The Hall in Little Rock, Arkansas got a long-overdue taste of chaos and catharsis Saturday evening as The Used headlined a night to remember, supported by Plain White T’s and Raue.
With their trademark blend of raw emotion and punk-rock energy, The Used delivered a performance that felt both polished and beautifully unhinged.
From the moment frontman Bert McCracken took the stage, it was clear the night was going to be anything but ordinary. Declaring Little Rock his favorite stop on the tour so far—albeit only two nights in—Bert’s infectious energy set the tone for the rest of the show. The crowd was more than ready to match his intensity, and the venue erupted into a frenzy as they launched into the opening track.
One of the highlights of the night was the impromptu cartwheel contest started by Bert. With the crowd parting like the Red Sea, a few brave souls flipped and twisted their way into the contest, resulting in a tie, earning each winner a promise of free merch from Bert himself. It was a perfect moment of punk-rock camaraderie and absurdity that only The Used could pull off.
Bert’s banter throughout the night was on point, perfectly balancing self-deprecating humor and genuine appreciation for the fans. He noted it had been too long since The Used last played in Little Rock and vowed it wouldn’t be as long before they returned. The audience responded with an intensity that showed just how much this band means to them.
The stage setup was minimalist yet striking, a departure from last year’s rose-covered spectacle in Tulsa. This time, chain-link fences and elevated platforms gave the stage a gritty, almost industrial feel, perfectly complementing the band’s raw sound and visceral performance. It was a fitting backdrop for a night that was equal parts throwback and evolution.
Bert’s encouragement for the crowd to boo and flip the band off was met with gleeful enthusiasm, proving once again that The Used‘s relationship with their fans is built on a unique, rebellious love. They closed out the set with what Bert declared the “greatest song of all time”—”Box Full of Sharp Objects”—a blistering anthem that had everyone screaming along like it was 2002 all over again. And just when we thought they couldn’t top it, they launched into a blistering snippet of a Nirvana classic, a nod to the grunge legends who paved the way for bands like them.
It’s been a minute since The Used brought their brand of beautifully chaotic punk-rock therapy to Little Rock, but if last night was any indication, they’re as unstoppable as ever. With a set that felt as intimate as it was explosive, The Used proved once again why they’ve remained a staple of the scene for over two decades. Here’s hoping they make good on their promise and come back soon, because Little Rock is more than ready for another round.
You can find upcoming tour dates on theused.net.
Photos by Jenn Terrell (@jennterrellphotogaphy) / www.jennterrellart.com
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