A Night of Nostalgia with The Used and The Plain White T’s

The Used's headliner made its way to St. Augustine Amphitheatre, nearing the end of a short run this Fall. It was a night filled with nostalgia, passion, and high energy. They brought along the Plain White T's and Raue as their opening acts, making for a well-rounded evening of punk and emo music.

The night kicked off with Raue, a relatively new artist quickly gaining recognition for their moody alt-rock sound. The teenage duo, consisting of singer/guitarist Paige Kalenian and drummer Jax Huckle impressively commanded the stage, and the performance was an exciting way to start the show. The crowd’s energy grew over the course of their set, with a highlight being a cover of Radiohead’s “Creep,” which Kalenian rallied plenty of the crowd to sing along to. Raue may be new to the game, but their talent and energy speak for themselves.

Next up, classic 2000s pop rock band the Plain White T's brought a wave of nostalgia to the audience. The band played a setlist blending old favorites and newer material. The crowd happily sang along to tracks like "1, 2, 3, 4" and "Hey There Delilah," evoking a sentimental atmosphere, while their newer songs also resonated well with the audience. Lead vocalist Tom Higgenson's interaction with the crowd was warm and personal, reminding everyone why the Plain White T's have remained a beloved presence in the scene for so long. They ended their set with "Rhythm of Love," sparking a heartfelt sing-along that brought smiles across the venue.

Finally, it was time for The Used to take the stage. The crowd surged with excitement as the curtain dropped, with Bert McCracken standing center stage as the band jumped right into “Pretty Handsome Awkward.” McCracken's voice was as powerful and raw as ever, carrying both vulnerability and rage in equal measure. Although the band recently released MEDZ, the B-sides album to their 2023 album Toxic Positivity, their setlist leaned into the theme of nostalgia, consisting of tracks mostly off of In Love and Death, which recently celebrated its 20-year anniversary, as well as their debut self-titled album.

With minimal talking breaks between songs, fans certainly got their money’s worth of live performances of some of their long-time favorite songs. McCracken also ensured an interactive and personalized experience for fans, including marrying two fans on stage between songs. McCracken’s crowd interactions were genuine, reflecting a connection with their fanbase that has only grown stronger over the years.

The Used's headliner was not just a concert—it was an experience. From Raue’s fresh energy to the Plain White T's nostalgic charm to The Used’s impassioned performance, it was a high energy, emotional night to remember. The Used continues to prove they are not afraid to tackle heavy topics head-on, delivering them through their music with honesty and intensity. Up next, The Used will head to Las Vegas where they will play In Love and Death in full at When We Were Young Festival, as well as a festival side show at Fontainebleau Las Vegas with Taking Back Sunday, L.S. Dunes, and Taylor Acorn.