In celebration of 25 years since their formation, The Used embarked on a tour honoring their early days by performing three nights in each slated city.
Each night would feature one of their first three albums played in full – “The Used,” “In Love and Death,” or “Lies for the Liars.”
It came as no surprise that every single night at The Wiltern was completely sold out.
Fans of the band were chomping at the bit to witness these albums performed in their entirety.
With such anticipation, the pressure was high for these shows to be something special for the diehard fans that’ve supported The Used all these years.
To launch the night was the bombastic, percussive powerhouse of Street Drum Corps. A local outfit founded by drummers Bobby and Adam Alt and Frank Zummo (Sum 41’s drummer from 2015 to the recent disbanding).
Street Drum Corps and The Used have been intertwined since 2005 as lead singer Bert McCracken lent his voice to the group’s first release – a cover of “Happy X-Mas (War Is Over)” by the Plastic Ono Band.
Street Drum Corps served up a performance that electrified the audience with their signature cocktail of a punchy percussion ensemble, electronic sampling, and hard rock vocals.
From the beginning, the group had the audience in a trance with their unique flavor of music and high-octane performance. To say I haven’t seen anything like the Street Drum Corps would be an understatement, but I can’t recommend it enough!
The Used delivered a spectacle that surpassed all expectations as they closed out their triumphant three-night takeover at The Wiltern with a night that was equal parts nostalgia and celebration.
Capping off their time in Los Angeles for the 25th Anniversary Tour, the band performed their third album, “Lies for the Liars,” and fans were treated to a set that felt like both a homecoming and a historic moment.
Performing “Lies for the Liars” front to back, The Used leaned fully into the album’s dark theatricality. From the chaotic joy of “The Bird and the Worm,” to the menacing “Liar Liar (Burn in Hell),” the band didn’t just play the songs – they embodied them. Bert McCracken’s vocals were razor-sharp and emotionally charged, balancing operatic flair with punk rock grit.
The band’s chemistry was tight throughout the set, but what elevated the night further was the integration of Street Drum Corps, who joined The Used on multiple songs. Their explosive percussion added a thunderous depth and unique twist to these beloved songs, amplifying the drama and energy of an already electric show.
Throughout the course of the night The Used made sure to have fun with their fans. Halfway into the set, audience members were granted an invitation to get up on stage with the band and dance around during the song, “Paralyzed.”
Later, McCracken spotted a young fan he had seen from the previous night and pulled him up on stage to sing along with him and flip the bird a few times towards the audience for fun. McCracken ensured the young man left with a pair of drumsticks before exiting the stage.
Arguably the biggest highlight of the night was when McCracken paused to tease that he might be bringing a few “guest singers” to the stage. The crowd leaned in, expecting a potential special guest – what they got instead was a genuine moment of joy: a marriage proposal. With the lights dimmed and the spotlight turned, a fan knelt on stage to pop the question.
The band closed out the show with the final track from “Lies for the Liars,” “Smother Me.” That track resonated with every audience member in attendance.
To say it was an emotional moment to conclude The Used’s three-night residency would be criminal; the tears flowed, friends embraced one another, and couples affectionately swayed in each other’s arms, hanging on to every last word until the song came to an end.
After the final notes, the band proceeded to toss out roses, guitar picks, and setlists to the audience in appreciation.
Ultimately, the night served as a reminder of why The Used remains a staple in the emo/alt rock scene. Their music is heartfelt, honest, and resonates 25 years later because of the emotional impact it elicits, especially in a live setting. I highly recommend catching The Used the next time they stop in a city near you.
