The Used
with
The Color Fred
Borgata Event Center // 7-19
On 7-19, The Used, along with The Color Fred, played The Event Center at the Borgata in Atlantic City. It had been several years since The Used last played Atlantic City, and fans packed the venue, eager to hear songs that have become staples of the post-hardcore and emo scene for more than two decades. From the moment the doors opened, there was a buzz throughout the venue as the crowd waited for the band to take the stage.
Opening the night was The Color Fred, led by Fred Mascherino of Taking Back Sunday and Say Anything. I've covered Fred quite a bit over the years, both solo and with his other projects, but this was my first time seeing The Color Fred as a full band. They sounded great from the start and did an excellent job getting the crowd warmed up. Their set was full of energy and had people singing along early in the night. It was a strong way to kick off the evening and set the tone for what was to come.
Closing out the evening was The Used. The moment the lights went down, the room erupted with cheers as the band took the stage. They wasted no time launching into "Pretty Handsome Awkward," immediately getting the crowd on their feet before rolling into a set packed with fan favorites including "The Bird and the Worm," "Buried Myself Alive," "I Caught Fire," and "The Ripper." Bert McCracken sounded fantastic throughout the night, bringing the same passion and energy that has made The Used one of the most recognizable bands in the genre. Every song was met with fans singing back nearly every lyric, creating one of those shows where the audience felt just as much a part of the performance as the band. The energy never let up as the night went on, with both newer fans and those who have been following the band since the early 2000s enjoying every minute. They wrapped up the night with "The Taste of Ink" and "A Box Full of Sharp Objects," closing out an unforgettable set and sending the Atlantic City crowd home wanting more.
If you missed this show, you'll have another chance to catch The Used and The Color Fred when they stop at the Wind Creek Event Center in Bethlehem, PA on 7-22. If you're anywhere near the area, don't miss this lineup.
The Used
The Color Fred
