Vans Warped Tour is one of the most highly anticipated music festivals to come to Indianapolis. The Warped Tour fell on July 31st this year, as usual, it was a very hot and balmy summer day. Doors opened at 11, and by then, there was an enormous line of tattooed punk rock kids anxiously waiting to get in.
Walking in you could hear that a couple of bands that had already begun to play. As much as one wants to hurry off to a stage to catch their first band, the first stop must always the big inflatable schedule board. The interesting, and unique part about Warped Tour is that the schedule is always different. Your favorite band may have played at 1:00 the previous stop, but today might be playing last. The board lists all 8 stages, along with all the bands and their performance times. The board is always surrounded by people for the first hour or so that the doors open, because all want to make sure they don’t miss anybody. After writing down a few band names on a piece of paper, I made my way out of the crowd and headed towards what I know to be the Main Stage at Verizon Wireless Music Center.
This is the 14th year that the tour has been in existence, thanks to Kevin Lyman Warped Tour creator. When the festival first began, it was about skating, and music. The half-pipe was huge, and there would be a crowd gathered around it, waiting their turn. I must say, I was very disappointed by the fact that I had to hunt down the half-pipe this year. It was so small, and the crowd was almost non existent. What happened to the old skate festival that this used to be? The lineup also showed a reflection of some major changes. Back in the day it was guaranteed that you would see classic punk and ska bands, and then some new up and coming bands on the smaller stages. This year, the lineup really didn’t have anyone that I would consider a classic punk band. For some, who are older, this year was probably a disappointment, but for the attendees between the ages of 13 – 20, this was a dream.
Today the pavilion was actually split in half, one half being the SmartPunk.com stage, and the other being the Hurley.com stage. A few moments after we arrived, Oreskaband took the stage. This is an all girl Japanese ska band that just looked absolutely thrilled to be there. I hadn’t attended a ska show in quite some time, so it was refreshing to see all the energy that was flowing off the stage. When not playing the horns, the girls were jumping and dancing across the stage, dressed like school girls. This was the first time that I had seen this group, so I was unfamiliar with their songs, but it was a fun set. The next set to catch was at the same location, just on the other side of the big stage. I walked over and was greeted by the hardcore sound of Confide. The group didn’t necessarily impress me much. Screaming vocals and the shredding of guitars filled the area, but not many seemed to be overly interested. I had hoped that the screaming would subside to hear the true vocals of the lead singer, but to my disappointment, it did not. After 3 songs I decided it was time to take a walk to the next stage sponsored by Hurley, where up and coming pop artist Katy Perry was going to play. There was some confusion as to where she was scheduled to play, so I ended up catching a little of Family Force 5’s set. Unique to say the least, this Christian ‘crunk’ band has somehow assembled a small army of fans that enjoy their energetic show. I took that one listen, and quickly remembered why I hadn’t taken the time to watch their 2007 performance on Warped Tour. As entertaining it was to watch them play an oversized drum machine, I had a very full schedule and I was in search of where Katy Perry was actually going to play.
I made it back to the Hurley.com stage just in time to catch Katy Perry. This artist was unheard of until the recent success of her chart topping hit “I Kissed a Girl.” There were many fans there to catch her set. Katy pulled out her guitar for a few songs and played with the band, which was surprising to me, as I thought she was only a vocalist. She closed her set with “I Kissed a Girl,” which was no surprise to all that were there.
While wandering between stages, I began trying to understand the reason for the changes in the festival. Walking by the merch tent I overheard a band discussing the tour. I heard one band member mention to the other that they would be lucky if they broke even while on the tour this summer. Being on this tour means you’re not making the normal amount of money you could be making, if you were playing individual gigs. These bands spend approximately 2 months on the road doing the same thing every day. They play their 30 minute sets in the grueling heat, then try to sell as much merchandise as they can, in hopes of making enough money to get to the next city. I sat down at one point with Mike Lasaponara, drum tech for The Academy Is and asked him what life was like on the tour. He explained to me that it was fun because you get to meet lots of new people, and surround yourself in music, but there was a catch. You are always surrounded by people. There is rarely a moment to yourself, ever. He said that one really doesn’t realize how much they need alone time, until they are deprived of it. The day starts off at approximately 8:00 am. You get up and get to the venue, to prep for the day. The gates open, the music starts, you play your gig, you tear down, and you go try and sell some merchandise. The show may end around 8:30 at night, but then you must load everything up and go to the next city, just to start all over again. He said that sometimes you have to make sure that you don’t lose yourself in the monotony, which is difficult at times.
