The All-American Rejects: A Legacy Reborn
The All-American Rejects, a band that rose to fame in the early 2000s with hits like "Give You Hell" and "Dirty Little Secret", had been on a hiatus of sorts. It had been a decade since they released their fourth album, "Kids in the Street", and their performances had been limited to sporadic appearances at state fairs and corporate events. But in October 2022, they took to the stage at the When We Were Young festival, and it was a moment that would change everything.
A New Beginning
As they performed in front of a crowd of 30,000 people, something special happened. The band’s lead vocalist, Tyson Ritter, recalls, "We came out there and rang like a bell. In this show, something happened that not only woke up the people that we have a legacy, but it’s still in 2025." This performance marked a new beginning for the band, and they have been on a roll ever since.
A Legacy of Hits
The All-American Rejects built their legacy as a pop-rock mainstay in the early 2000s, with hooky singles and a boy-next-door appeal that resonated with young listeners. Their songs, which often dealt with themes of broken hearts and childhood lust, have stood the test of time and continue to garner hundreds of millions of streams to this day.
Burnout and Rebirth
However, the band’s rapid rise to fame and subsequent touring schedule took a toll on them. They burned out, and their relationships with each other suffered. Ritter notes, "After ‘Kids on the Street’, we were done for the moment, and we all fell back to earth alone." But now, they’re in a much better place, and their performance at the When We Were Young festival marked a turning point in their journey.
New Music and a New Era
The band has released a new single, "Sandbox", which marks a lyrical shift for the band. The song is a tongue-in-cheek commentary on the state of the world, written from the perspective of a child. Ritter says, "It feels really pleasant to have a lived experience and to be able to say wow, I take care of a broader feeling of humanity, as if she broke my heart or not." The band is also working on a new album, which is set to be released next year, and they’re excited to be performing as an independent act, free from the restrictions of a major label.
Independence and Creativity
As an independent act, the All-American Rejects are exploring new ways to write music. They’re taking their time to craft songs, sending parts back and forth, and holding Zoom sessions to discuss arrangements. They’re producing their record with a friend, throwing ideas against the wall, and releasing songs as they see fit. This newfound freedom has allowed them to tap into their creative spark once again.
Time and Timing
Time is a recurring theme for the All-American Rejects as they reflect on their quarter-century journey. The band members are now in their 40s, and they’ve all pursued separate careers in music and beyond. But they’ve managed to find their way back to each other, and their shared passion for music has been rekindled. Wheeler notes, "We just had to wait for the timing to work for everything to make sure that this is followed when it has to be." Ritter adds, "The gift of it is that now it’s so rewarding because I love this shit. I said to myself today that I really want to play. It’s been two weeks, and I’m like, I just want to play, man. I think that’s a good sign, right?"
The Future
The All-American Rejects are on the cusp of a new era, one that promises to be exciting and creative. With their new music, newfound independence, and renewed passion for performing, they’re ready to take on the world once again. As they look to the future, they’re grateful for the journey that has brought them to this point, and they’re excited to see what’s next.
