What is it about The Used that got them to 25? What makes these shows so captivating? Is it the way lead singer Bert McCracken introduces himself with a smile and a princess wave? Is it the moment the entire crowd begins chanting, “Apple watch! Apple watch! Apple watch!” while that same lead singer shows off a lost Apple watch that somehow made its way onto the stage? Perhaps it is the sense of belonging that comes from being two of the 2,000 middle fingers proudly raised high in the air in screaming exaltation for raging guitars and lyrics that stake you through the heart. 

Most of all, it is the implicit promise of “we will never leave you” that comes at the end of every show with the declaration, “We’ve been an emo band for 25 years. We never broke up. We never took a break. We’ve been here the whole fucking time!” More than the chaotic perfection of The Used (self titled), the emotional burn of In Love and Death, and the drop-dead gorgeous supernova that is Lies for the Liars, this promise is what brings people to their 24th show by The Used on the night of their 35th birthday; It is what led to someone driving five hours the day of the show just to get there in time, only to drive the five hours back home right afterwards. It is what caused me to book an overnight flight to Chicago for the opportunity of a lifetime: a weekend spent screaming my lungs out next to the best fans in the world, while photographing the best band in the world. 

Halfway through “Pretty Handsome Awkward” is when it happens: Bert McCracken catches me singing along in the photo pit from a mere two feet away. We lock eyes, and without breaking a stride, he gives me a smile and a wiggle of his fingers to say hello before continuing on. As I turn back to the crowd screaming behind me, I realize something important: emo will never die, because The Used is here to keep it (and us) alive.

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25th Anniversary Tour: Chicago Opening Bands

Friday, April 25 – With songs that are crisp, clean, and reminiscent of late ’90’s alt-rock, when it comes to music, Chicago-based band Footballhead proves that the Midwest truly is the Midbest.

Saturday, April 26 – Minneapolis-based band Gully Boys kicked off night two, opening ahead of In Love and Death. Full of fire and contagiously energetic, this self-proclaimed grunge-pop band is one to keep on your radar.

Sunday, April 27 – Doing their part to support the local scene, The Used began their third and final show of the weekend by featuring pop-punk powerhouse Action Adventure. A celebration of guitars and beautifully upbeat angst, this Chicago band is a force to be reckoned with.