Say Anything, an alternative rock band from Los Angeles, California, was my next stop at the Highway 1 Main Stage. I was encouraged by a few fans to make my way over to see them and since they had the lucky time slot to be playing just before Angels and Airwaves, I decided to go. Although the crowd was active, I believe a few of them were simply there to get a good spot for the next band. I wasn’t thoroughly impressed with Say Anything’s performance although I have to admit, the band was candid for the camera, and they did look like they were having a good time.
Angels and Airwaves (AVA) took the stage shortly after 4pm and they were welcomed with hundreds of screaming fans. Fronted by Tom DeLonge formerly of Blink 182 and Box Car Racer, AVA was a much needed break from all the screaming that had already commenced that day. AVA played six tunes in their 30 minute set that included “My First Punk Song” which was a Box Car Racer tune that the fans enjoyed. The day was quickly passing and I had more bands that were a must see for me so I was off.
I headed over to the little Ernie Ball stage to catch Forever the Sickest Kids. I got there early and unfortunately had to listen to MC Chris. When I first began to listen I thought someone was joking around with the mic. After a few minutes I realized that this was actually a performance. I was shocked to see the amount of people at his set who seemed to be enjoying it. Towards the end of his set he commented that the Indy Warped Tour had, thus far, been his largest crowd. I was absolutely amazed.
Once he finished I made my way to the stage to await Forever The Sickest Kids. This group of guys had gone from nothing to stardom in less than one year. They came out onto the stage and the crowd went crazy. It was as if a pop-punk version of a boy band had just taken the stage. Their crowd was big, and seemed to know every song. When lead singer Jonathan stated that the next song was about a girl named Brittany, the crowd began went wild. Needless to say, the next song was “Hey Brittany,” the song that got them their big break. I will say this for this band, they were full of energy. Will it last? It’s hard to say, but I would say they had a successful show at the Indy stop of Warped Tour.
Halfway through the FTSK set I had to make my way across the lawn to the Route 66 stage to catch Anberlin. I was surprised that they were on the Warped Tour bill, I didn’t think that this was “their thing,” but their crowd was one of the largest. They played a variety of tunes from all three of their albums, and played one song off their up and coming release, scheduled to come out 9.30.08 on Tooth and Nail Records. Stephen Christiansen of Anberlin announced that they will be touring with Scary Kids Scaring Kids after the conclusion of the Warped Tour.
The Route 66 stage hosted quite a few bands that I wanted to catch, including The Academy Is. This band has been touring, for what seems like forever. This was their second Warped Tour, and their crowd seemed happy to see them back. This group has an album coming out later this month, so they played a couple of songs off of that, but made sure to play the familiar tunes of their previous albums. I caught up with William Beckett after observing a filming of a new TAITV skit and when asked if they’d do a 3rd Warped Tour he said he was unsure. We will see what happens next year.
I headed back to the Highway 1 stage to catch one of the seasoned bands on this years tour, Against Me. This band has been around for more than eleven years, making these guys some of the oldest on the tour. This fact did not slow them down. Against Me played a high energy punk show that seemed to please a variety of fans.
One of the band that I was anxious to see was Reel Big Fish. Yes, Reel Big Fish. They are STILL together and STILL releasing new albums! I couldn’t believe it either. I was welcomed by old favorites, and a couple of new songs off of their new album “Monkey’s For Nuthin’ and The Chimps For Free.” This band was also one of the older ones on the tour, but they were tight and full of energy. I was surprised at the variety of people in the crowd. I didn’t expect to see as many young people in the crowd as I did.
The Hurley stage was placed just down a hill near the Main Gate of Verizon Wireless, The stage featured a inflated top to give it a amphitheatre look, although it was just a semi trailer unfolded into this pre-wired stage. As the crowd anxiously awaited All Time Low to take the stage they began to chant ATL…ATL…ATL… Moments later Alex, Jack, Rian and Zack took the stage before a loud and excited crowd. Jack had to be the most active guitarists that I had seen that day. He jumped, kicked, and swung his guitar around effortlessly all over the stage. All Time low played 8 tunes during their 30 minute set and every second was exciting.
