This summer, Van’s Warped Tour is taking off across the country for another summer of fun and music. And, this year, the lineup is one of the strongest that I’ve seen. If you plan on going, here are some bands I’d recommend checking out and/or putting on your list of “must-see” bands.
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UP-AND-COMERS:
A Loss For Words — one of the many bands from the recent pop-punk revival, Boston’s A Loss For Words stands out with their passionate take on the genre. And, it seems like their hard work is starting to pay off—this spring they supported The Wonder Years on the Glamour Kills Tour, and this summer they’ll be playing on the Tilly’s Stage and in the Acoustic Basement on Warped.
Divided By Friday — I’m extremely bummed that this band is not playing any of the tour dates near me. However, if you plan on going to one of the dates they are on, make sure to stop by their set. With two EPs released through Hopeless Records, and a full-length potentially coming soon, this band has a ton of potential and very well could be the next big alternative rock act. (And yes, Jose’s voice does sound like Brendon Urie and Patrick Stump…but since when was that a bad thing?)
I Fight Dragons – what do Guitar Hero controllers and Power Gloves have to do with Warped Tour? Not a lot…except that I Fight Dragons is bringing their chiptune-infused rock to the Tilly’s stage this year. (Chiptune is music created by using the soundcards of old-school gaming consoles.) Their recorded music is a blast, so I have no doubt that they’re even better live. Plus, I’ve heard that the band does all the “chiptuning” live; that alone sounds fun to watch.
Man Overboard – the originators of the “Defend Pop Punk” slogan, Man Overboard heads out on the tour this year to play their songs to whoever will listen, whether from the Tilly’s stage or the Acoustic Basement. Be prepared for a sweat-soaked set full of two-minute long songs. …And that’s a good thing.
Tonight Alive – File under: Paramore sound-alikes that are just as good as Paramore. The band, hailing from Australia, will be on the entire tour this summer proving that they are more than a Paramore knock-off and supporting their U.S. début, What Are You So Scared Of? (Fearless Records). If you want to go check out their set, the band will be playing their upbeat and in-your-face female-fronted pop-rock all summer long on the Kevin Says stage. If you get a chance, be sure to stop by their set as this may be the last time for a while that they’ll be back in the states while they prepare to write the follow-up to WAYSSO.
Transit – while Transit is generally grouped with pop-punk bands like Man Overboard and The Wonder Years, they have more similarities with bands such as label-mates Daytrader and legends Jimmy Eat World. As they proved this year on the Glamour Kills Tour, this band is amazing live, and their newest album Listen & Forgive is a masterpiece of modern indie-emo. Keep an eye out for them on the Ernie Ball and Acoustic Basement stages.
FUTURE WARPED TOUR HEROES:
All Time Low — this summer All Time Low will be bringing their brand of Blink-182 style pop-rock to crowds from the main stage all summer long. Their live show is sure to be a lot of fun, and their music is perfect for singing along to on a hot summer day. Also, be on the lookout for some songs from their upcoming album, including their latest single “The Reckless And The Brave”, to possibly sneak into their setlist alongside favorites from each of their other releases.
Mayday Parade – please, excuse me while I fan-girl…”OMG! I CAN’T BELIEVE MAYDAY PARADE IS PLAYING! I’M SO STOKED TO SEE THEM!” But seriously, this band is extraordinary both live and recorded. Go listen to their CDs or see them live, and then try to tell me that you aren’t at all impressed. Between their passion for music and life, and their strong songwriting, Mayday Parade’s set will be sure to win over new fans and please old ones.
Sleeping With Sirens – if pop-rock/pop-punk isn’t your thing, a metalcore band to keep an eye on is Sleeping With Sirens. They’ll be playing all summer supporting their newest album Let’s Cheer To This, as well as their new acoustic EP to be released June 26th. This band is made up of extremely talented musicians and songwriters—expect a great set from them both full-band and, on select dates, in the Acoustic Basement.
We Are The In Crowd – If Tonight Alive were a Paramore song, they’d be “Misery Business”; We Are The In Crowd, on the other hand, is more “That’s What You Get”. Along with Tonight Alive, WATIC is out all summer to prove that they are here to stay. Stop by their set at the Tilly’s stage to hear a mix of tracks from their full-length, Best Intentions, and their EP, Guaranteed To Disagree. And, who knows, maybe Alex Gaskarth (ATL) will join the band to sing on “Kiss Me Again”.
We The Kings – Along with Mayday Parade, We The Kings is one of the pop-rock acts this year that will be remembered for years to come. If you’re going to their set at the main stage, I’d expect a good mix of material both old and new. So, before seeing them make sure to brush up on the lyrics to your favorite songs and be ready to have a lot of fun.
WARPED VETERANS:
New Found Glory – every single pop-rock/pop-punk band of the last decade cites two bands as their main influences: Blink-182 and New Found Glory. NFG should be on everyone’s must-see list, as these Warped Tour veterans and the Godfathers of pop-punk take the main stage this summer. This year is also the tenth birthday of their pivotal album Sticks And Stones, so be sure to stop by their set and take part in the festivities!
Taking Back Sunday – another one of the groups that has influenced an entire generation of musicians is Taking Back Sunday. TBS created their mark as the kings of emo/alternative rock, and this summer they’ll be playing the main stage and showing that they’re still in charge. And, with the original Tell All Your Friends lineup back, and that album celebrating its tenth birthday this year as well, expect to hear some old favorites.
Yellowcard – Yellowcard is one of those bands that has the perfect sound for Warped. They will be playing the main stage all summer long, and I’m sure they will put on one of the best shows on the entire tour. Even despite injuries and illnesses, the band is continuing on and will be out every day playing their hearts out. Before checking out their set, listen to their new song “Always Summer”, the perfect anthem for seeing some of your favorite bands on hot summer days.
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The full lineup is listed here: http://vanswarpedtour.com/bands
And the tour routing is listed here: http://vanswarpedtour.com/dates
songs for them to sing 