Vans Warped Tour 2011

After having the absolute WORST writer's block for the past month or so, I've finally come across a topic that's worth blogging about that I can actually go into a good bit of detail about. It's not that I'm the one slacking; it's my creativity and topic-starting muscles (if that makes sense).

Anyways, Vans Warped Tour. What is it?

Most people would probably think that it's the big concert over the summer where all the little kids who THINK they know a thing or two about music go to. However, that's not what it is at all. The whole thing started in 1995 by a guy named Kevin Lyman, who started various other rock tours such as Mayhem Fest and Taste of Chaos. Warped Tour is Lyman's oldest and most successful tour that he's created.

The show usually starts around 11 A.M. and ends around 9 P.M. There are many, many bands there, the amount ranging from anywhere between 60 and 100. And yes, every band plays every show. There are multiple stages, usually between 6 and 8 (last year there were 6). The main genres of the bands there are rather broad: a lot of rock, metal, etc, but also indie, dubstep, hip-hop, and almost any genre you can think of (except country, thank God). They have something for (just about) everyone.

As for the people who go there, that too is rather broad. Of course, you have the above mentioned kids who have no idea what's going on with the music being played; they're just there because they heard of a band or two. There are also the actual musicians who go there to enjoy a good all-day music festival (such as myself). Many of those people are more laid-back than most, as the majority of them stand towards the back, away from the usual madness that happens in the middle of the audience watching the same band. Another generic kind of person that goes to Warped Tour are the people who are just there to watch whatever comes their way. Like the musicians who go there to enjoy it, these people also tend to stay away from the madness surrounding the middle of the audience. And the last example of people that go to this show are the typical "moshers" who want to throw down and go crazy. Their knowledge of the music varies; some actually know a good deal about it, while others, well, don't.

This kid seems to be having fun, from what he remembers seeing with his left eye.

This is a concert where the bands make themselves available to the fans. Every band usually plays half-hour long sets throughout every show. Every bands' merchandise tents are scattered around each venue; sometimes it's like a scavenger hunt trying to find one single band's tent. Before and/or after the band plays, they usually go to their merch tent to hang out and meet some fans. Pictures are taken, autographs are signed, and memories are made.

The Bassline

With thousands of people attending each show every single year, it's hard to say that this tour is overrated and underestimated by many other people. It's an all-around fun day for all who attend, with so many bands to choose from to see (and hopefully meet).

For more information regarding Warped Tour, such as bands playing this year, tour dates, and who played where for every past date, you can check out the official website here.