PHOTOS: The All-American Rejects – Academy, Manchester – 14/06/2026

Even though they’ve not properly been away, it really does feel like The All-American Rejects are back. Just take a look at all the recent movement from their camp—their first new album in ages; a stage-headlining slot at Download; and now some extra dates on the side, sans opener to give them the entire spotlight. It’s kind of cool to see a resurrection like theirs play out in such a way, rising out of the emo-pop glut of the past decades into a wiser prospect. It’s part of why Sandbox was such a successful return, going in a direction that had its roots planted, but was designed entirely by the band themselves. That’s just as true for tonight’s show in Manchester, hopefully the prelude for even more to come for one of the scene’s unlikeliest glow-ups. Will Robinson headed over to check it out.

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Photos by Will Robinson (Instagram)