The Used are headed back to Australia this August, and they’re not coming quietly. Rather than playing a standard setlist, the pop rock icons are going all in- three nights in each city, playing three of their most beloved records in full. That’s right, fans will get the chance to experience one of three iconic records each night: 2002’s self-titled album, 2004’s In Love and Death and 2007’s Lies for the Liars, performed from start to finish just as they were meant to be heard. It’s a bold move, but one that feels perfectly fitting as the band celebrates their 25th anniversary. With anticipation building, we caught up with drummer Dan Whitesides to chat about the band’s legacy, their deep connection to Aussie fans and what’s still to come.
Despite joining in 2006, Whitesides is just as nostalgic about the band’s journey as anyone. Reflecting on nearly two decades behind the kit, he says, “I’m happy that we’re here, obviously. People still want to listen to our music, even the newer stuff and the old stuff. It’s kind of cool just to go and play these albums that we’ll probably never play in full ever again, I would assume. And Lies for Liars, we’ve never played most of those songs ever.”
Taking on the first two albums- before he joined the band- comes with a little added pressure, but Whitesides is up for the challenge. “We start rehearsals on August 1st, but I’ve already been rehearsing for a few weeks… I really want to capture the first two albums but I also want to add my own thing to it.” The tour promises a chance for fans to relive those era-defining moments, but also hear the songs in a new light, with Whitesides bringing his own flair to the classics.
Of course, the impact these albums had on early 2000s rock culture can’t be overstated. From angst-ridden ballads to explosive emo anthems, each record marked a shift not just for the band, but for a whole generation of listeners. Whitesides breaks it down: “The first album is definitely a little more bare bones, a little raw. On In Love and Death, you get a little bit more of the bells and whistles. And then by the time you get to Lies for the Liars it’s like full-blown production, horns, piano, you know… Normally when we play a show we play a song or two off of each album and for the more popular albums- the first three- we usually do two or three off of them, usually more upbeat songs, but the last song on Lies for the Liars is “Smother Me”. But it’s been going over really well, and I haven’t heard any complaints.”
Although each night is dedicated to a full album performance, fans can expect a few added surprises woven in. Whitesides teases that there might be something extra in the setlist, just enough to keep each show feeling special. For longtime Aussie fans, this is a particularly meaningful run- especially with frontman Bert McCracken currently calling Australia home. “It’s kind of like a home country,” Whitesides says. “You never know when we’re coming back to Australia… So I feel like the fans just go off a little harder than a lot of other places. We always love coming to Australia, and I know we’ll always be coming back, but it could be two, three, four years.”
Joining them on the tour are two outstanding homegrown acts- Canberra locals Hands Like Houses and Hevenshe, the solo project from Tonight Alive’s Jenna McDougall. Bringing them along for the ride is a nod to The Used’s ongoing commitment to showcasing local talent. “We love to give local bands an opportunity to come and play… I think it’s good to get some good bands, especially Australian bands, and show them some love and let the fans know that we love them and the music that comes out of Australia.”
Over the years, The Used have shared the stage with an enviable list of scene heavyweights, some of whom have left a lasting impressions. “It’s always fun to tour with Taking Back Sunday and, Every Time I Die was fun… We’re about to hit the road with Papa Roach and we did a Papa Roach tour in Australia, I think two or three years ago, and that was amazing. Those guys are all really, really cool. Right now I’m really into Pierce The Veil. I think those guys, not only is their new album really, really good, but those are some of the nicest guys I’ve ever met in my life.”
It’s this mix of legacy, authenticity and genuine connection to fans that’s kept The Used relevant for so long. Their music- raw, emotional and unflinchingly honest- continues to resonate, both with diehards and a new generation discovering them for the first time. “We don’t ever go into anything half-assed. We always want to go in and do our best, write the best we can, play the best we can,” Whitesides shares. “The lyrics have to be what Bert wants them to be, and how he’s feeling at that time, at that day, in that moment. I think we’re just an honest band… I feel like we’ve always just been cruising along, and other bands kind of came and went. But I feel like it’s the songs. That’s why we’re here. You know, if nobody wanted to hear our music, we wouldn’t be here… We have our diehard fans and we’re gaining new fans here and there, but the song—the words, the emotion, and the fact that we care so much, I feel like that’s why we’ve been around so long.”
As for what’s next? The band is soaking up their 25th anniversary milestone for now, riding it out for the rest of the year. Whitesides shares that they have plans to head into the studio around mid-2026 to start working on a new record, but other than that they’re keeping things low-key.
Three iconic albums, three unforgettable nights. After 25 years, The Used are still finding new ways to connect with their audience, and this upcoming Australian tour is shaping up to be one of their most memorable chapters yet. Whether you’ve been screaming along since day one or you’re just discovering The Used’s raw energy for the first time, now’s the time to see them at their very best.
THE USED 2025 TOUR DATES
Thursday 7th August – The Forum, Melbourne# w/ Hands Like Houses
Saturday 9th August – The Forum, Melbourne* w/ Hands Like Houses SOLD OUT
Sunday 10th August – The Forum, Melbourne^ w/ Hands Like Houses SOLD OUT
Tuesday 12th August – The Tivoli, Brisbane# w/ Hands Like Houses SELLING FAST
Wednesday 13 August – The Tivoli, Brisbane* w/ Hands Like Houses SOLD OUT
Thursday 14 August – The Tivoli, Brisbane^ w/ Hands Like Houses SOLD OUT
Saturday 16 August – The Tivoli, Brisbane# w/ Hands Like Houses SOLD OUT
Sunday 17 August – Liberty Hall, Sydney* w/ Hands Like Houses SOLD OUT
Tuesday 19 August – Liberty Hall, Sydney^ w/ Hands Like Houses SOLD OUT
Wednesday 20 August – Liberty Hall, Sydney# w/ Hands Like Houses SELLING FAST
Friday 22 August – Northcote Theatre, Melbourne* w/ Heavenshe SOLD OUT
Saturday 23 August – Northcote Theatre, Melbourne^ w/ Heavenshe SOLD OUT
Monday 25 August – Northcote Theatre, Melbourne# w/ Heavenshe SOLD OUT
Tuesday 26 August – Hindley St Music Hall, Adelaide* w/ Heavenshe
Thursday 28 August – Hindley St Music Hall, Adelaide^ w/ Heavenshe SELLING FAST
Friday 29 August – Hindley St Music Hall, Adelaide # w/ Heavenshe
Sunday 31 August -Metropolis, Fremantle* w/ Heavenshe SELLING FAST
Monday 1 September -Metropolis, Fremantle^ w/ Heavenshe SELLING FAST
Wednesday 3 September – Metropolis, Fremantle# w/ Heavenshe SELLING FAST
Friday 5th September – Liberty Hall, Sydney* w/ Heavenshe SELLING FAST
Saturday 6th September – Liberty Hall, Sydney^ w/ Heavenshe LOW TICKET WARNING
* Playing Self-Titled Record
^ Playing In Love And Death
# Playing Lies For The Liars
Header image credit: artist supplied
