Whether the pop punk band All American Rejects will go on tour is a question many fans are asking. As one of the most popular bands to come out of the early 2000s pop punk scene, All American Rejects developed a loyal fanbase with hits like “Swing, Swing,” “Dirty Little Secret,” and “Gives You Hell.” After going on hiatus for several years, there has been much speculation if the band will reunite for a comeback tour.
Background on All American Rejects
All American Rejects formed in Stillwater, Oklahoma in 1999. The founding members included lead singer Tyson Ritter, guitarist Nick Wheeler, bassist Tim Campbell, and drummer Chris Gaylor. After releasing several independent EPs, the band was signed to Dreamworks Records in 2002. They released their debut self-titled album in 2003, which went platinum and featured their first major hit “Swing, Swing.” This catchy pop punk track put All American Rejects on the map and got consistent radio airplay.
In 2005, the band released their second studio album Move Along. This album went double platinum and spawned their top 10 Billboard Hot 100 hit “Dirty Little Secret” and the top 20 single “Move Along.” Other singles like “It Ends Tonight” and “Night Drive” also got radio play and proved All American Rejects could craft infectious power pop songs just as well as edgy pop punk anthems. Move Along showed remarkable growth in the band’s sound.
All American Rejects waited until 2008 to release their third album When the World Comes Down. The record sold over 15,000 copies in its first week and produced their highest charting single “Gives You Hell,” which reached number 4 on the Billboard Hot 100. Additional singles like “The Wind Blows” and “I Wanna” also performed well. When the World Comes Down went gold and signaled the band’s peak in popularity.
Hiatus Period
After touring heavily behind When the World Comes Down, All American Rejects took some time off starting in 2010. They parted ways with Dreamworks Records and went on an indefinite hiatus. Frontman Tyson Ritter released a solo album in 2013 and pursued an acting career. He appeared in several TV shows like Parenthood and Preacher. Guitarist Nick Wheeler produced records for other bands during the hiatus period.
In 2012, All American Rejects returned to play several live shows and festival appearances. They released a new single “Beekeeper’s Daughter” in 2012 and an EP Sweat in 2013. These new songs marked their first releases as an independent band after leaving Dreamworks. However, the band did not release a full studio album or embark on a proper reunion tour. They continued to play sporadic shows and festivals for the next several years.
Recent Reunion Rumors
In 2022, rumors began circulating that All American Rejects were planning a major reunion tour and comeback album. These rumors started when the band played several shows celebrating the 15th anniversary of Move Along. Drummer Chris Gaylor hinted in interviews that the band was working on new music and hoped to return in full force. Frontman Tyson Ritter mentioned on social media that new All American Rejects songs were in the works.
The band also launched a TikTok account in spring 2022. They began posting behind-the-scenes videos from the studio which showed Ritter recording vocals and the band rehearsing together. These posts suggested All American Rejects were indeed back together and working on something big. Fans hoped this meant a long-awaited reunion was finally happening.
In summer 2022, All American Rejects announced they signed to Epitaph Records and formally ended their hiatus. They released a new single “Demons” in July 2022. This marked their first single with new material in 9 years. Lead singer Tyson Ritter said “Demons” kicks off the next chapter for the band. He said after rediscovering their passion for music, All American Rejects were thrilled to release new songs and get back on tour.
2023 Tour Announcement
Finally, in October 2022, All American Rejects announced the “Tragedy of Triumph Tour” slated for early 2023. This extensive headlining tour will kick off on January 25th, 2023 in Phoenix, Arizona and run through late March stopping in major cities across the U.S. Supporting acts for the tour are set to include Dashboard Confessional, Blackbear, and Pinkshift on select dates.
The tour announcement confirmed All American Rejects will release their fifth studio album Tragedy of Triumph in early 2023 just before the tour. This LP will include the singles “Demons” and “Tragedy” along with 8 other new songs. Fans speculated this forthcoming album signifies All American Rejects’ official comeback after their long hiatus.
Tickets for the tour went on sale October 14th and the band expressed appreciation for fans’ patience and support leading up to the reunion announcement. Based on strong ticket sales, it’s clear fans are thrilled to see All American Rejects back together and returning to the stage in 2023.
Setlist Speculation
Given this tour is supporting All American Reject’s new album, it’s expected the setlist will feature plenty of new songs. However, fans are hopeful the band will still make room to play classics from their catalogue like “Swing, Swing,” “Dirty Little Secret,” “Move Along,” and “Gives You Hell.” It’s likely All American Rejects will aim to strike a balance between showcasing the new album and playing their biggest hits.
In recent festival appearances leading up to the reunion tour, All American Rejects played a career-spanning setlist. They opened with crowd favorite “Dirty Little Secret” before mixing in newer songs like “Beekeeper’s Daughter” along with hits like “Swing Swing” and “It Ends Tonight.” This gives fans an idea of what to expect from the upcoming tour’s setlist. The band clearly wants to highlight new material but will surely break out the throwback jams as well.
Setlist mainstays fans can count on include “Dirty Little Secret,” “Move Along,” and “Gives You Hell.” Other songs that are likely to appear based on recent setlists are “Swing Swing,” “It Ends Tonight,” and “Night Drive.” With 5 albums worth of material, All American Rejects have plenty of options to choose from. Even some deep cuts and rarities may make the setlist for diehard fans.
Stage Production
As a pop punk band, All American Rejects are known for a relatively stripped down stage production compared to elaborate rock shows. Their live performances tend to feature basic rock band instrumentation under pulsing stage lights. However, given this is their big reunion tour, fans can probably expect some new visual elements.
