All-American Rejects Backyard Show Near University of Missouri Shut Down by Police

A surprise backyard concert by the All-American Rejects was cut short by local police on May 18 in Columbia, Missouri. Held near the University of Missouri campus, the show was part of the band’s unconventional tour promoting their upcoming album. The tour has taken them to a variety of unique venues, including house parties, a barn, and even a bowling alley, all with the aim of offering a more affordable and intimate live music experience for fans.

Despite the Columbia show being brought to an early end, the police officers present turned out to be fans of the band. They allowed the group to play one final song before ending the event.

In a video shared from the show, frontman Tyson Ritter informed the crowd that the police had stopped the performance. As students in the audience began booing, he revealed that the officers had given them permission for one last song. The band then launched into their 2008 hit “Gives You Hell.” Ritter jokingly added that they were probably getting kicked off campus.

Mark Fitzgerald, assistant chief of the Columbia Police Department, later addressed the incident, explaining to CNN that the event had breached multiple local ordinances. However, he noted that the band, their security team, and the audience cooperated fully with law enforcement. He also shared that the officers had listened to a few songs before informing the crew about the violations. One of the sergeants reportedly recognized the band and had been a fan since college.

Fitzgerald added that the department would welcome the All-American Rejects back to Columbia in the future—ideally with the necessary permits and official approval in place.

In other news, the band is scheduled to perform at the 2025 Shaky Knees Festival in Atlanta. Set to run from September 19 to 21 at Piedmont Park in downtown Atlanta, the festival will be headlined by My Chemical Romance, Blink-182, and Deftones.

Last October, the All-American Rejects had to cancel their appearance at the When We Were Young festival. They explained that changes in the festival's management meant they could no longer be accommodated. The band had originally planned to perform their 2002 self-titled debut album in full.