Explore Bert McCracken's profound influence as lead singer of The Used, his musical journey, and his advocacy in mental health.

Bert McCracken is the dynamic lead vocalist of the rock band The Used. He has an estimated net worth ranging between $1 million and $5 million as of 2024, according to SuperstarsCulture. McCracken's emotive voice and charismatic stage presence have shaped the band's distinctive sound. It further contributing to its status as a staple in the post-hardcore music scene. His journey in music is marked by both critical acclaim and personal trials. They have influenced his artistic expression and helped cultivate a deep connection with fans worldwide.

Hailing from Utah, McCracken moved to California. There, he joined The Used and quickly rose to fame after releasing their self-titled debut album in 2002. This album and its successors, particularly In Love and Death, cemented the band's place in music. They blend intense, raw lyrics with punk rock and melodic elements. McCracken's ability to channel his life experiences into his music has resonated strongly with audiences. It further made him a beloved figure in the alternative music community.

Artistic Impact & Musical Career

Linkin Park's "Projekt Revolution 2004" - July 30, 2004Linkin Park's "Projekt Revolution 2004" - July 30, 2004

Bert McCracken of The Used during Linkin Park's "Projekt Revolution 2004." July 30, 2004, also at PNC Bank Arts Center in Holmdel, New Jersey, United States. (Photo by Theo Wargo/WireImage)

 

Bert McCracken's influence extends beyond his vocal contributions. His songwriting is deeply personal, often reflecting his struggles and triumphs. Moreover, this authenticity is a hallmark of The Used's music. It draws fans who find solace and connection in the band's themes of anguish, redemption, and survival. Albums like Artwork and Vulnerable showcase the band’s evolution, with McCracken leading the charge in exploring new sounds while staying true to their core emotional intensity.

The band's ability to adapt to changing musical landscapes while maintaining a loyal fan base speaks volumes about McCracken's leadership and vision. His performances are renowned for their energy and emotional depth, which have sustained The Used's popularity and attracted new listeners in a streaming-dominated music industry.

Collaborations & Broader Influence

"Clash Of The Titans" - Los Angeles Premiere - Red Carpet"Clash Of The Titans" - Los Angeles Premiere - Red Carpet

HOLLYWOOD - MARCH 31: Musicians Quinn Allman, Jeph Howard, Bert McCracken and Dan Whitesides of The Used arrive to the premiere "Clash Of The Titans" held at Grauman's Chinese Theatre on March 31, 2010 in Los Angeles, California.. (Photo by Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic)

 

In addition to his work with The Used, McCracken has collaborated with various artists, lending his distinctive voice and emotional depth to numerous projects across different genres. These collaborations have broadened his musical footprint and introduced his talents to a wider audience. His influence is also evident in his impact on newer bands and artists who cite McCracken and The Used as key inspirations for their own music.

McCracken's participation in music festivals and other live events continues to reinforce his and the band's relevance in the rock and alternative music scenes. These live performances are critical to his artistic identity, showcasing his skill as a performer who can connect with audiences on an intimate level.

Personal Growth & Advocacy

Audacy Beach Festival - Day 2Audacy Beach Festival - Day 2

FORT LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 04: Bert McCracken and Cleopatra Rose McCracken of The Used perform on stage during. Audacy Beach Festival at Fort Lauderdale Beach on December 04, 2022, also in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. (Photo by Jason Koerner/Getty Images for Audacy )

 

Beyond music, Bert McCracken is known for his openness about his personal life, including his struggles with substance abuse and his path to sobriety. His candidness about these challenges has endeared him to fans and has been instrumental in his advocacy for mental health awareness. McCracken's journey through personal hardships and recovery is interwoven with his music, adding layers of depth to his performances and songwriting.

His advocacy extends into his public appearances and interviews, where he often discusses the importance of mental health support and the power of music as a therapeutic tool. This aspect of his life adds a significant dimension to his public persona, emphasizing the role of artists as advocates for well-being and change.

Harry Styles paid tribute to the late David Hockney and reflected on his time in One Direction last night (June 12), as he kicked off his record-breaking residency at Wembley Stadium.

Hockney – whose painting of Styles was displayed at the National Portrait Gallery in 2023 – died on June 11, aged 88, and the musician honoured him during his set by sharing a quote from the painter on the big screens.

“What an artist is trying to do for people is bring them closer to something, because of course art is about sharing,” the quote read. “You wouldn’t be an artist unless you wanted to share an experience, a thought.”

Styles’ gig last night marked the first of 12 gigs at Wembley, which will see the star break the record for the most shows at the venue in a single tour. Coldplay previously held the record, delivering 10 gigs at the stadium last year as part of their Music Of The Spheres tour.

Harry Styles
Harry Styles’ David Hockney tribute. Credit: Rhian Daly

The London residency follows the Together, Together tour beginning in Amsterdam in May, and will be followed by stops in São Paulo, Mexico City, New York, Melbourne and Sydney. He will be supported by a different artist in each city, joined by Shania Twain in London, who delivered a set of hits and new tracks from her upcoming album, ‘Little Miss Twain’.