Recent festival performances included multicolored stage lighting complementing each song’s shifts in dynamics and tone. The band may take this concept even further and go for a flashy light show synchronized to the new album’s material. Other possibilities include rear projection screens displaying complementary graphics and videos or themed artwork representing the new Tragedy of Triumph era.
Whatever the visual enhancements may be, All American Rejects’ live energy and charisma will remain the focal point. Lead singer Tyson Ritter has always been an electrifying frontman who interacts extensively with the crowd. His swagger and showmanship is a huge part of the band’s appeal. Matching that with an amped up production design could make for an unforgettable concert experience.
Critical and Fan Response
So far, both critics and fans seem enthusiastic about All American Reject’s reunion tour and upcoming album. Early reviews for lead single “Demons” and follow-up “Tragedy” have been positive. Music journalists note the new songs recapture the band’s signature sound while indicating stylistic growth. The singles strike an effective balance between nostalgia and evolution.
Likewise, fan response on social media has been overwhelmingly positive. Long-time supporters of the band express excitement about the tour announcement and eagerness to hear the new record. Casual listeners also seem intrigued by the band reuniting. There is substantial buzz and anticipation heading into the tour kick-off and album release.
If the remainder of the new album lives up to the first two singles, Tragedy of Triumph could mark a successful comeback for All American Rejects. Critical and fan reception will continue to unfold in 2023. But the band has all the pieces in place to reestablish themselves as a pop punk force and deliver a hit album supported by an acclaimed tour. The excitement surrounding their reunion signifies most are ready to welcome All American Rejects back.
Impact on Pop Punk Genre
All American Rejects were one of the bands at the forefront of the 2000s pop punk explosion alongside acts like Fall Out Boy, Green Day, and Yellowcard. Their initial success helped pave the way for that genre’s mainstream popularity. However, pop punk faded a bit from the limelight in the 2010s even as All American Rejects went on hiatus.
Now in the 2020s, pop punk is seeing a revival with the rise of newer bands like Machine Gun Kelly, KennyHoopla, Meet Me @ The Altar, and others incorporating elements of the genre. All American Reject’s reunion and forthcoming album could provide momentum for pop punk’s renewed prominence. Given their pedigree, the band demonstrating the genre still has legs may encourage radio, streaming services, and younger artists to keep pop punk in the mainstream mix.
All American Rejects’ idiosyncratic brand of punk-influenced power pop could also impact how the genre progresses and evolves. Based on singles like “Demons,” their updated take on pop punk utilizes more electro and dance influences. If new tracks follow suit, All American Rejects could blaze a trail for more pop punk/EDM hybridization. Their fresh spin blending nostalgic and futuristic sounds may set the tone for pop punk in the 2020s.
Beyond sound, the band’s rock star image and rebellious ethos were always core parts of their appeal. A whole new generation is primed to discover that excitement. All American Rejects bringing their signature style back in full force could inspire younger pop punk acts to emulate their spirit and aesthetic. Simply put, having these genre veterans back in the mix should be a boon for pop punk at large.
Potential for Ongoing Success
Time will tell how All American Rejects’ 2023 tour and album perform commercially. However, the band is smartly capitalizing on fans’ nostalgia while forging a relevant new direction. Their focused pursuit of a comeback suggests All American Rejects are taking this second act seriously rather than just coasting on old glory. Investing effort into refreshing their image and sound improves the odds of prolonged success.
The group’s chemistry also appears as strong as ever. Their renewed camaraderie and enthusiasm is palpable in behind-the-scenes clips. All American Rejects seem creatively reinvigorated and excited to be making music together again. That personal dynamic should strengthen their output and performances.
The pop punk revival likewise provides an optimal climate for All American Rejects to thrive again. Nostalgic listeners are hungry for the genre’s 2000s era bands while younger crowds are discovering the style with fresh ears. That combination gives the band potential for multigenerational appeal.
Upcoming festival appearances on lineups alongside current chart-toppers also position All American Rejects for relevance. Collaborating with or co-signing new acts could further bridge the gap to young audiences. The band has all the tools to sustain their resurgence rather than simply cash in on nostalgia for a quick buck.
All American Rejects are an ambitious band with several good years still ahead of them. Their evolution over the previous decade combined with a few smart strategies could cement an enduring comeback. The “Tragedy of Triumph Tour” and accompanying album will provide the first test of their sustained viability. But initial signs point to All American Rejects reclaiming their place atop the pop punk mountain for 2023 and beyond.
Conclusion
After a long absence, All American Rejects are finally returning in 2023 with a new album and extensive headlining tour. This reunion has been highly anticipated based on rumors swirling for the past 2 years. Now that the tour and album details are locked in, the pop punk veterans seem poised for a major comeback.
Early single releases indicate All American Rejects are blending their signature sound with modern production and electronic flourishes. This updated take combined with the band’s proven catalog suggests their shows will appeal to both older and younger audiences. The group’s enthusiastic work ethic and renewed passion are also good omens.
The “Tragedy of Triumph Tour” and accompanying new LP present All American Rejects the platform to reestablish themselves as genre leaders. Their potential impact includes influencing modern pop punk’s sound and aesthetic evolution. If the comeback goes smoothly, All American Rejects have all the attributes to remain relevant for years rather than simply relying on nostalgia.
For fans, the opportunity to see All American Rejects back in action and delivering new music is a dream come true. The wait is nearly over and the band is ready to reclaim their former glory. All signs point to 2023 being the year All American Rejects officially return to the forefront of pop punk where they belong.