The All-American Rejects Took Over a Minneapolis Bowling Alley — and It Was Total Chaos (In the Best Way)
- 4 days ago
- 2 min read
POSTED ON: May 17, 2025
LOCATION: Memory Lanes, Minneapolis
AUTHOR: Patrick Jae Amunson
Yes, that’s a bowling alley. And yes, that’s The All-American Rejects.
On May 16, 2025, Minneapolis witnessed one of the most unforgettable underplays in recent memory — a full-on, last-minute, crowd-flooded, stage-in-the-lanes performance by The All-American Rejects at Memory Lanes.
It started as a cryptic drop by TCUP (Twin Cities United Performers) the night before — a flyer with no band name, just static buzz and questions. By show day, the band had pivoted from a planned South Minneapolis house show to calling up Memory Lanes just 45 minutes before showtime.
The team built a stage between active bowling lanes. People were literally bowling during the set.
Fans packed in. Word spread. A line wrapped the block.
And because it was so bananas?
They played a second set.
Why This Matters:
This wasn’t a money grab. It wasn’t a label-sponsored “secret show.”
It was an authentic moment — chaotic, intimate, and purely driven by the love of music and connection.
Bowling balls rolled as amps screamed.
Locals grabbed beers while singing “Dirty Little Secret.”
No barricades. No security line. Just raw access.
It was punk. It was DIY. It was unforgettable.
About TCUP:
TCUP isn’t a promo company. It’s a movement — a rotating cast of artists and producers curating unforgettable underground shows that blend professional grit with hometown soul.
Huge shoutout to Hans Larson and the TCUP crew for pulling this off. Legends.
Were you there? Got footage?
Drop your videos, photos, and stories in the comments or tag @AmunsonAudio and @TwinCitiesUnitedPerformers — we’ll be creating a short doc to capture this moment properly.
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