The Used Celebrates 25th Anniversary stopping for 3 shows in each city tonight being at The House of Blues Boston.
(Night 1 Photos & Article By Amy Carroll)
This was the first of three shows, each night being a play-through of one of their first three albums in order on Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday respectively in Boston. This night was the first night of their three shows in Boston and the play-through of their first album, the self-titled ‘The Used’.
There was only one opener for this show which isn’t the usual with this type of music, but the opening act The Funeral Portrait did not disappoint. The Atlanta based pop-punk group has been making waves lately with hits such as “Suffocate City” and “Holy Water”. There was an excited buzz from the crowd from the moment the band hit the stage, making it clear there were already fans in the building. The group’s stage presence was high energy and playful, both with outfits and personalities, with a few bonus moments of dirty dancing and general cheekiness. The Funeral Portrait opened the show with a bang.
The stars of the evening, The Used, hit the stage next. There were screams and cheers while there was a video clip played on the white sheet that hid the stage for a dramatic opening to the set. The fans erupted as the curtain fell and the band was revealed, playing their first song off their first album, “Maybe Memories”. By the crowd singing back loud enough to be heard even with the loud live music, it was clear that there were many long-time fans in the building. Bert even commented that he could tell there were some die hard fans there in between songs, a big smile on his face.
One of the band’s biggest hits “Taste of Ink” is only second on the album so it didn’t take long for the crowd to go crazy. Screaming vocals back at the band, mosh pits, crowd surfers and the whole nine. The song is still a favorite among fans along with other hits on the album such as “A Box Full of Sharp Objects” and “Blue and Yellow”. Throughout the whole album play through there was crowd participation and singing along throughout the whole time so obviously this was an appreciated show concept by their long-time fans.
The night was filled with the usual antics of a live show from The Used, Bert flipping off the crowd and then laughing. Playful banter in between songs, making jabs at the lyric meanings or introducing band members to the crowd. The band’s 25 year experience of being a band shows in their performance, their stage presence comes off as second nature and like they are still just playing for fun.
Night 2 (Photos & Article by Robert Fraser)
The second show started off with a local band from Boston, Rebuilder. The band from Boston has piled into their van, and brought their brand of Rock & Roll to the people. “Local Support” highlights the band’s dedication to the local scene and being an important part of the music community. These eleven melodic punk anthems capture raw energy and passion with fist pumping sing alongs. Rebuilder’s earnest lyrics cover everything from the importance of friendships to the dark state of the world and surviving the low points in life. “Local Support” is both sincere and enigmatic, bringing back memories of youthful nights singing along with our favorite bands when nothing else mattered more. Local Support is out now on Iodine
The band consist of Sal Ellington (vocals, guitar), Craig Stanton (vocals/guitar), Daniel Carswell (bass), Brandon Phillips (drums/guitars), Harley Cox (drums)
This performance was more than just a concert; it was a celebration of the local punk community’s resilience and passion. Rebuilder’s commitment to their roots and their fans was evident in every chord and lyric, making the Local Support Fest a memorable night for all in attendance.
The Used delivered a powerful performance at Boston’s House of Blues, celebrating the second night of their 25th Anniversary Tour. This evening was dedicated to their 2004 album In Love and Death, performed in its entirety, offering fans a nostalgic journey through one of the band’s most emotionally charged records.
From the opening chords of “Take It Away,” the band set an electrifying tone, with the audience responding in kind. Tracks like “I Caught Fire,” “Listening,” and “All That I’ve Got” were met with enthusiastic sing-alongs, showcasing the album’s enduring resonance. The performance of “I’m a Fake,” complete with its spoken-word intro, stood out as a particularly poignant moment, highlighting the band’s lyrical depth and raw emotion.
Frontman Bert McCracken’s stage presence was both commanding and heartfelt. Between songs, he shared reflections on the band’s journey, touching on personal struggles and expressing gratitude to the fans who have supported them over the years. His candidness added a layer of intimacy to the concert, making the experience all the more memorable.
During the song “Cut Up Angels,” McCracken brought up the emo kids on stage. He then asked the crowd to open the pit.
The setlist was a testament to the band’s versatility, blending high-energy anthems with introspective ballads. The performance not only celebrated the legacy of In Love and Death but also reaffirmed The Used’s place in the hearts of their fans.
Night 3 (Photos & Article by Robert Fraser)
The third night kicked off with Actor|Observer, a post-hardcore band from Boston, MA whose style is bursting at the seams with steadfast conviction and emotional intensity, interspersed with a broad melodic and tonal range.
Their dynamic sound and electric live performance are charged with a visceral sincerity and vulnerability that many audience members find refreshing in the current age of post-hardcore. If the band’s 2018 debut “Pareidolia” demonstrated their broad range of emotional and musical depth, their newest album “Songs For The Newly Reclusive” reveals an even more profound confidence and command over those strengths, using them to confront feelings of isolation and disillusionment amidst a clamoring world in distress. The resulting sound is their most focused and impactful offering yet.
The Used concluded their three-night residency with a powerful performance of their 2007 album Lies for the Liars.
The evening kicked off with the energetic “The Ripper,” immediately engaging the crowd. Frontman Bert McCracken’s dynamic presence was evident as he led the band through tracks like “Pretty Handsome Awkward” and “The Bird and the Worm,” both of which elicited enthusiastic responses from the audience.
Mid-set, the band delved into the emotionally charged “Earthquake” and “Hospital,” showcasing their range from aggressive riffs to melodic introspection. The performance of “Smother Me” stood out as a poignant moment, with McCracken’s vocals conveying deep emotion.
Throughout the show, the band’s tight musicianship and McCracken’s heartfelt interactions with the audience created an intimate atmosphere, despite the venue’s size. The set concluded with the intense “Liar Liar (Burn in Hell),” “Pain” and “Smother Me,” leaving the audience exhilarated.
This final night in Boston not only celebrated Lies for the Liars but also highlighted The Used’s enduring connection with their fans and their ability to deliver compelling live performances, reaffirming their place in the rock scene.
The Funeral Portrait
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Rebuilder
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Actor/Observer
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