Blue October, the alternative rock band from Houston, Texas, is currently on tour across North America supporting their latest album “This Is What I Live For.” The band is co-headlining this tour with The Fray, another rock group known for hit songs like “How to Save a Life” and “You Found Me.”
Blue October Tour Dates
The Blue October and The Fray co-headlining tour kicked off on September 15, 2022 in Austin, Texas. From there, the bands headed across the southern United States throughout September. In October, the tour continues through the midwest and east coast. Some of the major markets visited include Chicago, Toronto, Boston, New York City, and Philadelphia. The tour is scheduled to wrap up with a final show in Dallas, Texas on November 12, 2022.
Here are the remaining tour dates for Blue October in 2022:
October 13 | New York, NY | Hammerstein Ballroom |
October 14 | Philadelphia, PA | The Met Philadelphia |
October 15 | Washington, DC | The Anthem |
October 17 | Charlotte, NC | Ovens Auditorium |
October 18 | Atlanta, GA | Tabernacle |
October 20 | St. Louis, MO | The Pageant |
October 21 | Indianapolis, IN | Egyptian Room at Old National Centre |
October 22 | Royal Oak, MI | Royal Oak Music Theatre |
October 23 | Cleveland, OH | Agora Theatre |
October 25 | Columbus, OH | KEMBA Live! |
October 26 | Pittsburgh, PA | Stage AE |
October 28 | Mashantucket, CT | Foxwoods Resort Casino |
October 29 | Boston, MA | MGM Music Hall at Fenway |
October 30 | Portland, ME | State Theatre |
November 1 | Detroit, MI | The Fillmore |
November 2 | Indianapolis, IN | Murat Theatre at Old National Centre |
November 4 | Chicago, IL | Rosemont Theatre |
November 5 | Minneapolis, MN | The Armory |
November 7 | Denver, CO | The Mission Ballroom |
November 9 | Magna, UT | The Great SaltAir |
November 11 | Phoenix, AZ | Arizona Financial Theatre |
November 12 | Dallas, TX | The Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory |
About Blue October
Blue October formed in Houston in 1995 and is led by singer-songwriter Justin Furstenfeld. The band is known for emotional alt-rock songs like “Hate Me” and “Into the Ocean.” Some of their most popular albums include History for Sale (2003), Foiled (2006), and Any Man in America (2011).
The group has gone through a few lineup changes over the decades, but Furstenfeld has remained the constant creative force. Joining him currently are guitarist CB Hudson, bassist Matt Noveskey, and drummer Will Knaak.
Blue October has toured consistently since the 1990s. In the past they’ve opened for major acts like Linkin Park and Bon Jovi. They also headlined their own tours through small clubs, theaters, and amphitheaters.
Some highlights from past Blue October tours include shows at Red Rocks Amphitheatre and Radio City Music Hall. Their energetic live performances help them connect with fans on an emotional level.
The Fray
The Fray hails from Denver, Colorado and came onto the scene in the mid-2000s. Their piano-driven singles like “Over My Head (Cable Car)” and “How to Save a Life” helped them break through to the mainstream.
The band consists of singer Isaac Slade, guitarist Joe King, bassist Ben Wysocki, and drummer Dan Battenhouse. Their hit album How to Save a Life was certified double platinum and earned the Fray a Grammy nomination.
The Fray continued releasing albums every few years after their debut. Their catalog includes 2009’s self-titled The Fray, 2012’s Scars & Stories, and 2016’s Through the Years: The Best of the Fray. They went on hiatus for a few years but returned in 2020 with the single “Singing Low.”
On tour, the Fray proves themselves compelling live performers. Their shows tend to feature soaring vocals, sophisticated musicianship, and stripped-down piano ballads. Fans of emotive pop rock are sure to enjoy the headlining sets from both the Fray and Blue October.
Setlists
Since Blue October and the Fray are co-headliners, they have been taking turns performing full headline length sets each night. This allows the bands to play expansive setlists covering their whole discographies.
For Blue October, expect to hear a career-spanning lineup of alt-rock hits. Some fan favorites they’ve been playing on this tour include:
- “Into the Ocean”
- “Hate Me”
- “Fear”
- “Calling You”
- “Say It”
- “I Hope You’re Happy”
- “Home”
They’ll mix deeper cuts in with the radio singles to keep diehard fans excited. Blue October has such an extensive catalog at this point that they have plenty of options.
As for the Fray, their setlists focus on mid-2000s hits along with new material. Some of the songs rotated into their recent shows include:
- “Over My Head (Cable Car)”
- “How to Save a Life”
- “You Found Me”
- “All at Once”
- “Heartbeat”
- “Love Don’t Die”
- “Singing Low”
Audiences can count on singalongs from the Fray’s multi-platinum hits. The band may switch up the setlist night to night, but they’ll surely satisfy fans craving their early radio staples.
Reviews
So far the Blue October and Fray co-headlining tour has earned strong reviews from critics and fans.
A reporter from the Houston Chronicle who attended the Texas tour opener wrote: “Blue October whipped the crowd into a frenzy with hard-rocking favorites spiked with moving ballads, while the Fray countered with their sweeping anthems and emotional piano playing.”
A fan who attended a recent Philadelphia show commented: “I’ve seen Blue October before but never the Fray live. The Fray were fantastic – Isaac’s voice gave me chills! And Blue October were high energy and so fun to sing along with. Definitely two great bands on one bill.”