Relient K had one of the larger crowds of the day, performing on Highway 1. The set was tight, which isn’t surprising since they have been together for quite some time. I can see why their fan base is large. Their songs are poppy, catchy, and easy to sing along to. I wouldn’t necessarily say that they were my favorite of the day, but still a good set.
It was a little after 7:00 and the day was coming to a close. The small half-pipe had been torn down, a few of the smaller stages like the solar powered Kevin Says Stage was dismantled and on the ground, and I was on my way to the Route 66 stage to catch Motion City Soundtrack. At the front of the crowd were kids waiting patiently to catch this Minneapolis band. I asked a few guys against the barricade what their favorite part of the tour had been and one responded with, “Water, do you have any? I’ll pay you for it.” Another fan said, “Waiting for Motion City Soundtrack!” Neither response surprised me much, so I went and grabbed a can of water and handed it to the thirsty kid. At 7:40, just as the schedule read, Motion City Soundtrack took the stage. Motion City is a perfect blend of infectious vocal melodies, indie rock riffs and hard driving synths. Adding to the depth was Justin Pierres clever lyrics, which made this show one of my favorites from the day.
The last band to perform today was Story of The Year. This band has never been high on my playlist, but after seeing them live, I may have to give them another chance. They took complete control of the stage, and the crowd loved it. Lead singer Dan Marsala was all over the stage, and at one point jumped off the stage. He stood up on the barricade and then actually let the crowd take him crowd surfing! It was incredible. He was singing, the band was playing, and the crowd was going nuts. After the song he jumped back up on stage to finish the set. This performance was probably one of the most energetic of the day, which is hard to believe, since by this time the crowd that was left was exhausted.
Leaving the venue that night I was completely drained. Over 95 bands performed, and I think I only had time to catch about 15 of them. I give props to the band performing, though. It is always so hot during the Warped Tour, and for them to unload gear, get up on stage to play, then load up gear again, is impressive. The crowd was impressive as well. At almost every stage you saw kids crowd surfing and moshing, which led to bruises and bloody noses. I’m sure if I’d asked any of the fans there if it was worth the pain and blood they would have told me yes, and that they’d do it again tomorrow. With only 2 weeks remaining of the 2008 Warped Tour we look to Kevin Lyman to see if the 14 year skate and music festival will see another year.
Walking in you could hear that a couple of bands that had already begun to play. As much as one wants to hurry off to a stage to catch their first band, the first stop must always the big inflatable schedule board. The interesting, and unique part about Warped Tour is that the schedule is always different. Your favorite band may have played at 1:00 the previous stop, but today might be playing last. The board lists all 8 stages, along with all the bands and their performance times. The board is always surrounded by people for the first hour or so that the doors open, because all want to make sure they don’t miss anybody. After writing down a few band names on a piece of paper, I made my way out of the crowd and headed towards what I know to be the Main Stage at Verizon Wireless Music Center.
This is the 14th year that the tour has been in existence, thanks to Kevin Lyman Warped Tour creator. When the festival first began, it was about skating, and music. The half-pipe was huge, and there would be a crowd gathered around it, waiting their turn. I must say, I was very disappointed by the fact that I had to hunt down the half-pipe this year. It was so small, and the crowd was almost non existent. What happened to the old skate festival that this used to be? The lineup also showed a reflection of some major changes. Back in the day it was guaranteed that you would see classic punk and ska bands, and then some new up and coming bands on the smaller stages. This year, the lineup really didn’t have anyone that I would consider a classic punk band. For some, who are older, this year was probably a disappointment, but for the attendees between the ages of 13 – 20, this was a dream.
Today the pavilion was actually split in half, one half being the SmartPunk.com stage, and the other being the Hurley.com stage. A few moments after we arrived, Oreskaband took the stage. This is an all girl Japanese ska band that just looked absolutely thrilled to be there. I hadn’t attended a ska show in quite some time, so it was refreshing to see all the energy that was flowing off the stage. When not playing the horns, the girls were jumping and dancing across the stage, dressed like school girls. This was the first time that I had seen this group, so I was unfamiliar with their songs, but it was a fun set. The next set to catch was at the same location, just on the other side of the big stage. I walked over and was greeted by the hardcore sound of Confide. The group didn’t necessarily impress me much. Screaming vocals and the shredding of guitars filled the area, but not many seemed to be overly interested. I had hoped that the screaming would subside to hear the true vocals of the lead singer, but to my disappointment, it did not. After 3 songs I decided it was time to take a walk to the next stage sponsored by Hurley, where up and coming pop artist Katy Perry was going to play. There was some confusion as to where she was scheduled to play, so I ended up catching a little of Family Force 5’s set. Unique to say the least, this Christian ‘crunk’ band has somehow assembled a small army of fans that enjoy their energetic show. I took that one listen, and quickly remembered why I hadn’t taken the time to watch their 2007 performance on Warped Tour. As entertaining it was to watch them play an oversized drum machine, I had a very full schedule and I was in search of where Katy Perry was actually going to play.
