American rock band The Fray is spending this spring touring with select dates across North America for The Fray Is Back Tour ahead of their major international tour celebrating the 20th anniversary of “How To Save A Life.” The National in Richmond, Virginia  was lucky enough to be one of the few coveted venues to host the band. Longtime listeners of all ages crammed into the venue for the sold out show on Friday April 25, 2025. 

Over the years there have been changes to the band’s lineup, but their heart and soul still remain as the band continues to perform with the same passion and enthusiasm they have always had. The night commemorated 20 years of music spanning the bands’ memorable discography with hit after hit, including “Over My Head (Cable Car),” “Never Say Never,” and “You Found Me,” all of which could be considered cult classics among diehard fans. Among the greatest hits, new music from their latest EP as well as lesser known songs were also incorporated into their set, curating a show for superfans and casual listeners alike. 

The crowd could be heard through the entire evening, singing along and cheering to every song that was played. One notable moment from the show was when lifelong member and newly appointed lead singer (as of 2022), Joe King, jumped off stage and walked through the audience while singing “Hurricane.” For the concertgoers in the general admission pit, it was quite an unexpected treat as he made his way through the packed theater, posing to take selfies with fans and give high fives and fist bumps. Another memorable moment was The Fray’s flawless execution of “Over My Head (Cable Car).” As soon as the opening notes of the song rang out of the speakers from Joe’s acoustic guitar, the floor started to shake as excited fans jumped up and down and pulled out their phones to record the popular song. Not a single song was played all evening where Joe wasn’t moving and dancing along, which kept the energy alive. 

The band closed out the night with a song written in Joe’s parents’ basement, which happens to be their number one streamed song on Spotify and the song that put them on the map at the time of its’ release back in 2005, “How To Save A Life.” Before the moving performance, Joe acknowledged “what an honor it [was] to play the song [for the audience].” He then proceeded to sing the song with raw, unfiltered talent, leaving the audience filled with gratification and nostalgia. 

The How To Save A Life: The 20th Anniversary Tour begins in late July in North America and will run all the way to December ending in Australia.