The Used have decided to celebrate their 25th anniversary as a band in the most creative way possible. Rating than doing a single “career defining set” the band have announced a full tour in which they play three nights per city. The kicker? Each night is a different album play. Night 1 being their genre defining classic, Self Titled. Night 2 is their fan favorite, In Love and Death. And night 3 is their experimental yet just as seminal record, Lies for Liars. This takes the typical anniversary tour and flips it completely on its head. Fans can pick and see which record is their favorite, or hardcore fans can see all 3!
On Saturday April 19th, the band played their self titled album in the heart of New York City. It was astounding. From the blistering opening track, “Maybe Memories” to the iconic, “Taste of Ink”, the band played so many fan favorites. Even deep cuts that fans don’t get the chance to see the light of day like “Bulimic” or “Say Days Ago”, were a treat to see live.
What must be mentioned is the astounding stage design for every night. The band re-creates the album cover on each night. With the doll mask behind them for night 1, the heart/noose on night two, and the box-zombie from Lies for Liars, the set is stunning. Anyone who has grown up with this band, has deeply personal connections to this album art. Seeing it played out live in front of them, really helped reinforce just how influential this band was and is.
Sound wise, they’re better than ever. Bert McCracken’s voice is pristine and really able to hit those high notes we hear in studio. On slower tracks like “Blue and Yellow” and “Greener with the Scenery” you can really hear his passion and vocal strength. Jeph Howard’s bass lines are iconic as ever. On the final track of the album (and night) “Choke Me”, Jeph ripped some of the heaviest bass lines we’ve heard this year. Joey Bradford is always a standout and this night was no exception. Dan Whitesides also delivered a stellar performance on tracks like “Buried Me Alive” and the aforementioned “Maybe Memories”. This band are the sum of their parts.
I was lucky enough to attend all three shows; 2 in New Jersey and 1 in New York City. The East Coast has always been rock predominate. Growing up New England then moving to the Tri-State Area, I can confidently say I’ve never seen a real mosh pit until I moved to New Jersey. The crowd was euphoric for the entire night. The energy was dialed in to 100.
Irving Plaza was the perfect venue for this self-titled show. It was small and intimate. The Used have played arenas and amphitheaters, so seeing them in this club-sized venue was truly special. It made the mosh pits go even crazier, and the slow moments even more impactful. During “A Box Full Of Sharp Objects” the entire floor of Irving Plaza became one massive push-pit. It was insane.
Overall, this was everything we expected and more. The Used have displayed they are a generational talent. Whether you have been following them for the last 25 years, or this is your first taste of ink, welcome to the family.