For longtime fans of The Fray, the chance to see them live again promised an evening of anthemic sing-alongs and cherished memories. But as the lights dimmed for the opening act, Rett Madison, many found themselves swept into an unexpected journey, captivated by the haunting power of her storytelling and the seamless energy of her band – the smoothly magnetic Genna Projansky on bass and steady rock-solid drummer Darla Hawn.

Madison’s set was nothing short of magical. When she began her song “One for Jackie, One for Crystal,” it felt as though the whole venue took a collective breath. Reminiscent of the introspective, deeply personal songwriting of the Laurel Canyon era fused with some old school poetic country violence, Madison’s lyrics transported the audience into her world. Before launching into the song, she shared its inspiration: witnessing struggles with abuse within her own family, which brought an emotional weight that left the crowd silent, hanging on every word. Her delivery, equal parts delicate and powerful, was elevated by Projansky’s polished, resonant bass lines that added depth and a calm, almost grounding energy to Madison’s haunting melodies. It was the kind of performance that turned curious onlookers into instant fans.

Then, The Fray took the stage, and the night turned electric. Opening with a new track, “Angeleno Moon,” the band eased the crowd into a mellow, feel-good groove—perfectly suited for a coastal drive under a bright sun (although the lyrics felt a little darker). But the tone quickly shifted to something familiar and powerful as they moved into one of their greatest hits, “Over My Head.” The energy in the room transformed; everyone was singing in unison, a united voice remembering why they fell in love with The Fray’s music in the first place. It was a moment of shared nostalgia, a reminder of just how many lives these songs had touched.

Throughout the set, Joe King, now stepping in as lead vocalist, delivered a stellar performance that reassured fans The Fray’s essence hadn’t been lost. Despite the original singer’s absence, King’s voice was more than up to the task, bringing his own warmth and authenticity that the audience fully embraced. It didn’t matter if it was a lineup shift; the energy and camaraderie on stage were undeniable.

The main set closed with “You Found Me,” where the crowd belted out the final refrain, creating a beautiful moment of harmony that echoed through the venue. But the encore was the true emotional peak. As the familiar piano part of “How to Save a Life” filled the air, fans were instantly transported back to 2005. It was a powerful, nostalgic closer that left the audience feeling both grounded in the past and thrilled to be experiencing this journey together in the present.

This concert was more than just a night of music; it was a reminder of the timelessness of great songwriting and the unique magic of a band fully in sync. Fans may have arrived for The Fray, but many left with a new favorite in Rett Madison, whose set—and band—proved to be an unforgettable highlight of the night.

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Review & Photos by: Jason Pitts