As the sounds of Simon And Garfunkel’s ‘Bridge Over Troubled Water’ played over the stadium PA, Styles made his way to the stage, kicking off his set with ‘Are You Listening Yet?’, from his latest album, ‘Kiss All The Time. Disco Occasionally’. Between renditions of ‘Golden’ and ‘Adore You’, he addressed the crowd for the first time, saying: “Our job tonight is to entertain you. Your job is to have as much fun as you possibly can.

“If you want to sing, if you want to dance, please feel free. Please feel free to be whoever it is you’ve always wanted to be tonight. We’ve got each other’s backs.”

Throughout the night, Styles subtly reworked some of the songs on the setlist. He dedicated ‘Taste Back’ “to all the ravers in the house”, as a snippet of Underworld’s ‘Born Slippy’ was interpolated into the song, while a brief burst of Talking Heads’ ‘This Must Be The Place’ was introduced to ‘Treat People With Kindness’. During ‘Dance No More’, the pop star’s band played part of the groove from Happy Mondays’ ‘Step On’, while Styles sang a snatch of Gorillaz’s ‘Clint Eastwood’.

There were also nods to Styles’ days in One Direction early in the set. As the musician left the stage after ‘Fine Line’, the string section on stage played a medley featuring clips of the group’s hits ‘Night Changes’ and ‘History’, plus Styles’ own track ‘Falling’. After ‘Keep Driving’, he took the time to reflect on Wembley’s connections to his and the boyband’s journeys.

“Just outside of this building, just next door, is Wembley Arena, and 16 years ago, my sister brought me to London for the very first time for my X Factor audition,” he said. “So driving here today, and any time I come through Wembley, means so much to me, ‘cause right in that building next door, I was put into a band. We were called One Direction.

“Driving here today, I drove the same way I used to come when I went to that building and she brought me here. My sister is here tonight – I want to say thank you to Gemma. We went to the Natural History Museum, we went to Big Ben, we saw everything! So it means a lot for me to be in here tonight. Thank you so much for allowing me to do these shows. It means so much. Thank you, thank you, thank you.”

 

The Together, Together setlist features a different surprise song each night at the start of the encore. Last night, Styles treated the Wembley audience to ‘Little Freak’, taken from ‘Harry’s House’, for the first time since 2023. After the song, he spoke to the audience for the final time, saying: “I don’t know if you’ve been listening to me for a week, or a month, or a year, or five years, or 10 years, or 16 years, or whatever it is, but you have changed my life over and over again. Thank you so much for being here and allowing us to do these shows. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

“Finally, 16 years ago, my mother signed me up for the X Factor without my knowledge. I wouldn’t be here today if she hadn’t done that. She’s here today – thank you so much. You’ve changed my life, all of you.” Referencing a lyric in ‘Dance No More’, he added: “Remember – respect your mother.”

Harry Styles Wembley Stadium night one setlist was:

‘Are You Listening Yet?’
‘Golden’
‘Adore You’
‘Watermelon Sugar’
‘Music From A Sushi Restaurant’
‘Taste Back’
‘Coming Up Roses’
‘Fine Line’
‘Italian Girls’
‘American Girls’
‘Keep Driving’
‘Ready, Steady, Go!’
‘Dance No More’
‘Treat People With Kindness’
‘Pop’
‘Season 2 Weight Loss’
‘Carla’s Song’
‘Aperture’
‘Little Freak’
‘Sign Of The Times’
‘As It Was’

Harry Styles
Harry Styles credit: Anthony Pham

The Together, Together, London residency continues at Wembley Stadium tonight, with further dates on June 17, 19, 20, 23, 26, 27, 29 and July 1, 3, and 4. Visit here for any remaining UK tickets and check out doors and stage times here.

The gigs will see Styles donate £1 from every ticket sold to LIVE’s levy to help protect UK grassroots music venues and support emerging talent, and before Styles’ headline performance, the big screens at the venue encouraged fans to support Music Venues Trust.

The tour is in support of the star’s latest album, ‘Kiss All The Time. Disco Occasionally’, which was released in March. In a four-star review, NME described it as “an album that you’ll really want to spend a lot of time with, letting all its layers envelope you”. It added: “It’s the most exploratory album of his career so far, trying out new things and steering his ship in new directions.”

Meanwhile, Styles has also curated this year’s Meltdown Festival at the Southbank Centre. The line-up chosen by the star includes Stephen Fretwell, Nilüfer Yanya, Orlando Weeks, Bar Italia, Dev Hynes, Jon Hopkins, Getdown Services, LCD Soundsystem’s James Murphy, Soulwax and more, as well as an intimate gig from Styles himself.

The festival kicked off earlier this week (June 11) with a performance from Los Angeles’ Warpaint, whose show was their first in nearly two years. During the gig, they shared fan favourites like ‘Love Is To Die, ‘Billie Holiday’ and ‘Disco//Very’, plus a cover of Kate Bush’s ‘Running Up That Hill’.

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