Pier Six Pavilion (Baltimore, MD)
06/03/23
On June 3rd, emo legends The Used took the stage of Pier Six Pavilion in Baltimore, Maryland for their co-headlining “Creative Control” tour with Pierce The Veil. After dark-pop artist DeathByRomy and English band Don Bronco opened the show, a decorated sheet reading “Up Next The Used” veiled the stage, and the anticipation on the pier rose. The sheet dropped to reveal a visually stunning set covered in pink roses reminiscent of the album cover of their ninth album, Toxic Positivity. The band opened with “Take It Away” from their 2004 sophomore album, In Love and Death, to a screaming crowd.
The Used flawlessly weaved their way through a setlist that spanned their illustrious career, delivering a mix of beloved classics and recently released tracks, all while maintaining an unwavering intensity. Frontman Bert McCracken, decked out in their own tour merch, bright green sunglasses, and fingerless gloves, commanded the stage with a pink wired mic and mic stand covered in flowers. The chemistry among the band members was undeniable, with Jeph Howard’s thunderous bass lines, Dan Whitesides’ impeccable drumming, and Joey Bradford’s intricate guitar work combining to create a sonic force that reverberated throughout the venue. Their tight musicianship and seamless cohesion were a testament to their years of experience and dedication to their craft.
They played hits like “The Taste of Ink” from their 2002 debut self-titled album and “The Bird And The Worm” from 2007 album Lies for the Liars, as well as newer releases like “Giving Up” from the newest album – all of which were met with passionate sing-alongs from the crowd. The music filled the air and resonated deep within the hearts of the crowd. The Used’s dedication to their craft was evident in every aspect of the show – from the meticulously crafted set design to the flawless execution of their music. Like they said during the show, they’ve been an emo band for 23 years and have “been here the whole time,” The Used has been and will continue to be an icon of their genre.
