Words by Ashlyn Bruni
Emo legends The Used have proved that after more than two decades, it was never a phase.
Over the weekend, the band played an exclusive sold-out show at The Troubadour to celebrate the release of their ninth studio album, Toxic Positivity, and the rare underplay made for an unforgettable evening.
Orlando rockers Felicity kicked off the show with their fun pop punk sound, and got the crowd singing along to a cover of The Beatles “Hey Jude” to close out their set. Everyone in attendance buzzed with anticipation and the excitement of being one of the lucky 500 fans able to attend the intimate event.
The second The Used hit the stage, popular music industry personalities and fans of all ages came alive. The band sounded incredible while showcasing new songs from the album with “People are Vomit,” “Fuck You,” “Giving Up” and “Numb.” The setlist also heavily leaned into the band's classics such as “The Bird and the Worm,” and “The Taste of Ink,” and even included deep cuts “Maybe Memories” and “Empty Without You”.
The real treat of any The Used show though, is seeing the crowd scream the 40 second opening speech to “I’m a Fake” word for word with electrifying, raw emotion. Frontman Bert McCracken embodied health happiness, and projected genuine gratitude to still be thriving this far into his tenure.
McCracken quipped in between songs, reminding the fans that since their start in 2000, The Used never broke up or even took an extended hiatus. Further endearing himself to the the most loyal in attendance, the vocalist jumped into the crowd immediately after the final song to connect with the fans that have supported him throughout, punctuating the sense of community that anchored the night.
After more than two decades, The Used continue to compliment their outstanding work in studio with an equally energized live set. The Used kick off their run with Pierce the Veil later this week. Find a complete list of dates below. Get tickets - HERE
Toxic Positivity from The Used is currently available via Big Noise. Order the album – HERE
Creative Control Tour Dates:
May 23 – Austin, TX – HEB Center @ Cedar Park^+
May 24 – New Orleans, LA – The Fillmore Harrah’s New Orleans^+
May 26 – Tampa, FL – Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa^+
May 27 – Boca Raton, FL – Mizner Park Amphitheatre^+
May 28 – St Augustine, FL – The Saint Augustine Amphitheater^+
May 30 – Atlanta, GA – Coca Cola Roxy^+
May 31 – Nashville, TN – Nashville Municipal Auditorium^+
June 2 – Toronto, ON – RBC Echo Beach^+
June 3 – Baltimore, MD – Pier Six Pavilion^+
June 6 – Richmond, VA – Virginia Credit Union LIVE!*^+
June 7 – Wallingford, CT – Oakdale Theatre^+
June 9 – Philadelphia, PA – Skyline Stage @ The Mann^+
June 10 – Portland, ME – Cross Insurance Arena^+
June 12 – Asbury Park, NJ – Stone Pony Summer Stage^#
June 13 – New York, NY – The Rooftop @ Pier 17^#
June 15 – Bethlehem, PA – Wind Creek Event Center^#
June 16 – Moon Twp, PA – UPMC Events Center^#
June 17 – Cuyahoga Falls, OH – Blossom Music Center^#
June 19 – Grand Rapids, MI – GLC Live @ 20 Monroe^#
June 21 – Cincinnati, OH – The Andrew J Brady Music Center^#
June 22 – Madison, WI – The Sylvee^#
June 24 – Dallas, TX – FairPark*^#
June 28 – Salt Lake City, UT – The Complex^#
June 29 – Reno, NV – Grand Theatre @ The Grand Sierra Resort^#
July 1 – Irvine, CA – FivePoint Amphitheatre^#
July 2 – Phoenix, AZ – Arizona Financial Theatre^#
* Non-Live Nation Date
^ w/ Don Broco
+ w/ Deathbyromy
# w/ girlfriends
