Surreal.
It’s the only word that could most accurately describe my experience at the Vans Warped Tour on Monday, July 14th. When I bought my ticket in May, I could not have anticipated what was to come. It exceeded my expectations, opened doors for me, and left me feeling inspired and awe-struck from the incredible range of talent.
For those who are unfamiliar, Vans Warped Tour is a rock concert featuring over one hundred bands that tour around the nation delivering artistic expression and powerful talent to millions of fans every year. Gates open at 11:00AM and close at 9:00PM, with performances on ten different stages throughout the day. The tour features over 100 bands per show, with each band allotted thirty minutes of stage time. The tour originated in the extreme sports and punk industry nearly fifteen years ago, and although punk still dominates the tour, it has expanded to ska, metalcore, pop, alternative, and even reggae bands as well.
I had already been an a fan of a few of the headliner bands, including Relient K, Anberlin, Angels and Airwaves, Katy Perry, Jack’s Mannequin, and Gym Class Heroes, but as I began to listen to the other bands featured, I was amazed at the range of skill this tour would bring to Charlotte. I discovered bands such as Every Avenue, Mayday Parade, We the Kings, and, my newest obsession, Forever the Sickest Kids just in time to learn the lyrics so I could sing and dance along during the concerts.
On the fashion side of things, my cousin, Emily, and I spent the last few weeks picking the perfect outfits. While it’s important to dress for the occasion, the last thing we wanted to look like at a punk concert is another scene- poseur with never-before-worn Converse high-tops. After deciding that dresses were a bad idea due to the jumping and crowd-surfing, we put together outfits that were comfortable and still fit our personal styles. I paired a yellow cotton tunic with black shorts and hot pink aviators. Emily decided on a gray cotton tank and black shorts, as well as a “jolly roger” printed summer scarf to go with her gold aviators. And of course we both purchased a pair of Converse shoes for the occasion. Yes, we were “those girls; however, I did see one girl who made me feel a little less out of place sporting Rainbows and a set of perfectly pedicure-ed pink toe-nails (but after the Warped Tour, I’m sure her feet didn’t look so nice).
Our bags were packed with the essentials that anyone attending should bring: water bottles to keep hydrated, snacks, considering drinks are $6.00 each and food is no cheaper, sharpies and pens for autographs, a camera with back-up batteries for those “I can’t believe that just happened!” moments, toilet paper for the disgusting Porta Johns located around the venue, and sunscreen for preventing third-degree burn in the North Carolina sun.
Before the gates opened at 11:00AM, random cardboard signs circulated with set times of bands so fans knew when and where to be, which brings me to one of the lower points of the day-neither fans nor the bands knew when performances would take place until the morning of the concert. It was either a fight to find a schedule posted on the guest services doors or fans could choose an easier option and buy their own copy for two dollars. Set times were chosen at random, although headlining bands often played later in the day on the larger stages. After a ridiculous chase to get media passes and sprinting with an already developing blister on my left heel, I finally landed myself in the press tent scoring interview times.
I had spent my morning battling the nervous butterflies in my stomach, (I like to think each had unique Mohawks and tattooed wings), but the moment had finally come. Throughout the day, I was able to meet with members of Relient K, Anberlin, Reel Big Fish, Cobra Starship, Beat Union, A Cursive Memory, and Mayday Parade. Each interview was different from the rest, showing that although genres and similar interests bring music together, each band and each member delivers different themes and inspiration to their fans. Although I know you’re hanging on to hear about the interviews, you’ll have to hang on a little longer to hear the responses. The interviews will be up, with their concert reviews and pictures, within the next few days.
The track surrounding the amphitheatre is lined with band merchandise tents where fans can buy t-shirts, stickers, posters, and the newest merchandise trend, booty shorts with lyrics and song titles printed on the backside. The tents also feature record labels, sponsors, and humanitarian causes, the most well-known at Warped being To Write Love On Her Arms. Thankfully, band members can often be seen hanging out by their tents when they aren’t performing or doing interviews, and since FTSK was completely booked for interviews, I was excited to see Marc Stewart, the guitarist, and Austin Bello, the bassist, at their tent. I was fortunate enough, after a brief chat, to walk away with their tour manager’s number, a high-five, and a compliment on my pink aviators.
I wish I had the time and space to review each of the incredible concerts that I attended, but you can take my word that I wasn’t disappointed with any of the performances. Each left me wanting more from the musicians and featured a diverse and unforgettable musical experience. Warped Tour 2008 left me physically exhausted but musically-fulfilled. I can only hope next summer comes quickly so I can once again experience the same euphoric stance, doused in sunshine and sweat with adrenaline pumping through my veins.
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