I made it back to the Hurley.com stage just in time to catch Katy Perry. This artist was unheard of until the recent success of her chart topping hit “I Kissed a Girl.” There were many fans there to catch her set. Katy pulled out her guitar for a few songs and played with the band, which was surprising to me, as I thought she was only a vocalist. She closed her set with “I Kissed a Girl,” which was no surprise to all that were there.
While wandering between stages, I began trying to understand the reason for the changes in the festival. Walking by the merch tent I overheard a band discussing the tour. I heard one band member mention to the other that they would be lucky if they broke even while on the tour this summer. Being on this tour means you’re not making the normal amount of money you could be making, if you were playing individual gigs. These bands spend approximately 2 months on the road doing the same thing every day. They play their 30 minute sets in the grueling heat, then try to sell as much merchandise as they can, in hopes of making enough money to get to the next city. I sat down at one point with Mike Lasaponara, drum tech for The Academy Is and asked him what life was like on the tour. He explained to me that it was fun because you get to meet lots of new people, and surround yourself in music, but there was a catch. You are always surrounded by people. There is rarely a moment to yourself, ever. He said that one really doesn’t realize how much they need alone time, until they are deprived of it. The day starts off at approximately 8:00 am. You get up and get to the venue, to prep for the day. The gates open, the music starts, you play your gig, you tear down, and you go try and sell some merchandise. The show may end around 8:30 at night, but then you must load everything up and go to the next city, just to start all over again. He said that sometimes you have to make sure that you don’t lose yourself in the monotony, which is difficult at times.
Say Anything, an alternative rock band from Los Angeles, California, was my next stop at the Highway 1 Main Stage. I was encouraged by a few fans to make my way over to see them and since they had the lucky time slot to be playing just before Angels and Airwaves, I decided to go. Although the crowd was active, I believe a few of them were simply there to get a good spot for the next band. I wasn’t thoroughly impressed with Say Anything’s performance although I have to admit, the band was candid for the camera, and they did look like they were having a good time.
Angels and Airwaves (AVA) took the stage shortly after 4pm and they were welcomed with hundreds of screaming fans. Fronted by Tom DeLonge formerly of Blink 182 and Box Car Racer, AVA was a much needed break from all the screaming that had already commenced that day. AVA played six tunes in their 30 minute set that included “My First Punk Song” which was a Box Car Racer tune that the fans enjoyed. The day was quickly passing and I had more bands that were a must see for me so I was off.
I headed over to the little Ernie Ball stage to catch Forever the Sickest Kids. I got there early and unfortunately had to listen to MC Chris. When I first began to listen I thought someone was joking around with the mic. After a few minutes I realized that this was actually a performance. I was shocked to see the amount of people at his set who seemed to be enjoying it. Towards the end of his set he commented that the Indy Warped Tour had, thus far, been his largest crowd. I was absolutely amazed.
Once he finished I made my way to the stage to await Forever The Sickest Kids. This group of guys had gone from nothing to stardom in less than one year. They came out onto the stage and the crowd went crazy. It was as if a pop-punk version of a boy band had just taken the stage. Their crowd was big, and seemed to know every song. When lead singer Jonathan stated that the next song was about a girl named Brittany, the crowd began went wild. Needless to say, the next song was “Hey Brittany,” the song that got them their big break. I will say this for this band, they were full of energy. Will it last? It’s hard to say, but I would say they had a successful show at the Indy stop of Warped Tour.
