DONT

Audrey Kitching

DONT: There are always a lot of crazy fashion statements at the shows. its during the summer and it’s hot but dont be skanky if you dont have the body for it. please. spare the rest of us

DO: colored hair is fun, it’s in, and it’s a big part of the Warped crowd. but do it right please. Audrey Kitching’s mastered the art. follow her lead

DO: Big sunglasses are good for the bright summer sun. plus, they could cover up any smeared eyeliner that could happen over the day xD

FAIL

DONT: Mohawks can be fun….. if you have a REAL mohawk. come one you guys, don’t be like this guy

DO: belts! belts are bright and fun. and on sale hella cheap so pick one up while you’re there

Jeffree Star

1st Band of the Day- The Devil Wears Prada. The first thing we did when we arrived was locate a schedule and decide what bands we wanted to see. First thing was The Devil Wears Prada on the main stage. We managed to find where the main stage was and make our way there just as the show began. We were surrounded by plump men with beards that smelled like beer and pot eww. The pit opened right on top of us and we were swamped with people running into it. The band was amazing but we had to go. we had places to be    

Band #2- Escape the Fate. We got to escape the fate and waited too long to hear them play. they started and sounded good but it just wasn’t the same without Ronnie. we left early to go get a good place at the next show. 

Breathe Carolina

3rd band- brokeNCYDE. This was my favorite show of the day. They were so high energy and fun, even if i got stuck next to the extreme fan with her armpit in my face. unfortunately, we had to leave right before they played bree bree. my friend was dehydratedf and needed water as soon as possible.  

shOw nUmBer 4- Jeffree Star. We were soooo far back. if you want to get to a popular show be sure to get there early or be prepared to push for a good spot. Jeffree and his dancers were amazing. my friends wandered away fromd the show without a phone though soooo we had to leave to find them. 

#5- Breathe Carolina. They were so cute. i love this band. i wish i had been in the front because everyone was bouncing along to “the birds and the bees.” Later in the day i got the chance to hug David (the brunette), by far the most amazing hug of my life (except maybe the hug i gave jeffree star xD) 

6th Concert of thee Day- 3oh!3. We were back at the main stage. Everyone had their 3oh!3 hands in the air. it was like one big happy music cult haha. this was a really good way to end the day =) 

Throughout the day you get the chance to see lots of bands on stage. these were just the shows we actually attended. make sure to leave room in your schedule for food, shopping, and signings.

3OH!3

            Not only are the dates up for shows but on December 18 (only a week away!!) they will announce the long list of bands that are playing at all of these amazing shows. I am so excited for the tour to start up again. Lucky for me, the date I’m going to is one of the first this summer.

            Anyone know they’re going fersure yet? If so leave your comment and let me know what show you’re going to. Maybe I’ll even bump into some of you

1. SUNBLOCK: do not do not do not go all day in the summer sun unprotected!! i have a friend who litterally turned bright red it was awful (and kind of amusing haha)

2. WATER: the shows are great but its hard to enjoy anything if you’re throwing up from dehydration

3. MONEY: Warped Tour is crowed with booths full of wonderful band merchandise. plus, ya gotta eat. so have money for food too.

4. CAMERA (even if it’s disposable hehe): Bands wander around so snap a picture with your favorite artist that you can locate.

5. BACKPACK: having a little sack backpack is very very helpful for warped tour. they’re small and convenient and a nifty place to store sunblock and water

6. SCHEDULE: they sell them once you get inside. your first step should be figuring out who’s playing where and which bands you want to see most.

7. COMFY SHOES: as cute as those little pumps might look with your skinny jeans the best bet is to go with sneakers. big puffy vans shoes are good because you’re also less likely to get blisters. do NOT wear open toed shoes. you’re feet will be mauled

8. FRIENDS: don’t go to Warped Tour alone if it’s new to you. there’s power in numbers. gather up a couple friends so you have someone to share the memories with

9.SLEEP: get lots of good rest the night before the big day. you don’t wanna get there and be falling asleep in the middle of a Jeffree Star show.

10. OPEN ATTITUDE: be open to new bands, that’s what this tours about. find some new music and meet some interesting people. maybe try out the pit. go and have a fun day

In the beginning Vans Warped Tour started as a tour for “skate punk” and “ska” bands. as it progressed, so did the music. Most of the bands currently are what most would stereotype as emo/scene bands. There are tons of screamo bands and techno-ish music. there’s usually a stage called the “oldschool stage” at which the older bands still play. this stage isn’t as popular as the others.

Bigger, more well known bands and singers perform on the two main stages and they’re shows usually last a little longer than the others do. most shows are around 30 minutes long. shows usually play form 11:00 am to 9:00 pm. it’s a long day if you can last the whole thing but there are lots of booths to shop at and food stands (even if they are ridiculously overpriced).

the crowd there is usually young and you see them wearing black and studded belts O.O haha. then there are the occasional fat, older man with the full grown beard that stands right behind you and complains about not being able to tell whether Jeffree Star is a guy or not. but overall it’s an amazing day and i hope that Warped Tour is a tradition that will carry on for a long time.