▣House of Blues | Anaheim, CA ▣Sunday, October 12th 2025
▣Photographer/Journalist: Jason Jackson

The Used took the stage at House of Blues Anaheim on October 12th. They instantly made the night feel like something more than just a tour stop. There wasn’t a big production or forced nostalgia. It was just a band doing what they’ve always done best. Play loud, play honest, and connect.

Opening the night was DARK FM. Their set was dark, moody, and confident. It was a strong start without trying to copy what came after.

This was part of Used 25th anniversary tour, but nothing about the show felt like a throwback. It was current, focused, and alive. They opened with “Take It Away” and didn’t slow down. Every song hit. Not because it was part of some curated legacy setlist, but because these songs still carry weight.

I’ve been listening to The Used since I was 14. That was the case for a lot of people in the room. You could feel it. Everyone around me knew every word. Not in a casual way. These were songs that helped people through things, that stuck with them. That kind of connection doesn’t fade over time. It settles in deeper.

Bert McCracken was sharp, sarcastic, and locked in. His voice cracked in all the right places. It didn’t feel perfect. It felt real. The band sounded tight and unfiltered, and the crowd never let up.

There wasn’t a single moment where it felt like The Used were trying to relive something. They weren’t reaching for the past. They were just in it, right there with us.

Twenty-five years in, and nothing about this show felt tired. It felt like a reminder of why people cared in the first place. And why we still do.

Check out our contributor photographer, Jason Jackson photos now!

DARK FM

THE USED

Check out the band websites for more info –

Dark FM

The Used