The Used's Three Day Residency In Indy

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 The Used pulled off a massive tour, holding a three-day residency in Indianapolis to play the entirety of their first three albums - one per night – to a packed Old National Centre of screaming fans, some of whom came from as far as Germany to witness the magic. This tour, spanning four legs across multiple cities and countries, commemorates a quarter century as a post hardcore, self-proclaimed emo band. Night one, as it's so affectionately referenced, is dedicated to their debut, self-titled album celebrated for such fan favorites as "Taste of Ink," "Buried Myself Alive," "A Box Full of Sharp Objects," and the softer melodies of "Blue and Yellow."

Indianapolis natives, Best Noodles In Town, graced the stage to begin the night with their alternative rock sound; Their energetic set stirred enthusiasm among a nervously chattering crowd before they closed with heartfelt thanks to The Used for years of inspiration and the opportunity to share the stage.

Before The Used took stage to an uproar of adoration, a gigantic white curtain concealed their elaborate setup while a throwback blog-style video montage played, complete with behind-the-scenes clips and bits of early music videos from the band’s formative years. They opened their set with “Maybe Memories,” the first track from their self-titled album and, according to lore, the first song recorded for their demo in bassist (and matcha enthusiast) Jeph Howard’s makeshift home studio. Despite the passage of an entire quarter century, their performance was as fierce and impassioned as ever, showing no sign of slowing their devotion to the music or their fans. 

Witnessing vocalist Bert McCracken smile ear to ear while the entire Egyptian room sang every lyric in unison is a moment I shan't soon forget; it becomes irrefutable in such a moment, music is the one thing that brings us all together - a sentiment the man himself shared in commentary to the crowded room of hardcore fans. 

From circle pits to seemingly endless streams of crowd surfers, not a single attendee was immobile. Even the venue staff – longtime fans and newcomers alike – were swept up in the intensity of the moment. The night held true to the chaos of The Used's early days and wrapped everyone in a nostalgia blanket of wholesome emotional release, surrounded by new friends, old songs, and memories to cherish evermore.

Review/Photo By: Josie Moreau