The Used Concert Review/Interview

Right behind Fenway's Green Monster sits Lansdowne Street, a small stretch of road worthy of its own exhibit in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. For years, Lansdowne has been home to a slew of rock clubs and hardcore enthusiasts alike. And last Friday night, the rock torch was passed down to The Used, who were in command of one hell of a show at the House of Blues.

Coming off their recently released fourth studio record, The Used hit Boston to reconnect with their fans. As part of a full U.S. tour supported by The Almost and Drive A, The Used played Friday to both die-hards and newbies alike. 

Their 15-song set lasted just over an hour leaving most fans sweaty, bruised and satisfied. "Artwork," the band's latest release was created solely for the purpose of being played live, explained bassist Jeph Howard. "When this record came out it was like, 'You know what, we need that live vibe.'," Howard tells Backstage Press. "We need that live edge. We need that power. So, we wrote these songs to be live songs, to be anthem-y and chanty."

It was evident from Friday's performance that Howard and the rest of his band mates have succeeded. Lead singer Bert McCracken was in full control of the Boston crowd, even ending the show with a floor-wide mosh pit that had the HOB security staff on the edge of their seats.

The whole concert was a fluid interaction between the band and the crowd. The music even stopped at one point so that McCracken could read a note that had been thrown up on stage. It was a testament to the band's influence over a particular fan, a feeling that resonated throughout the entire room. McCracken seemed to joke it off at first, but became serious when he told the crowd that some dreams really do come true. 

Picking back up with the music, The Used belted out hits from each one of their four releases. They came back for a two-song encore, even treating the crowd to an acoustic version of "On My Own", performed only by McCracken and 

guitarist Quinn Allman.

As the night came to an end fans crowed the merch tables, sending the line inside the HOB practically out the front doors. Outside fans waited in the cold for a glimpse at their hardcore heroes. It's easy to see from that scene just why The Used have made the mark that they have out here in Boston. Remarkable if you ask me, for a punk band from Utah that's had the cards stacked against them from day one. 

Check out the set list below. All video and exclusive interviews courtesy of Backstage Press.

1. Blood On My Hands
2. Empty With You
3. Take It Away
4. Listening
5. Hospital
6. I Caught Fire (In Your Eyes)
7. Come Undone
8. The Taste Of Ink
9. All That I've Got
10. Buried Myself Alive
11. Blue And Yellow
12. The Best Of Me
13. Pretty Handsome Awkward
    

ENCORE

1. On My Own (Acoustic)
   
2. A Box Full Of Sharp Objects