Blog | Music: Mixed Media Online

The last time The Fray performed at Jones Beach, on June 25th, 2009 was the day Michael Jackson died. The news of Jackson’s death began circulating during the opening acts and was confirmed by the time the group took the stage. No such earth-shattering music news accompanied The Fray’s concert this time.

While it might seem odd to find The Fray on a co-headlining tour with Kelly Clarkson, the group met with an enthusiastic response when it hit the stage. The group’s concerts are like its albums: no songs are included merely as filler. The group continues to artfully blend powerful American guitar rock with melodic, piano-based songs. Of course, the group is led by its impassioned lead singer Isaac Slade. The group does boast another fine singer and songwriter in his own right, Joe King. King really shined on one of the highlights of the show “Ungodly Hour.”

Isaac Slade brought up the recent shootings in Aurora, Colorado. The group is from Denver and was back at home at the time. Slade voiced his horror and disbelief and asked the crowd to stand. He dedicated the songs “Happiness” and “Be Still” to those who died and their families and friends.

Later in the show, Slade performed a snippet of the Temptations’ “Ain’t Too Proud to Beg” before launching into one of its biggest hits, “How to Save a Life.”

The Fray continues to grow stronger with each album and is great live. It must be considered one of the best American groups on the scene today.