The Used is an American rock band that has been making waves in the music industry since their formation in Orem, Utah back in 2000. Over the past two decades, The band has released nine studio albums and become known for their unique blend of emo, punk rock, post-hardcore, and alternative rock sounds.
The current lineup features founding members Bert McCracken (lead vocals, piano, keyboards) and Jeph Howard (bass, backing vocals), along with Dan Whitesides (drums, backing vocals) and Joey Bradford (guitar, backing vocals). However, the band has gone through several member changes over the years, with former members including Quinn Allman, Branden Steineckert, and Justin Shekoski.
The Used’s Humble Beginnings
The story of The Used began when Branden Steineckert, Quinn Allman, and Jeph Howard started jamming together and auditioning singers in 2000. According to an interview with MTV, the band had a difficult time finding a suitable frontman until Bert McCracken came into the picture and blew them away with his powerful vocals and stage presence.
However, the early days of The Used were far from glamorous. The band members often found themselves struggling with poverty, homelessness, and substance abuse issues. In fact, McCracken told MTV that the band would often resort to panhandling just to scrape together enough money to buy food.
Despite the challenges, The Used continued to hone their sound and write new material. The band recorded a demo album titled Demos from the Basement in Steineckert’s bedroom and eventually caught the attention of producer John Feldmann from the ska band Goldfinger. Feldmann was so impressed by the demo that he flew the band out to Los Angeles to help them find a record deal.
The Used’s Rise to Fame
After showcasing their talent for various record labels, The Used ultimately decided to sign with Reprise Records in January 2002. The band got to work on their debut self-titled album with Feldmann handling production duties. Released in June 2002, the self-titled album was a massive success, earning critical acclaim and featuring hit singles like “The Taste of Ink“, “Buried Myself Alive”, and “Blue and Yellow”. The album was eventually certified platinum by the RIAA.
The Used continued to build momentum with their second album, 2004’s In Love and Death. The album was written in the wake of a personal tragedy for frontman Bert McCracken, whose pregnant girlfriend had died of a drug overdose. Despite the heavy subject matter, In Love and Death resonated with fans and critics alike. It spawned successful singles “Take It Away”, “All That I’ve Got”, and “I Caught Fire” on its way to platinum certification.
Lies for the Liars, The Used’s third studio album, arrived in 2007 and further solidified the band’s status as one of the most exciting acts in rock music. Kerrang! praised the album’s lead single “The Bird and the Worm” and the album ended up charting in the top five in seven different countries.
The Used’s Continued Success and Evolution
The Used began the 2010s by starting their own record label, Anger Music Group, and releasing their fifth studio album Vulnerable in 2012. Vulnerable saw the band incorporating new influences like hip hop beats and electronic elements into their signature sound. Singles “I Come Alive” and “Put Me Out” performed well and helped introduce The Used to a new generation of fans.
Imaginary Enemy (2014) and The Canyon (2017) followed, with the latter album earning particular praise from outlets like Alternative Press for its raw, stripped-down approach. After releasing their eighth album Heartwork in 2020, The Used returned in May 2023 with Toxic Positivity. Featuring singles “Numb” and “Giving Up”, Toxic Positivity showcases a band that is still evolving and pushing the boundaries of their music.
The Used has come a long way from their scrappy origins in the early 2000s. With nine studio albums, several platinum certifications, and a reputation as one of the most influential bands in the alternative scene, The Used has firmly established themselves as rock music icons. As they enter their third decade as a band, fans can’t wait to see what The Used will do next.
