That Buzzing Sound: Showcase: The Fray & Kelly Clarkson @ The Hollywood Bowl (07/30/12)

My return showcase to mark our first night out of the summer, #afterthebreak

104.3 MYfm’s My Big Night Out 2 featuring The Fray, Kelly Clarkson, Jason Farol, and John Legend

(re-edited: 11/11/23)

Highlights:

I wanted July to end on a high note. All month long I had been in a transitional phase. Spent a few weeks lost on a beach of fireworks right before work life evolved. The change took so much energy out of me. Going from a un-challenging position to one that broke my limits made me feel accomplish & a bit mad. You’ve read all my daily rants. ‘Mad’ makes sense. It required a 100% of my focus as I put my ‘Guerrilla Nights’ on hold till it felt right. Then something strange happened– remembered my promise to you dear reader. One showcase a month. And like a caped crusader, I too had to ‘rise’ once more–

[cheesy line, huh? Can’t believe I just wrote that.]

Choosing who would end July was by far the hardest decision I had to make since I choose to leave my old gig. It was between Neon Trees, Big K.R.I.T., or Kelly Clarkson & The Fray. Pretty sweet cast for a Monday night. All worthy of the pricey last minute Stub hub fees. So why Kelly & The Fray? Because they are two acts that I personally love. The Fray’s music changed my life back in 2006 and always was a fan of Kelly since I saw her on American Idol. There was really no competition.

The event was being sponsored by Los Angeles’ 104.3 MyFm which features similar indie/sugar pop tracks of the 80s-90s-today. It’s a station my sister/gfs frequent whenever we ride together because it has everything that they love and I don’t seem to mind a sugar rush. Last year’s card of Maroon 5, Train, & Gavin DeGraw would’ve been more my cup of tea. Just sayin’. Knew not to underestimate that Taurus, Kelly Clarkson. She’ll always put on the best show.

Forgive the rust on this post. Been awhile since I’ve done this. Not going to rant about everything. Got to our seats right after Carolina Liar stepped off. Normally miss the pre-opener whenever I visit the bowl. Traffic is just too harsh even 30 minutes before showtime. Streets are flooded with gathers, vendors, and scalpers that makes every walk in a brutally slow experience. Still one of the iconic venues of Hollywood. Despite my harsh feelings towards it– you need to see a show here at least once in your lifetime. History is in every step.

Guard: “Sir, you need to stop recording.”
Me: (quizzical look on my face) “But I’m not recording.”

Halfway through Kelly’s showcase I was asked to put away my ‘Guerrilla’ camera. Only second time ever. How I was asked is the conversation above. Makes no sense to me. There is a BIG difference between recording and picture taking in concert terminology. If picture taking is not allowed, then why not ban cameras entirely? Rather simple idea. The bowl security guard had an eye on me from the moment I sat down in my garden box seat. Knew at that moment the night probably wouldn’t end well because Taurus’, especially musically gifted Taurus’, are very– very sensitive with their representation of their craft. Here’s an example: back in the Bored 4 Music days– my two worst censors were Team Kelly Clarkson & Team Darren Hayes. Two gifted musicians, two Tauruses. So it made sense that her team shut me down. Maybe I went too far with my rapid fire? Or they wanted to keep the exclusive rights for all the surprise appearances for themselves. Just doesn’t make sense to me.

The Fray’s camp didn’t care. In fact, they relished in every second of their performance before the camera equipped crowd. Isaac told us it was his dream to perform at the Hollywood Bowl. Bonus for it being in front of a sold out, electric crowd. Their set list featured just about every popular radio friendly Fray track — You Found Me, How To Save A Life, Look After You, Over My Head, etc. Almost all bowl performances turn out to be ‘greatest hits’ shows because by the time most artists arrive they are established veterans with a catalog of hits at their disposal. This was the definition of The Fray’s showcase. Nothing really new. Just the hits as Isaac tried his best to remain seated on stage.

Isaac ‘unchained’ were the most enjoyable parts of the evening. Kelly did go up and perform in the middle of the crowd at one point, but Isaac seemed so comfortable mobbed by the masses that it made this giant venue feel imitate. I’m sure if he had his way he would’ve walked up all the way to tippy top of the bowl, had his piano airlifted up, and sang to that hardcore Fray fan who traveled far to see him perform their favorite song just once. Now that’s a concert experience. He even made mention to their friends that were are about to have a baby who was past it’s ‘deadline’. Isaac said that his music has a tenancy to induce labor. Wonder if they ever did? If so, congratulations!

Watch The Fray perform Summertime into Never Say Never!

Ms. Clarkson came out next with all her ‘duet’ friends. She performed all her hits, but the highlights were her performances with duets’ protegee Jason Farol and fellow judge John Legend. The later went viral. What do you expect? F******** John Legend and Kelly performing a Jason Aldean ballad and a Ray Charles’ classic. Seriously. Every pop-soul fan just shit themselves.

And the cheery on top, Kelly did take on Fun. ‘We Are Young’. Felt like a different song until the chorus then bland. The whole set was calculated and performed at the highest standard. For Ms. Clarkson is all business with one of the most powerful voices of the modern pop age. You will get an amazing show, guarantee.

Wasn’t bitter about the whole camera thing for concerts are less about pictures & videos. They are about an experience. Took a chance and got a bunch of gems below. My favorites are the ones of Isaac with the crowd. On a personal level, I had one of the most enjoyable nights of the years just sitting with my new friend watching an incredible show from a handful of talented artists. If you ever get a chance to see The Fray or Ms. Clarkson live you’ll agree with that above statement.

Last thing I’ll say to The Hollywood Bowl is your spotlight was a bit harsh all night. Made Isaac & Kelly look like a pale ghost. I see the point, really protects the artists from cameras. Bravo.

Thank you to The Fray, Kelly Clarkson, Jason Farol, John Legend, and the Hollywood Bowl for bringing the pop to my july. The pictures below are our gifts to you. Until next time dear reader & again, sorry for typos.

==Picture Selects – The Fray==