THE ALL-AMERICAN REJECTS

The All-American Rejects, Download Festival 2026 LIVE REVIEW: The mood of this All-American Rejects’ set is probably best summed up by the fact that a marriage proposal takes place during it. Complete and utter joy. Whether it’s Tyson Ritter dancing across the stage during ‘Gives You Hell’ or the smiles spreading from cheek to cheek everywhere you turn during ‘Dirty Little Secret’, Oklahoma's finest's tenure on the Avalanche Stage is a display of just how fun live music can be when everyone’s there for the exact same reason. Obviously, there’s no shortage of nostalgic pop-punk bliss in Rejects’ arsenal, with the likes of ‘Move Along’ and ‘Swing, Swing’ sparking some of the most euphoric sing-alongs you'll hear all weekend. And still, they’ve also got the brilliance of their latest album ‘Sandbox’ to lean into, too. ‘Get This’ is served up as a warm slice of pop-rock goodness, and the acoustic-driven ‘Green Isn’t Yellow’ slots seamlessly into a set made for reminiscing on old memories as new ones are made in real time. Twenty years on from their last visit to Donington to be playing in front of such a huge crowd, dealing out chorus after chorus, and watching people of all ages belt out every word like their life depends on it, it feels like they are right back where they belong. ✏️ Maddy Howell 📷 Carla Mundy

The All-American Rejects' Nick Wheeler takes us through the making of 'Sandbox', the band's first album in 14 years, doing things independently, and reconnecting with fans through their explosive new era rocksound.tv/features/interv…