Photos and review by Raven Divito
@rockinshots

On October 1, 2023, Hard Rock Live in Wheatland, California witnessed an emotionally charged performance as The Used took the stage in support of their latest release, “Toxic Positivity.” With a tumultuous two-decade journey since their inception in 2000, The Used has carved out a niche in rock blending screamo, emo, and hard rock, which has always offered a lifeline for fans navigating life’s complexities.

The stage setup was beautiful, featuring a light spectacle that painted the venue with vivid hues. What truly set the stage though were the abundant pink and white roses set around the space and on the mic stand, mirroring the album cover art and signaling the night’s emotional depth.

Their setlist traced the band’s story over the years, spanning two decades of emotional albums. The evening kicked off with the powerful “Pretty Handsome Awkward,” then rolled into favorites like “I Caught Fire.”

Singer Bert McCracken’s heartfelt delivery landed on happy ears in the crowd, and the audience was impassioned and there for it all. The 15-song set finished with an encore of “A Box Full of Sharp Objects,” leaving fans emotionally drained and exhilarated.

For more information about The Used and upcoming tour stops and merch, check out theused.net.