All-American Rejects bring surprise concert to Albuquerque’s South Valley

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – A former alfalfa field in the South Valley served as the venue for one of the most highly-anticipated concerts of the year in New Mexico Wednesday night, although no one knew exactly where it would take place until a few hours before showtime.

The All-American Rejects, the band behind hits such as “Move Along” and “Dirty Little Secret” said they were coming to the Albuquerque area for a concert, but only fans who signed up for an alert received the exact location, and that didn’t come down until 5:55 p.m. Wednesday.

It’s part of the band’s free “House Party” concert series, which features performances in barns and backyards instead of more traditional venues in an effort to fight back against rising concert ticket prices.

“The whole tour, the message we’re trying to get across is what’s happened with concerts in general. It’s become a one-percenters club to have access to the one commodity we need for togetherness, which is music,” said Tyson Ritter, the lead singer and bassist for the band.

The owners of the property couldn’t believe their luck when they were selected.  Jackeline and Thomas Ingham told KOB 4 their family’s properties in the South Valley have been used for weddings in the past, but certainly never for a major concert.

“And I thought it was a scam, so I hung up,” said Jackeline Ingham when asked about how the band’s manager reached out to her to set up the concert. “So, [my husband] is like, ‘Call her back!’ So, he ended up talking the rest of the way with her.”

Throughout the day, many fans of the All-American Rejects across New Mexico were trying to guess where the band might show up later in the evening.

“I thought it was either gonna be at Ex Novo, New Mexico United, or just somewhere in the South Valley because that’s what Reddit said all day,” said Brooke Palmer.

Fans within a 124-mile (200 km) radius were able to receive the band’s concert alert.

It ended with thousands of fans flocking to the area, and just before 8:30 p.m., an announcement was made saying the venue was at capacity, forcing many to leave.

Others remained outside the main gate trying to get the best view they could from afar.

But the band was ultimately happy with the former alfalfa field that was quickly turned into a concert stage.

“Well, this is number four. And this feels like this is the example,” said Ritter ahead of the show. “This is what a house party is.  Right here, man.  We’ve got a beautiful field, an incredibly generous host, the weather is with us.”