The Used @ GLC Live at 20 Monroe (6/24/24)
The Used was the first band I ever saw in concert. It was 2009 and they were touring for their album "Artwork". I wasn't allowed to go, but I told a little lie, got a ride, and ended up at House of Blues Cleveland. I had my little Nikon Coolpix with me, and captured a million blurry photos and videos from the show. Throughout the years following, I've caught The Used at various Warped Tours and solo shows, trying to make it when they come to town. For the last few years, since I've been doing concert photography, they've been on my list to photograph. This year I was going to be out of town on a roadtrip during their Cleveland date, but the day they were performing in Grand Rapids I would be passing through Michigan on my way out West. The stars aligned, and when I was approved I was so excited for this opportunity to photograph the band I have been listening to the longest in my life.
The night started out with opener Amira Elfeky, who unfortunately I didn't make it in time to see, but I heard from a few other photographers at the show that they were amazing. Story of the Year came out next, a veteran band that has been performing together under their current name since 2002. Surprisingly I never caught them at a Warped Tour or in concert until this point, but I was blown away at how fun the set was. Lead singer Dan Marsala moved around the stage as the audience screamed the lyrics with him. The set was high energy, and got the crowd moving and moshing in preparation for The Used.
After a brief intermission to adorn the stage with chainlink fences, The Used emerged from backstage to dim lights. They started immediately with "Pretty Handsome Awkward", "Say Days Ago", then "Buried Myself Alive". Three songs that any long term fan of The Used would be familiar with. During my time in the photo pit, I kept taking moments to tell myself this was real. These songs that I have been listening to for 15 years were being played right in front of me. It was a surreal experience, I feel lucky to have had. The Used continued their set of mostly older tunes, but 12 songs in they played "MEDZ" the self titled track from their newest album that was just released a few days prior. Despite the crowd not being as familiar with it as some of the other tunes, they gave their full energy and support, dancing and moshing. I saw so many fans at the show screaming every word of every song, and it was so awesome to see. The Used fans are very loyal, and it's evident if you attend a show. The Used concluded their set by playing "A Box Full of Sharp Objects" followed by a cover of Nirvana's "Smells Like Teen Spirit". Walking out of the show, as I have done with so many The Used concerts previous, I know this won't be my last time.
Photos by Shelly Duncan
Story of the Year
The Used
