Colorado Band The Fray Returns to Celebrate New Songs and 20th Anniversary of Debut Album in Grand Rapids
The band, known for their quadruple-platinum hit “How to Save a Life” in 2005, will be performing at GLC Live at 20 Monroe in Grand Rapids this Friday. David Welsh, the lead guitarist, shared in an interview with Local Spins what fans can expect from their upcoming show.
Preparing for their summer tour, Welsh mentioned that they have been rehearsing some of their old songs along with new material. He expressed excitement about the hybrid experience that fans can anticipate, blending classic hits with fresh tracks. This year marks the 20th anniversary of their debut album, “How to Save A Life,” home to their iconic title track. The song, with its emotional narrative and powerful chorus, gained popularity after being featured on “Grey’s Anatomy” and receiving a Grammy Award nomination. The music video on YouTube has amassed an impressive 333 million views.
Welsh reflected on the impact of “How to Save a Life,” stating that it continues to resonate with fans on a personal level, often sparking stories about its significance in their lives. He likened the song to a perennial flower that remains constant amidst changing circumstances. Another fan-favorite from their debut album, “Over My Head (Cable Car),” is also set to be part of their concert lineup.
The band’s last major tour was in 2016, after which they decided to take a hiatus that was extended due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the departure of co-founder Isaac Slade in 2022, the remaining members regrouped and questioned if they were ready to move on from The Fray. They discovered that they still had more music to share and released a six-song EP titled “The Fray is Back,” with Joe King taking on lead vocals.
Welsh described the band’s return as a gradual process, allowing them to reconnect with their audience through new music and live performances. While their latest songs maintain the band’s signature style, Welsh emphasized the importance of writing material authentically without overthinking it. He noted a growing interest from younger fans, acknowledging the evolving digital landscape’s influence on music discovery.
As The Fray continues to write and experiment with new sounds, Welsh highlighted the changing dynamics of the music industry compared to their early days. Despite these shifts, the band remains committed to engaging with both longtime supporters and new audiences. Welsh expressed optimism about building meaningful connections through their music and live shows, fostering an ongoing dialogue with listeners.
The article concludes with details about The Fray’s upcoming show in Grand Rapids, featuring special guest Very Gently and general admission tickets available online. It also includes a link to watch the band’s music videos, inviting readers to immerse themselves in The Fray’s captivating sound.