever attended. That being said the walk down five lots of stair and back up again on a toilet visit was a little bit like the walk from The Shire to Mordor.
Anna B Savage – Support Act Review
I have never known a singer get four songs into their set before introducing themselves! The sheer number of people coming in during those early tracks didn’t help her capture the rooms attention. That being said I think she was great.
My wife mentioned she was reminded of Joni Mitchell as that felt like a good comparison. With a really high then low voice range all of it being used alongside her acoustic guitar. We were left a bit perplexed by whatever she was doing while the final song was going off but being possessed does not apparently mean that you can’t sound great.
The Fray Live Review – Setlist, Performance, and Highlights
The room having now completely filled in due to the sell out it felt like there were many more there than I had anticipated. While we got there for opening many had decided attempting to arrive five minutes before the headliner to get a seat. Mistakes had been made.
Focusing on the point of the gig though we were treated to the debut album in full although rather unexpectedly not in running order. This confused my brain that had become accustomed to the recorded so I was shocked every time a different song was being played. The band did a great job of being both true to the original recordings while also adding little live spins on each song that both wowed and entertained in equal measure.
During the first section of the show many people remained seated, sang along and listened to the music with great intensity. Much like one would do listening to a church sermon. With the albums songs flowing between beautiful heatfelt ballads to piano driven pop rock numbers there was something for everyone. Finishing out the album was both the title track and “Over My Head (Cable Car)”. Arguably two of the bands biggest songs.
It was this moment that will be solidified in my memory forever. The setting was apt for what I can only describe as a true religious like experience, the crowd rose to their feet. They all sang (including myself). The room had transformed into a choir! Over two thousand voices in tandem, I had goosebumps at the time and I still do now thinking back to it. Wow.
Between a splashing of new songs including “I’d Rather Not Sing” which is being released 21st November was a Cranberries cover song and a single each from albums “Helios” & “Scars & Stories”. As the night began to set in I was thrilled the band had chosen to include both “You Found Me” and “Never Say Never” on the setlist as the self titled album from 2009 is also tremendous! Over all this is a gig I will look back on fondly for quite some time. Changed by it forever.
The Fray 20th Anniversary Setlist – Songs Played in Manchester
Here is the full setlist from The Fray’s 20th anniversary live concert in Manchester, featuring all songs from How To Save A Life alongside fan favorites and new material.
- She Is
- All At Once
- Look After You
- Fall Away
- Little House
- Dead Wrong
- Trust Me
- Heaven Forbid
- Vienna
- Over My Head (Cable Car)
- How To Save A Life
- My Heart’s A Crowded Room
- Hurricane
- Heartbeat
- Dreams
- You Found Me
- Songs I’d Rather Not Sing
- Never Say Never
Conclusion – The Fray Manchester 20th Anniversary Live Review
The 20th anniversary Manchester show was a truly unforgettable experience for fans of The Fray. From the full live performance of How To Save A Life to fan-favorite hits like Over My Head (Cable Car), You Found Me, and Never Say Never, the concert captured the emotional heart of the band’s music. Joe King’s confident lead vocals, combined with the historic Albert Hall’s stunning acoustics, made this The Fray Manchester live concert a night to remember. With a mix of heartfelt ballads, piano-driven pop-rock, and new material, this 20th anniversary performance review highlights why The Fray’s music continues to resonate with audiences two decades on. If you enjoyed this review leave us a comment and take a look at our other concert reviews.
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