The All American Rejects

Article by Brittany Ormiston

Going back in time during all of these throwback tours this summer has been quite a treat. The All-American Rejects joined in on the fun during their Wet Hot All-American Summer Tour. The tour name referenced the 2001 comedy film to add to the nostalgia. The band made sure to stop in Indianapolis’ backyard for a night to remember. With a heat index of 100 degrees and the crowd packed into TCU Amphitheater, the evening sure lived up to the tour name. Despite the sweltering heat, the band still brought unwavering energy and confidence. “Are you feeling good? Say yeah!” shouted lead vocalist Tyson Ritter to the crowd. 

A visual of a time machine appeared on the screen behind him. Everyone in attendance was taken back to 2008 as the instrumentals for ‘Fallin’ Apart’ echoed through the venue. A compilation of old videos emerged, and brought everything full circle. Clips of the band, iconic movies, such as Dirty Dancing, and snippets of groundbreaking artists, such as Michael Jackson, were played throughout the duration of the track. Tyson engaged with a fan in the pit, and stuck his tongue out with a rock-on hand sign. The All-American Rejects continued onward with throwbacks they knew the crowd would know and love. Tyson uttered, “This next one is a track that helped shape your adolescence.” The infamous guitar riff for ‘Dirty Little Secret’ followed shortly after, and the crowd was beyond ready. There’s nothing like your favorite band performing that particular song you have the most memories attached to, and the one you hold closest to your heart. 

The All-American Rejects cruised through several more eras, including ‘Sweat’ (very fitting) and ‘There’s A Place’ with Tyson playing the ukulele as a new addition to their live performance. They closed out the show with ‘Gives You Hell,’ which was as chaotic as you can imagine. Lead guitarist Mike Kennerty’s high kicks, and Tyson’s unpredictable behavior certainly kept the audience on their toes throughout the entirety of the set. From the early 2000s to present day, The All-American Rejects have always had listeners feeling on top of the world. 

TCU Amphitheater in Indianapolis, IN on August 24, 2023

Photos by Everly Ormiston