Concert Review: Another "BEST DAY" I'll Always Remember: The Fray – Summer of Light Tour YouTube Theater, Inglewood, California
- Carl Calilung
- Jul 29
- 2 min read
Some concerts are more than just another assignment—they become moments you'll carry with you forever.
July 24, 2026 was another "BEST DAY" I'll always remember. 🖤
Growing up in the Philippines, The Fray and Dashboard Confessional were two of the bands that defined my high school years. Their songs constantly played on the radio and became part of some of my favorite memories. Never did I imagine that one day I'd be standing in the photo pit, capturing the very artists whose music I grew up listening to.
The night kicked off with Colony House, and they immediately won me over. It was my first time hearing them live, and I instantly loved their energy and stage presence. Hearing "77," "Silhouettes," and my personal favorite, "Telephone Pole," was an incredible introduction to the band. Their performance was full of life and set the perfect tone for the rest of the evening.
Then the lights dimmed, and Dashboard Confessional took the stage.
The moment they walked out, I already knew this would be another unforgettable night. This was my second time covering one of their shows, and somehow they continue to exceed every expectation. Their setlist was a dream for every elder emo. They performed "The Best Deceptions," "Don't Wait," "Screaming Infidelities," and closed with "Hands Down." Every lyric awakened my inner elder emo once again, and the entire crowd sang every word with them. Dashboard Confessional never disappoints, and I honestly don't think I'll ever get tired of covering their shows.
Then came the moment I had been waiting for.
Seeing The Fray live for the very first time was something I had looked forward to for years. They opened with "A Light That Waits," instantly filling the theater with emotion. Songs like "Look After You," "Ice Cold Lakes," and "You Found Me" reminded everyone why The Fray's music has remained timeless.
But when the opening notes of "How to Save a Life" echoed throughout the theater, everything changed.
For a few minutes, I was transported back to my high school days in the Philippines, remembering how often I'd hear that song on the radio. It wasn't just another performance—it was a flood of memories, nostalgia, and appreciation for a band whose music became part of an entire generation's life.
As a photographer, moments like these remind me why I love what I do. Standing inside YouTube Theater—a venue I had only ever seen through photos and videos online—was another dream come true. Never did I think I'd one day be there, not as a fan in the crowd, but as a member of the media, documenting an unforgettable night.
That's something I'll never take for granted.
A huge thank you to Rock DNA Magazine for continuing to trust me and giving me opportunities like this. Because of your support, I get to tell stories through my camera, experience incredible live music, and photograph artists I've admired since I was a kid.
Some concerts become memories.
This one became another "BEST DAY" I'll always remember. 🖤📸
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