Emo Stalwarts The Used Deliver an Explosive Performance With Support from Raue and Plain White T’s – Photos and Review of The Used Concert at the Revolution Live in Ft Lauderdale, FL

Ft. Lauderdale was buzzing with anticipation last night as fans lined up outside Revolution Live for a night of unforgettable music. The Used, legendary in the post-hardcore emo scene, took the stage with all the intensity fans have come to expect, but not before a pair of impressive opening acts—Raue and Plain White T’s—set the perfect mood for the night. Opening the night was Raue, a fast rising two-piece band led by teens Paige Kalenian on vocals and guitar and Jax Huckle on drums. Their hauntingly beautiful mix of atmospheric sound and 90’s grunge grabbed the audience from the first note and never let go. Despite being the first act, Raue managed to command attention, showing why they’re quickly becoming a force to be reckoned with. Showcasing songs from their as-of-yet untitled upcoming album, as well as a stunning cover of Radiohead’s “Creep“, their set was an ideal warm-up, priming the crowd for the musical journey that lay ahead.

Next up, the crowd was treated to the melodic sounds of the Plain White T’s, who are legends in the emo scene in their own right. Best known for their massive hit “Hey There Delilah“, the band brought a wave of nostalgia as they played fan-favorites like “1, 2, 3, 4” and “Rhythm of Love“. While the T’s may have softened the edge with their emo pop-rock sound, they kept the energy high, even treating fans to a few newer tracks from their latest self titled album that had the room singing along. Their upbeat performance was the perfect bridge between the atmospheric opening of Raue and the chaotic energy that The Used would soon bring.

When The Used finally hit the stage, the energy in Revolution Live reached explosive proportions as moshpits and crowd-surfers erupted as the band broke into “Pretty Handsome Awkward“. With over two decades of influence in the post-hardcore and emo genres, Bert McCracken and company were on fire, unleashing a relentless barrage of sound that sent the crowd into a frenzy. The setlist was a carefully curated mix of their greatest hits and newer material, showcasing both their longevity and their ability to evolve while staying true to their roots. Fan-favorites like “The Bird and the Word” and “Take It Away” had the entire room shouting along to every lyric, and even tracks from their most recent albums Toxic Positivity and MEDZ were met with open arms, proving that The Used’s latest work is resonating just as strongly with their audience.

McCracken was in top form both vocally and in his stage presence, and his dynamic energy (from chaotic headbanging to quieter moments when he connected deeply with the crowd with heartfelt interludes) made the performance electric. During emotional songs like “I Caught Fire“, fans were seen with tears in their eyes, while harder-hitting anthems like “The Taste of Ink” inspired intense mosh pits that had the floor shaking. As the night drew to a close, The Used ended their set with an encore that included their iconic tracks “On My Own” and “A Box Full of Sharp Objects“. The audience, exhausted yet exhilarated, left Revolution Live knowing they had witnessed something special—a night where nostalgia, energy, and emotion combined in perfect harmony.