The All-American Rejects got the plug pulled on a backyard gig near the University of Missouri — but not before police let them rip one last song. Gives You Hell, of course.
The May 18 house show was part of the band’s ongoing tour, where they’ve been trading stadiums for bowling alleys, barns, and backyards in a bid to create more affordable, fan-friendly gigs while teasing their upcoming album. But this one got a little too loud, a little too late.
According to Columbia PD’s assistant chief Mark Fitzgerald, the show was “in violation of several local ordinances.” But in a rare plot twist, the cops were actually fans. One officer reportedly told the band he’d listened to them “a lot” in college, and after a chat with security, agreed to let them play one more song.
In fan-shot footage, frontman Tyson Ritter addresses the crowd mid-chaos: “The cops just shut us down… They said we can play one more fucking song!” Naturally, they launched into Gives You Hell like it was the last night of Warped Tour ‘08.
Fitzgerald later confirmed to CNN that the band and crowd were “very cooperative,” and even added that the police would “be happy to have the All-American Rejects return… with the proper permits.” Nothing says punk rock quite like red tape and a courteous invitation back.
The Rejects are also on the bill for this year’s Shaky Knees Festival in Atlanta, playing alongside My Chemical Romance, Blink-182 and Deftones. A far cry from student housing patios, but they’ve clearly still got range.
This DIY tour comes on the heels of the band pulling out of 2023’s When We Were Young Fest, citing “management changes” that made their set — performing their 2002 debut in full — no longer possible.
Still, it’s clear The All-American Rejects are on their own wave right now. Backyard shows. Cops singing along. No permits, no problem. Just don’t expect the same leniency next time you try it with your Bluetooth speaker.
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