On social media, excited reactions from audiences have poured in throughout the tour. The co-headlining format is working nicely, with Blue October and the Fray splitting their fans evenly each night. Attendees get the chance to discover and enjoy a band they may not have listened to before. It’s a nice introduction for fans of either group.
Remaining Tickets
As the tour heads into the final month, tickets remain available for many upcoming dates. However, shows have been selling quickly as word of mouth spreads about the strong reviews.
Major markets like Boston, New York, Washington DC, and Dallas are likely to sell out soon if they haven’t already. For the best ticket availability, look to shows in mid-sized venues in cities like Charlotte, Pittsburgh, Cleveland, and Indianapolis.
Tickets can be purchased through the official Blue October and Fray websites. For resale tickets, check sites like Vivid Seats, StubHub, and Ticketmaster.
Prices may start around $40-$50 for upper level seats. Floor tickets or lower bowl seats will be closer to $100 or more. Prices vary by city.
VIP packages are also available offering perks like meet and greets, signed merchandise, early entry, and exclusive access. These premium ticket bundles cost between $150-$300.
Set Times
Typical set times for the Blue October and Fray tour are as follows:
- 7 PM: Doors Open
- 8 PM: Opening act
- 9 PM: The Fray
- 10:30 PM: Blue October
These set times are approximate and may vary slightly by date. The opener is typically a newer developing artist each night. Some venues may also have an earlier start time around 6 PM.
Plan to arrive early if you want to catch the opening act’s short 30-45 minute set. The Fray and Blue October will each perform for about 90 minutes. There is a 30 minute changeover between their sets.
The curfew at most indoor venues is around 11 PM. Outdoor amphitheaters may allow the show to run longer on certain nights. You can expect Blue October to wrap up by 11:30 PM at the latest.
Merchandise
Special tour merchandise is available for sale at the Blue October and Fray shows. Fans can pick up tee shirts, sweatshirts, hats, CDs, vinyl records, and more.
Here are some of the merchandise highlights:
- Blue October “This Is What I Live For” Tour Shirt – $40
- The Fray 2022 Tour Hoodie – $60
- Blue October Beanie Hat – $25
- The Fray “How to Save a Life” Vinyl – $30
- Blue October Guitar Pick Set – $15
- The Fray Signed CD Bundle – $50
Cash and major credit cards are accepted. Be sure to allocate some extra funds if you want to take home a souvenir shirt or merch item.
Tour merchandise can sell out, so shop early during the opening act or immediately after the Fray and Blue October sets. The best selection will be earlier in the night.
Opening Act
Up-and-coming rock singer Declan Welles is serving as the opening act for the duration of the Blue October and Fray tour. His 30-45 minute set kicks off the night around 8 PM.
Declan Welles is a Nashville based artist who blends pop, rock, R&B, and soul influences. He’s a multi-instrumentalist who accompanies his smooth vocals with guitar, keyboards, and electronic elements.
Some of his singles include “Midnight Mistakes,” “Summertime Lover,” and “Drive All Night.” Declan released his debut EP Only the Sky Knows in 2021 and has more music on the way.
Though an emerging talent, Declan’s intoxicating sound has already earned him tour slots with Maroon 5, Shinedown, and now Blue October and The Fray. His music appeals to fans of pop, funk, soul, and singer-songwriters.
Arrive in time to check out Declan Welles if you enjoy discovering fresh new acts. As a bonus, Declan often hangs out at the merch table after his set to talk with fans and sign autographs.
Parking and Transportation
Those driving to the Blue October and Fray concerts should allow extra time for parking. Venue lots tend to fill up fast, so expect delays getting in and out.
Reserve parking in advance through the venue website when possible. This guarantees you a spot and allows faster entry through prepaid lots.
If parking on site isn’t available, look for nearby garages, lots, and street parking. Use ride share services like Uber or Lyft as an alternative to driving yourself.
For shows at large venues in major cities like New York and Boston, public transit is recommended. Take the subway or commuter rail to avoid parking headaches.
Check each venue website ahead of time for specific parking and transportation guidance. Have a parking plan in place before arriving.
COVID Precautions
Blue October, the Fray, and the concert venues continue taking COVID-19 precautions to protect fans, artists, and staff. Here’s what you can expect:
- Enhanced sanitization and cleaning procedures
- Contactless tickets and payment options
- Face masks recommended in indoor venues
- Hand sanitizer stations positioned throughout venues
Venue staff will be wearing masks. Fans are encouraged to mask up when not eating or drinking, especially when navigating indoor concourses.
Maintain space between groups when possible for cramped areas like merch lines and entrances. Kindness, caution, and courtesy are appreciated in keeping these events safe.
Conclusion
The co-headlining US tour featuring alt-rock hitmakers Blue October and The Fray is underway through mid-November 2022. These two emotive and earnest rock bands complement each other perfectly for an evening of killer music.
With just over a month left, don’t miss your chance to hear classic tracks like “Into the Ocean,” “Hate Me,” “Over My Head (Cable Car),” and “How to Save a Life” live in concert.
Great tickets are still available in many cities if you act fast. This is a hot show for rock fans nostalgic for the 2000s or looking to discover some new favorite bands.