The Used

The Used formed in Orem, Utah, in the summer of 2000, bringing together Branden Steineckert, Quinn Allman, Jeph Howard, and Bert McCracken. Initially, the band composed music without lyrics until McCracken joined, quickly penning the words for “Maybe Memories” and solidifying his role as vocalist. During their early stages, the band navigated personal struggles, including poverty and substance abuse, often relying on panhandling to make ends meet. They adopted the name “Used” after friends felt a sense of abandonment as the band members dedicated more time to their music. A demo album, “Demos from the Basement,” recorded in Steineckert’s bedroom closet, caught the attention of producer John Feldmann, who helped secure a record deal with Reprise Records in early 2002.

In 2002, the band officially became “The Used” due to a trademark conflict, coinciding with the release of their self-titled debut album. This album, produced by John Feldmann, was met with critical acclaim and featured charting singles like “The Taste of Ink” and “Buried Myself Alive,” eventually achieving platinum certification. The band gained further recognition through appearances on Warped Tour, Ozzfest, and Projekt Revolution, and Bert McCracken’s relationship with Kelly Osbourne, which was featured on “The Osbournes.” Their 2004 album, “In Love and Death,” was profoundly influenced by personal tragedy and also reached platinum status, spawning successful singles such as “Take It Away” and “All That I’ve Got.” In 2006, Branden Steineckert departed, replaced by Dan Whitesides, though Dean Butterworth recorded drums for the 2007 album “Lies for the Liars.” “Lies for the Liars” continued their commercial success, charting highly internationally and earning gold certification. Subsequently, they released the EP “Shallow Believer” in 2008 and their fourth studio album “Artwork” in 2009, which marked their first collaboration with producer Matt Squire and featured Whitesides on drums.

The band established their independent label, Anger Music Group, for the release of their fifth album, “Vulnerable,” in 2012, after parting ways with Reprise Records. This period also saw them facing touring challenges, including a ban from Canada due to McCracken’s past misdemeanors. Subsequent releases included the EP “The Ocean of the Sky” in 2013, “Imaginary Enemy” in 2014, and “The Canyon” in 2017, the latter receiving strong positive reviews for its raw sound and emotional depth. Justin Shekoski joined as guitarist in 2015, replacing Quinn Allman, and contributed significantly to “The Canyon,” though he departed the band in 2018 due to business disputes. Joey Bradford later filled the guitarist role, and The Used continued to release new music, including “Heartwork” in 2020 and “Toxic Positivity” in 2023, along with its B-sides album “Medz” in 2024, maintaining their presence in the rock music scene.