THE USED CLOSE OUT THEIR HOUSE OF BLUES RUN WITH AN EMOTIONAL, HIGH-ENERGY FINALE
PHOTOS BY KAITLYN MADRIGAL
The Used wrapped up their three-night run at the House of Blues last week with a show that reminded everyone why they’re still one of the most electric live acts in rock. The final night was all about Lies for the Liars, the band’s 2007 album that blended chaos, melody, and raw emotion in a way that defined an entire scene. The crowd knew it too; you could feel it the moment the lights dimmed and the first distorted notes hit.
Bert McCracken walked out to a roar that nearly shook the walls. The moment he grabbed the mic, the energy shot through the roof. They kicked off with “The Ripper,” and from there it was a straight sprint. The band tore through the set with complete control — no filler, no breaks, just pure energy. McCracken sounded fierce, his voice swinging from full-throated screams to soaring melodies without missing a beat.
“Pretty Handsome Awkward” hit early, and the floor immediately turned into a pit of bodies moving in sync. Fans yelled every line back at the stage, some laughing, some crying, all of them completely locked in. When they dropped into “The Bird and the Worm,” it felt like the entire room transformed. That song still hits hard —part nightmare, part anthem —and the performance makes it feel as wild and theatrical as the day it came out.
Then came “Smother Me,” and the tone shifted. The crowd’s volume dropped, arms went up, and everyone sang together. It was one of those rare live moments where time slows down. McCracken’s voice softened, his delivery heavy with emotion. You could see him take a breath between lines, like even he needed a second to take it in.
Other standouts included “Liar Liar (Burn in Hell)” and “Wake the Dead,” both delivered with total conviction. The band — Jeph Howard, Dan Whitesides, and Joey Bradford — locked in tight behind McCracken, proving once again how seasoned they are. Every riff landed, every beat hit right where it needed to.
By the time they wrapped the night with “Pretty Handsome Awkward’s” reprise and a chaotic encore, the entire place was drenched in sweat and nostalgia. McCracken smiled, thanked the crowd, and said, “This record changed our lives. Thank you for letting it change yours, too.”
The Used didn’t just play Lies for the Liars, they relived it. The performance was loud, messy, heartfelt, and full of that signature intensity that’s kept them relevant for over twenty years. It was the perfect send-off to a three-night run that felt like more than a residency. It felt like a reunion between a band and the people who grew up screaming their words.
