The All-American Rejects’ Tyson Ritter & Nick Wheeler Talk Backyard Tour, Independence & New Album at Billboard House @ SXSW

With The All-American Rejects ‘ comeback continuing into 2026 with AAR’s first album since 2012, Sandbox , which arrives in May, band members Tyson Ritter and Nick Wheeler stopped by the Billboard House @ SXSW on Friday (March 13). Explore The All American-Rejects See latest videos, charts and news Clips from performances on the backyard tour took over social media and packed on a heavy dose of nostalgia and brought the band closer together.

“While we were in the belly of that beast, when we were a week in and it was popping off, it felt like we were holding the tail of the dragon, man,” Ritter raved. “Those shows were the greatest things I’ve ever been a part of, let alone been to, let alone performed in.” The idea for the backyard tour across America came from their manager, Meghan Kraemer.

“That created something — especially being from Oklahoma — it felt like the shows we were playing when we were kids,” Ritter added. After dominating the 2000s with Interscope Records, the band chose to pursue an independent route...