Halfway through the FTSK set I had to make my way across the lawn to the Route 66 stage to catch Anberlin. I was surprised that they were on the Warped Tour bill, I didn’t think that this was “their thing,” but their crowd was one of the largest. They played a variety of tunes from all three of their albums, and played one song off their up and coming release, scheduled to come out 9.30.08 on Tooth and Nail Records. Stephen Christiansen of Anberlin announced that they will be touring with Scary Kids Scaring Kids after the conclusion of the Warped Tour.
The Route 66 stage hosted quite a few bands that I wanted to catch, including The Academy Is. This band has been touring, for what seems like forever. This was their second Warped Tour, and their crowd seemed happy to see them back. This group has an album coming out later this month, so they played a couple of songs off of that, but made sure to play the familiar tunes of their previous albums. I caught up with William Beckett after observing a filming of a new TAITV skit and when asked if they’d do a 3rd Warped Tour he said he was unsure. We will see what happens next year.
I headed back to the Highway 1 stage to catch one of the seasoned bands on this years tour, Against Me. This band has been around for more than eleven years, making these guys some of the oldest on the tour. This fact did not slow them down. Against Me played a high energy punk show that seemed to please a variety of fans.
One of the band that I was anxious to see was Reel Big Fish. Yes, Reel Big Fish. They are STILL together and STILL releasing new albums! I couldn’t believe it either. I was welcomed by old favorites, and a couple of new songs off of their new album “Monkey’s For Nuthin’ and The Chimps For Free.” This band was also one of the older ones on the tour, but they were tight and full of energy. I was surprised at the variety of people in the crowd. I didn’t expect to see as many young people in the crowd as I did.
The Hurley stage was placed just down a hill near the Main Gate of Verizon Wireless, The stage featured a inflated top to give it a amphitheatre look, although it was just a semi trailer unfolded into this pre-wired stage. As the crowd anxiously awaited All Time Low to take the stage they began to chant ATL…ATL…ATL… Moments later Alex, Jack, Rian and Zack took the stage before a loud and excited crowd. Jack had to be the most active guitarists that I had seen that day. He jumped, kicked, and swung his guitar around effortlessly all over the stage. All Time low played 8 tunes during their 30 minute set and every second was exciting.
Relient K had one of the larger crowds of the day, performing on Highway 1. The set was tight, which isn’t surprising since they have been together for quite some time. I can see why their fan base is large. Their songs are poppy, catchy, and easy to sing along to. I wouldn’t necessarily say that they were my favorite of the day, but still a good set.
It was a little after 7:00 and the day was coming to a close. The small half-pipe had been torn down, a few of the smaller stages like the solar powered Kevin Says Stage was dismantled and on the ground, and I was on my way to the Route 66 stage to catch Motion City Soundtrack. At the front of the crowd were kids waiting patiently to catch this Minneapolis band. I asked a few guys against the barricade what their favorite part of the tour had been and one responded with, “Water, do you have any? I’ll pay you for it.” Another fan said, “Waiting for Motion City Soundtrack!” Neither response surprised me much, so I went and grabbed a can of water and handed it to the thirsty kid. At 7:40, just as the schedule read, Motion City Soundtrack took the stage. Motion City is a perfect blend of infectious vocal melodies, indie rock riffs and hard driving synths. Adding to the depth was Justin Pierres clever lyrics, which made this show one of my favorites from the day.
The last band to perform today was Story of The Year. This band has never been high on my playlist, but after seeing them live, I may have to give them another chance. They took complete control of the stage, and the crowd loved it. Lead singer Dan Marsala was all over the stage, and at one point jumped off the stage. He stood up on the barricade and then actually let the crowd take him crowd surfing! It was incredible. He was singing, the band was playing, and the crowd was going nuts. After the song he jumped back up on stage to finish the set. This performance was probably one of the most energetic of the day, which is hard to believe, since by this time the crowd that was left was exhausted.
Leaving the venue that night I was completely drained. Over 95 bands performed, and I think I only had time to catch about 15 of them. I give props to the band performing, though. It is always so hot during the Warped Tour, and for them to unload gear, get up on stage to play, then load up gear again, is impressive. The crowd was impressive as well. At almost every stage you saw kids crowd surfing and moshing, which led to bruises and bloody noses. I’m sure if I’d asked any of the fans there if it was worth the pain and blood they would have told me yes, and that they’d do it again tomorrow. With only 2 weeks remaining of the 2008 Warped Tour we look to Kevin Lyman to see if the 14 year skate and music festival will see another year.
No comments:
Post a Comment