Newport Music Hall | Columbus, OH | October 3, 2024
The Fray is BACK!! After years away from touring, The Fray made a powerful return to the stage, delivering an unforgettable night at Newport Music Hall in Columbus, OH, on October 3, 2024. The anticipation in the crowd was palpable as fans packed the venue to celebrate the band’s comeback tour and their newly released EP, The Fray Is Back. From the moment the lights dimmed and the band took the stage, it was clear: Columbus was beyond thrilled to have The Fray back.
The night kicked off with opener Rett Madison, whose soulful, emotional performance set the perfect tone for the evening. Her unique blend of power and vulnerability captivated the audience, especially during songs that touched on personal themes, like her relationship with her mom. Backed by her drummer and guitarist, Rett showcased her incredible vocal control, holding long, impressive notes with a raspy warmth that felt like a comforting hug. She later met with fans at the merch table, further endearing her to the crowd through a personal connection.
As for The Fray, their return to the stage was nothing short of electrifying. The energy in the room was off the charts from the very first note of Angeleno Moon, off their new EP. The band was clearly overjoyed to be back, and the gratitude from lead singer Isaac Slade was evident as he repeatedly thanked fans for sticking with them over the years.
The crowd erupted with excitement as The Fray treated them to a mix of nostalgic hits. Classic songs like How to Save a Life and Over My Head (Cable Car) had fans singing every word. Ungodly Hour was met with phone flashlights swaying in unison, creating a magical atmosphere that sent chills through the venue.
One of the night's standout moments came during Hurricane, when King ventured into the crowd, singing among the fans, creating an unforgettable connection. The Fray's cover of Selena Gomez’s Lose You to Love Me was an unexpected but beautiful surprise, with the entire venue singing along to the chorus—a moment that felt truly special and heartfelt.
Columbus fans turned out in full force, filling Newport Music Hall with one of its most crowded capacities in my recent memory. Clearly, this city has missed The Fray just as much as the band missed touring. The mutual excitement created an infectious energy that carried through the entire performance, making this one of the most unforgettable shows of the year.
The Fray’s return to touring marks a new chapter for the band, and based on their Columbus performance, they’re ready to take the world by storm once again. Their new EP, The Fray Is Back, is available now on all major streaming platforms, and fans won’t want to miss the chance to see them live as they continue their tour across the U.S. and beyond. For all upcoming tour dates, check out https://thefray.com/.