Black Ties And Symphonies With BERT McCRACKEN From THE USED

Interview by Angela CroudaceFor more than 25 years, The Used have built their legacy on chaos, catharsis and connection, but in 2026, they’re stepping into entirely new territory with a landmark performance at the Sydney Opera House.Taking place on March 29, the one-night-only event, titled A Mid Summer Night’s Symphony, will see the band joined by a full orchestra and choir for the first time in their career. The black-tie performance promises to reimagine beloved tracks with sweeping arrangements, elevating their signature intensity into something grander and more cinematic.Frontman Bert McCracken described the opportunity as “otherworldly,” revealing it’s been a dream since first seeing the venue in 2005. He also noted the iconic setting has reshaped their approach, leaning into a more “beautiful, romantic” atmosphere to match the space.Songs like The Bird and the Worm have already been reworked to suit the scale of a full orchestral production, with McCracken promising the night will feel “magic” for both the band and fans alike.Following their recent 25th anniversary Australian tour, this ambitious performance marks a bold new chapter—one that proves The Used are still evolving, even after decades at the forefront of alternative music.Tickets from sydneyoperahouse.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.