When the Vans Warped Tour started in 1995, the festival gave punk bands the ability to tour without big record labels and sponsors. While the music and the involvement of sponsors has changed over the years, the mentality of the festival has not. Touring throughout the country, around 50 bands play for packed crowds on about 10 different stages (the number of bands and stages depends on the location of any given year’s festival). While its punk rock roots are still present in the lineup, the range of genres has expanded, including everything from heavy rock to ska punk to reggae. The acts playing in the festival are also varied, from up-and-comers to radio-mainstays. Most people who attend Warped Tour are proud of the music they listen to and the culture that it tends to represent, but others simply enjoy the good music and fun atmosphere.
Bands on the main stage for this summer included A Day to Remember, Less Than Jake, 3OH!3, Gym Class Heroes, Paramore and A Devil Wears Prada. Other notable bands included Set Your Goals, The Wonder Years, British punk band Sharks, and Boston ska legend Big D and the Kids Table. In addition to the stages, street vendors within the venue sell everything from band merchandise to over priced refreshments (taking advantage of the heat of the summer).
My personal favorite performances of the day were Big D and the Kids Table and Less Than Jake. Both bands are known for their crazy antics on stage as well and lively personalities; neither disappointed the massive crowds that came to see them. They each boast an impressive horn section that adds to the catchy melodies and rhythms provided by the rest of the band.
Still, the atmosphere at Warped Tour is truly what makes it such an incredible experience. The bands enjoy playing for the fans and the fans enjoy seeing their favorite bands all in one place. This relationship is evident in the fact that every band provides a time to sign autographs and talk to fans, whether in a sponsored tent at a specific time for some of the more well-known bands, or at their own souvenir tent right after their set. Still, it certainly isn’t for everyone. It’s loud, it’s insane, and even a bit violent in some of the mosh pits. But for those people who like that sort of thing, it’s the perfect place to go.