Very few bands in the alternative music scene have overcome hardship trials and tribulations of the music industry and live to see a day where they can celebrate 25 years as a band. The Used is indeed one of those few exceptional bands that have done just that. Formed in 2000, the band has been around the world and back a million times over and is in the middle of celebrating their quarter century birthdays as one of the greatest bands in the history of the scene.
In honor of this silver anniversary, the band is playing three nights in every city they’re playing, and are rotating their first three albums per night. Each night is a different album from beginning to end. May 8, 2025 marked their first of three nights in LA on this tour as the band took the stage playing their debut self-titled record. Undoubtedly one of the most important records for bands and fans that would grow up embarking on Warped Tours, Mayhems, Sad Summers, Slam Dunks, etc. The first track on this record is titled ‘Maybe Memories’ and there is truly no song that has such a mind blowing explosion the way this song has once it kicks in. Supported by a kabuki curtain drop, and flashing strobe lights, it was truly a powerful way to open the show. What follows is the defining song of this band's career: ‘The Taste Of Ink’. You turn around and see over 2,000 people belting every word at the top of their lungs.
The night would continue on with bangers like ‘Bulimic, ‘Say Days Ago, ‘A Box Of Sharp Objects’, ‘Blue And Yellow’ a snippet of ‘Smells Like Teen Spirit’, and even whipping out the often forgotten hidden track ‘Choke Me’. It’s incredibly special to be in an intimate room with a band playing an album that undoubtedly has zero skips on it. Not only is this an album with no skips, the other two albums that this band is playing on this tour ‘In Love And Death’, and ‘Lies For The Liars’ are also just as top notch and in some fans' eyes, arguably better. Everyone has their favorites, but there is no denying one of the best debut albums from any rock band of the 2000s. Regardless of which night fans went to, they were given a treat each night.
In addition to a powerful hour performance each night, The Used would introduce one off openers each night. The first night was a band from Phoenix AZ by the name of ‘Bite The Hand’. They had an explosive 35 minute set in their own right. While there may have been many people in the buildings first time ever hearing about them, they definitely brought the heavy vibes paving the way for the rest of the night. Creating a fantastic mix of hardcore, punk, emo, and grunge, ‘Bite The Hand’ is definitely a band worth keeping on your radar.
It was surely a night to remember, and a powerful one for all Angelenos who grew up on 2000s emo. May The Used celebrate the last 25 years with honor, as well as the next 25 thereafter.
