The Fray “20th Anniversary Of How To Save A Life” At The Rooftop At Pier 17 In New York City – August 5, 2025

On Tuesday, August 5, The Fray took the stage at the Rooftop at Pier 17 to celebrate the 20th anniversary of their iconic album “How to Save a Life.” I fondly recall the first time I heard “Over My Head,” the track that truly launched their career. During my long, aimless drives in the Philippines, I would often sing along that song over and over. Shortly thereafter, “How to Save a Life” was released—its success remains unmatched, and to this day, I love playing it on my guitar. And then last Tuesday night experiencing their live performance was surreal; photographing them in front of a crowd of 3,500 New Yorkers was a memorable opportunity. The venue enjoyed yet another sold-out evening.

Now, regarding the concert—I must admit, it exceeded all my expectations. Although Isaac Slade was not at the helm, Joe King delivered a stellar performance. He flawlessly executed the lyrics, maintaining a strong vocal presence throughout the show, with only a minor crack in his voice towards the very end, which was hardly noticeable. Considering the relentless touring schedule and singing for large audiences night after night, his performance was commendable. As someone who appreciates The Fray’s music without being a die-hard fan, I found it challenging to distinguish between the singers, and Joe’s vocals impressed me greatly.

It appears Joe has grown more comfortable as the lead, or perhaps their setlist aligns better with his vocal range. His voice seemed revitalized for live performances, indicating significant improvement since the beginning of the tour. For those still clinging to disappointment over Isaac’s absence, it’s time to move on and appreciate the present. I assure you, if the performance had been subpar, I would have said so. It’s essential that we support the band rather than lamenting their past on social media.

The concert was fantastic; Joe surpassed my expectations, and I couldn’t be happier to see The Fray back in action. They truly delivered an outstanding performance. If you have the chance to see them live, don’t hesitate—you’re in for an unforgettable experience.

Setlist: She is, All at Once, Look After You w/ Landon Barker, Fall Away, Little House, Dead Wrong, Trust Me, Heaven Forbid, Hundred, Vienna, Over My Head (Cable Car), How to Save a Life, My Heart’s a Crowded Room, Heartbeat, Dreams (The Cranberries Cover), You Found Me.  

Encore: Never Say Never, I Saw The Light (Hank Williams cover w/ The Strikes)