The Used deliver an amazing night of pop punk at Bottom Lounge

The Used

Bottom Lounge // Chicago, IL // February 1st, 2020

Emo kids rejoice: The Used are back!

In anticipation of their new album, The Used are touring around the country, playing new and old songs for adoring fans. Their sold out show at Bottom Lounge was nothing short of a perfect night of pop punk hits, with hundreds of fans singing along at the top of their lungs. Their set started out with a little hiccup, however.

The Used at Bottom Lounge | Photo by Kate Scott

As lead singer and adorable human being Bert McCracken dove into the crowd during the opening number, “I’m a Fake”, the power suddenly cut out and everyone’s instruments went silent. McCracken stood on stage, laughing with drummer Dan Whitesides. “We’ve been doing this for 20 years, and this has never happened,” he said, pacing back and forth. He started telling fans about their new album Paradise Lost. “We’ve been working on this album for 15 months; I can’t wait for you to hear it,” McCracken said.

The Used at Bottom Lounge | Photo by Kate Scott

Once power was restored, The Used started “I’m a Fake” from the beginning with even more energy. They powered through some of their biggest hits, including “The Bird and The Worm” and “All That I’ve Got”. McCracken dove into the crowd several times to hand the mic to fans and snag their cell phones (although he grabbed too many to take selfies and had to sheepishly hand them back out). McCracken recently hinted that the band might be opening for My Chemical Romance for some of their tour dates, and fans of both bands have been freaking out ever since. I can only imagine how amazing this would be if the rumor is true.

The Used at Bottom Lounge | Photo by Kate Scott

Paradise Lost is slated to come out in April, and if the album is anything like its single “Blow Me”, it sounds like it will be a great addition to The Used’s discography. Their 2017 album The Canyon was met with critical acclaim, and I hope that Paradise Lost is just as incredible.