The Used
The Used rose to fame in the 2000s as one of the most successful post-hardcore and emo bands in the USA. Their debut album, 'The Used,' which was certified platinum, featured the hit single 'The Taste of Ink,' allowing the band, led by vocalist Bert McCracken, to break into the German album charts in 2002 and laying the foundation for a global career.
With subsequent platinum releases such as 'Maybe Memories' (2003) and 'In Love and Death' (2004), along with the RIAA Gold-certified album 'Lies for the Liars' (2007), The Used solidified their legacy by 2007. 'Lies for the Liars' peaked at number 5 on the Billboard 200 and reached number 61 in Germany, marking their highest chart position to date.
In 2025, The Used remain active, boasting a discography that includes ten studio albums, a compilation album, two live albums, three EPs, and 27 music videos. The band has sold over 10 million units worldwide and continues to be a defining force in their genre. This summer, The Used will be touring Stuttgart and Munich.
The band's story began in 1997 when guitarist Quinn Allman, bassist Jepha Howard, and drummer Branden Steineckert formed a band, eventually recruiting vocalist Bert McCracken. Officially formed in Orem, Utah, in 2000, The Used was signed to Reprise Records after impressing producer John Feldmann with their demo in January 2002.
Following the success of their debut album, tracks like 'The Taste of Ink,' 'Buried Myself Alive,' and 'Blue and Yellow' achieved platinum status. Their second album, 'In Love and Death,' released in 2004, further enhanced their success with hits like 'All That I've Got' and 'I Caught A Fire.'
In 2006, Steineckert left the band and was replaced by Dan Whitesides. Their third album, 'Lies for the Liars,' propelled the band into international fame, with the song 'Pretty Handsome Awkward' featured in the 'Transformers' movie soundtrack. 'The Bird and the Worm' became the second hit from the album.
The band has since released several albums, including 'Artwork' (2009) and 'Vulnerable' (2012) through Hopeless Records, followed by the 'The Ocean of the Sky' EP, 'Imaginary Enemy' (2014), and 'The Canyon' (2017). After Quinn Allman's departure in 2015, Justin Shekoski took his place, followed by Joey Bradford in 2018. After signing with Big Noise, the band released 'Heartwork' (2020), 'Toxic Positivity' (2023), and 'Medz' (2024), the latter of which was hailed as a 'masterpiece' by New Noise Magazine.