A few things are synonymous with the Vans Warped Tour, hot temperatures, teeny-boppers, tattoos, and colored hair of all height and styles. This past Sunday the traveling caravan made a stop at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. We have covered the Warped Tour for a few years now, and while I would say the genres represented aren’t always at the top of my playlist, it is nice to broaden the scope of my music taste every so often. Some of the day’s best performances were from the boys from San Diego, Pierce The Veil, whose post-hardcore sound filled the main stage rather early in the day. Other early notables were Falling in Reverse and I Fight Dragons.
I had a chance to catch up with I Fight Dragons; we had them an impromptu jam session back in January at House in Motion Studios (you can view it here).
Our Local’s Only writer, Maddie Casey, is touring with the band which is exciting to have an inside perspective to Warped Tour. The boys were excited for the rest of the tour that will take them through cities across the country all summer.
One of the unique things about Warped Tour is the fact that the interaction between fans and the bands is closely tied. At almost every city the performing bands will hold autograph signings and mingle with crowds, something rare for festivals. This brings the crowds out year after year, making it as successful as it is.
The afternoon stages brought about more well know bands, but none captivated the crowd like hometown boys Breathe Carolina who had the best set of the day. With their unique take on electronica, the crowd absorbed every ounce of energy that Kyle Even and David Schmitt brought to their home city. I was able to catch Taking Back Sunday as well as punk pioneers New Found Glory whose sets were well received among the crowd. One thing is for certain be prepared to get sun burnt, pay far too much for water and food, and come home with a ton of free swag; it wouldn’t be Warped Tour if you didn’t.
Castro
