THE USED: FALL TOUR 2024 WITH SPECIAL GUESTS PLAIN WHITE T’S AND RAUE AT THE HARD ROCK LIVE IN TAMPA
10/02/2024
Concert Review
By Maggie Martinez: Photographer / Writer
Navigating through Tampa’s Hard Rock Casino on the evening of October 2, I felt like I was stepping into a world where glitz and grit collide. I parked in the free garage, joining a wave of fans who were ready for an unforgettable night of music, and set off through the casino. The air was thick with the scent of excitement, underscored by the clinks of glasses, the cheerful chaos of slot machines, and the buzz of card tables. Descending a spiral escalator into the pulse of it all, I took in the bold, vibrant carpet that clashed artfully with flashing lights and neon signs – a reminder that this place was built for adrenaline.
After weaving my way through this sensory maze, I finally arrived at the Hard Rock Live event center. A quick stop to collect my ticket and secure my coveted photo pass had me ready for action, and a second escalator ride brought me up to the main venue. As I followed the crowd in, I saw Raue already commanding the stage.
RAUE
Raue, the dynamic two-piece from Santa Cruz, California, kicked off the night with an electrifying set that transported fans back to the gritty, powerful sound of 90s grunge with a twist of punk energy. The band, made up of 18-year-old vocalist and guitarist Paige Kalenian and 17-year-old drummer Jax Huckle, had the audience’s full attention as they unleashed their robust, layered sound. Their sound often leaves fans wondering, “How does a duo sound so big?” The secret lies in the band’s unique use of triggers to seamlessly play additional bass, guitar, and even piano parts live. Inspired by minimalist duos like Twenty One Pilots, Raue’s setup delivers the complete experience of a full band, catching listeners off guard with its unexpected depth. Their cover of Radiohead’s “Creep” was the emotional high point of the set, showcasing Kalenian’s haunting vocals. Huckle’s high-octane drumming shone through the entire set, proving that you are never too young to give it your absolute all.
Paige Kalenian – Vocals / Guitar
Jax Huckle – Drums
SETLIST
Karma
Ruby Glow
Vodka and Soda
Maize
Creep (Radiohead Cover)
Samba Samba
Weak Blood
PLAIN WHITE T’S
Plain White T’s took the stage with a fun energy that immediately sparked nostalgia, carrying fans back to the early 2000s and showcasing how timeless their music has become. The setlist, a carefully balanced mix of beloved classics and newer hits, bridged the years seamlessly, creating a captivating experience for longtime devotees and newcomers alike.
Frontman Tom Higgenson led the charge with familiar charisma, his voice as magnetic as ever, while guitarist Tim Lopez chimed in, harmonizing and trading lead vocals with a chemistry that only years of collaboration can foster. Their dynamic interplay kept the night feeling fresh and engaging, adding depth to each song.
The band’s knack for audience engagement shone through during the set, especially when they invited fans to join in call-and-response moments that filled the room with vibrant energy. The crowd was fully immersed, especially when they joined in for the heartfelt rendition of “Hey There Delilah.” With every voice raised, the song transformed into a shared moment, culminating in an a cappella chorus sung by the audience that lingered beautifully in the venue’s acoustics.
Their set closed on a high note with the upbeat “Rhythm of Love,” leaving the crowd buzzing. Plain White T’s managed to make a night of nostalgia feel refreshingly new, proving that their sound and spirit remain as strong as ever.
Tom Higgenson – Vocals / Guitar / Keyboard
Tim G. Lopez – Guitar / Vocals
Mike Retondo – Bass / Backing Vocals
De’Mar Randell Hamilton – Drums
SETLIST
Feeling (More Like) Myself
Our Time Now
Young Tonight
1, 2, 3, 4
Would You Even
All That We Needed
Red Flags
Fired Up
Hate (I Really Don’t Like You)
Hey There Delilah
Rhythm of Love
THE USED
The Used took their fans on a rollercoaster from the very first moment. Just as the band was scheduled to start, an announcement crackled over the speakers, claiming the show had been canceled and that refunds would be available at the box office. Groans of disappointment filled the venue. Then, in perfect dramatic flair, the band sprinted onto the stage, sending the crowd into thunderous cheering as they came out swinging with “Pretty Handsome Awkward.”
The Used is all about audience interaction, which makes their shows a blast. Bert signed I love you to audience members at the barricade, threw up heart-hands to the crowd, and invited everyone to yell “f*ck you” to help them begin their song with the same title. During the set, lead singer Bert McCracken paused the set to ask the crowd to open up a circle, not for a mosh pit, but for a cartwheel contest. Fans laughed and cheered as eager contestants flipped across the floor. This playful connection made the night feel uniquely personal. As the band played “I Caught Fire,” McCracken took the energy to a whole new level by leaping off the stage to make his way through the crowd. Fans surged around him, creating an unforgettable, intimate moment between band and audience.
The band then launched into more classics. During “Blue and Yellow” the venue was filled with raw emotion as the band poured their hearts into the song. Fans joined them in a chorus that resonated throughout the space. As the first lyrics rang out for “The Taste of Ink” and the audience screamed them back to McCracken. It was one of those moments where you felt the history between The Used and their devoted followers, a relationship 24 years in the making.
At the end of the show, Bert and the band threw roses into the crowd, thanking everyone for coming to the concert and giving it their all. For an elder emo like me, and the majority of the audience, this show was unforgettable. Between their kick-ass new music off of MEDZ and age-old fan favorites, this setlist had something for everyone.
Bert McCracken – Vocals / Piano
Jeph Howard – Bass / Backing Vocals
Joey Bradford – Guitar / Backing Vocals
Dan Whitesides – Drums
SETLIST
Pretty Handsome Awkward
Say Days Ago
Buried Myself Alive
Let It Bleed
Take It Away
The Bird and the Worm
Fuck You
Listening
Blood on My Hands
Blow Me
Sound Effects and Overdramatics
Light With a Sharpened Edge
Giving Up
I Caught Fire
Blue and Yellow
The Taste of Ink
On My Own
I’m a Fake
Box Full of Sharp Objects
By the end of the night, the Hard Rock Live had become a space for connection, nostalgia, and unrestrained energy. Each band brought their own magic to the stage, leaving every fan counting down the days until they could experience it all over again. If you ever get the chance to see Raue, the Plain White T’s, or The Used, don’t pass it up. It’s a night you’ll be reliving long after the music fades.
RAUE:
PLAIN WHITE T’S:
THE USED:
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