The Fray: Did You Know?
10 Fun Facts You Probably Didn’t Know About The Fray
The Fray became a household name with hits like "How to Save a Life" and "Over My Head (Cable Car)," capturing hearts with their emotional lyrics and piano-driven sound. But beyond the music, there’s a lot more to this Denver-based band that might surprise even the biggest fans. From random run-ins with fame to their unexpected hobbies, here are some fun facts and untold stories about The Fray.
1. Their First Album Was a Local Success Before Going National
Before The Fray became known worldwide, they were already rockstars in Denver. Their debut album, How to Save a Life, was a local success, and Denver radio stations started playing their songs long before national stations picked them up. Word of mouth and local fan support helped launch them to national stardom.
2. The Band Got Their Big Break... By Accident
The band’s breakthrough single, “Over My Head (Cable Car),” almost didn’t happen. Lead singer Isaac Slade wrote the song about a falling out with his brother, and it was originally a deeply personal track that wasn’t meant to be released. After some encouragement from friends and bandmates, they put it on their first album, and it became their first hit!
3. They Used to Be a Worship Band
Before they found success as The Fray, members of the band played in Christian worship groups at their local churches. Their background in faith-based music is reflected in the themes of hope, redemption, and spirituality that run through much of their work.
4. "How to Save a Life" Was Inspired by Real-Life Struggles
The band’s most famous song, “How to Save a Life,” was inspired by Isaac Slade’s experience working as a mentor for troubled teens. He met a boy who was struggling with substance abuse, and the song reflects the emotional toll of trying to help someone through personal crises. It’s this raw, emotional honesty that resonated with listeners worldwide.
5. They Have a Connection to Disney
In 2011, The Fray contributed to a Disney compilation album, Almost Alice, which featured songs inspired by Tim Burton’s Alice in Wonderland. Their song “Trust Me” was part of the project, adding a whimsical yet emotional layer to the fantasy soundtrack.
6. Isaac Slade Almost Left the Band Before They Made It Big
Before the band hit it big, Isaac Slade nearly quit. The frustration of being in an unsigned band, juggling day jobs, and dealing with creative differences led him to the brink of leaving. Thankfully, his passion for music won out, and he stayed, leading the band to its breakthrough success just a few years later.
7. Their Album Covers Have Hidden Meanings
The Fray’s album covers often feature hidden messages or abstract art that ties into the theme of the album. For example, their How to Save a Life cover features a pair of hands connected by a string, symbolizing relationships and the thin thread that holds people together. Their visual art choices are always intentional, adding depth to their music.
8. "You Found Me" Was Written in a Time of Crisis
Much like “How to Save a Life,” the song “You Found Me” was written during a deeply emotional time for the band. Slade penned the lyrics after experiencing a period of doubt and frustration, both personally and professionally. The song became an anthem for those going through tough times, reflecting the band’s ability to turn pain into powerful music.
9. They’ve Played at Some Unusual Venues
The Fray has performed in a variety of unexpected places over the years, including small, intimate shows in churches and even on cruise ships. They also played a memorable concert at Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Colorado, a venue that holds special significance for them, as it's close to their hometown of Denver.
10. The Band Members Are Still Close Friends
Despite years of touring, recording, and spending countless hours together, the members of The Fray remain close friends. This tight-knit bond has helped them navigate the ups and downs of the music industry, and they credit their strong friendships for their longevity as a band.
The Fray’s music has always touched on universal themes of love, loss, and hope, but the stories behind the songs and the band members themselves reveal even deeper layers. From their humble beginnings in Denver to their worldwide success, The Fray’s journey is one of resilience, faith, and friendship — all of which continue to inspire their fans today.
The Fray is known for their deeply emotional and introspective lyrics, making it hard to choose just one meaningful line. However, many fans and critics point to this line from their hit song "How to Save a Life" as particularly impactful:
"Where did I go wrong? I lost a friend / Somewhere along in the bitterness."
This line resonates with many listeners because it captures the universal experience of regret and the pain of losing someone, either through conflict, misunderstanding, or circumstances beyond one's control. It speaks to the emotional weight of trying to help someone through difficult times and the feeling of helplessness when things don’t go as hoped. The vulnerability in these words has made them a defining lyric for the band.