Fifteen years after their formation, The Used kicked off a celebratory tour with a two-night affair on August 16 and 17 at the Crystal Ballroom. Each night was reserved specifically for a cover-to-cover playthrough of The Used’s first two albums, and I was lucky enough to experience the first night, which was dedicated to their self-titled debut. A record that still holds strong today, the album has been a heavy influence on many bands over the years.
The night opened with their tour guests New Language, a fresh act straight out of the heart of Los Angeles. After the openers, the air was buzzing with anticipation for a band that never disappoints. The Used took the stage and kicked off their set with the explosive anthem "Maybe Memories." As they progressed through the album, each song held onto me as freshly and poignantly as the first time I saw them live back in 2005. I was transported back to my younger days and fell in love with the album all over again. The Used flourished their set with minor breaks and interludes to keep the pace of the show dynamic and engrossing. I feel privileged to have experienced a show that salutes a work of art that has influenced, and inspired, countless in the rock community.
