I don’t like arena concerts. They bring back cringe inducing memories of a boy band obsessed past packed with screaming pre-pubescent girls, flashing disposable cameras, and less than talented pretty boys. Even today they come complete with over-abundant security guards (at the ready to separate you from your camera), teenyboppers with parents who think they’re cool, and over-the-top theatrics.
Still, the idea of seeing The Fray kick off their summer tour was enough to propel me to Minneapolis’s Target Center. And, perched on a seat in section 133, my arena concert generalization was proven at least somewhat wrong.

Mae was the first of two opening bands. While I’m not sure when exactly they gained enough fame to reach arena touring status, they put on a fine show that I’m sure would have been enjoyable from the floor. Alas, I was not on the floor. The combination of not knowing any of their newer songs and being far away led to a rather mediocre experience.

OK Go followed Mae. Yes, the treadmill guys, from the “Here it goes again” video. While we half-hoped they’d drag treadmills out onto the stage with them to entertain us, their solid music along with comical dialogue from their engaging lead singer, Damian Kulash, played out into a good set. At one point, enthralled with the idea of playing in an arena, Kulash commanded “the wave” from the crowd who, of course, complied. It was my first, and quite possibly only, wave experience at a concert. After a solid set and an apology from Kulash for his “potty mouth,” we were left with time (a lot of it, actually) to reflect before The Fray took the stage.

It’s no The Fray are musically talented. Their album, How to Save a Life, is easy and enjoyable to listen to and their songs are the perfect backdrop to television drama. This usually isn’t the perfect set-up for a live show. Nevertheless, they were, in a word, marvelous.

They opened with “She Is,” and smoothly transitioned into a long, superb set. While I often find that arena concerts relatively unfeeling and giving some sort of idol figure to the band, on a pedestal so far away, this show proved different.

The vocals were strong enough to fill the entire arena and, unlike many shows, were not overpowered and drowned out by instrumentals. But it was more than just being able to play the songs better live, they created an atmosphere.

First, they messed up on the beginning of “How to save a life.” But it wasn’t a fatal error. If anything, the mistaken keys and loudly muttered “crap” brought the band down off their pedestal on the distant stage. It brought them closer to their audience. And when they finally played the song that many would say propelled them to fame, it was great.

Those of us at the Minneapolis show also had an experience other show goers will only get to hear about. June 11th, as it turns out, was not only the first show on The Fray’s summer tour, but it was also their bassist’s birthday. They brought Dan, the bassist, out to the middle of the stage on the premise that they were going to sing him a serious song for his birthday. Instead, they opted for Shakira’s “Hips Don’t Lie” in true Fray style – acoustic with harmonies.

The audience laughed and the band became the guys you’d like to be friends with – yea, they’re talented musicians, but they were also the guys you’d want to hang out with on a Friday night, the guys who will sing you a Shakira song for you birthday in front of thousands of people.

So what’s the verdict on this arena concert? Fantastic. Maybe it’s the post-show adrenaline talking, but probably not. The Fray put on a great live show, above and beyond their hype. When you hear thousands of voices all singing the words to the same song, you can’t help but feel like a part of something important… or at least something big. And arena concerts are big.