Do you remember your very first Warped Tour? I certainly do. My friend Jake and I convinced our pal Mia to drive us by offering her a ticket. She arrived at my place with this lanky guy who had frosted tips, oversized jeans, and a tank top. He seemed 18 at the time, but I was just 15, and since he had a car that didn’t leak oil, I figured he was at least in his 30s. He sped us from our town to the festival grounds at lightning speed, completing what should have been a one-hour trip in just half the time.
It was mid-July in the blistering heat, so the mosh pits felt like an oven. During the set from the Deftones, I ended up getting punched in the face, and that guy with the reliable car left the venue with his clothes in tatters as if a bear had attacked him. Can you believe that all of this happened 20 YEARS AGO?
Back in 1998, we thought we were the coolest kids around. Now, we’re only a few years shy of when a doctor might suggest a colonoscopy. How did we get here?
For many of us, Warped Tour was more than just a music festival; it was our community. I attended every year from 1998 until 2004, the year I got married. I experienced artists like Blink-182, Eminem, The Black Eyed Peas, and Katy Perry before they became superstars. I also rocked out to bands like Pennywise, Social Distortion, NOFX, and Bad Religion, which provided the soundtrack to my teenage years.
And I know I’m not alone in this sentiment. That’s why Warped Tour became the longest-running touring music festival in North America. If you’re reading this, I bet you also have fond memories of those sweaty mosh pits and painful sunburns.
Unfortunately, all good things must come to an end. After 24 years of touring, Kevin Lyman, the festival’s founder, has announced its final run. He shared the news on the Warped Tour page, expressing, “I have been fortunate to travel across the country and even around the world as one of the founders and producers of the Vans Warped Tour. Today, with mixed emotions, I announce that next year will be the last full cross-country run of the Vans Warped Tour.”
In an interview with Billboard, he mentioned several reasons for this decision, including the changing summer festival landscape, fewer bands available, and dwindling ticket sales among teenagers. Essentially, Warped Tour isn’t as relevant as it once was, and I share your disappointment. My kids will never experience the thrill of planning their day around a massive lineup, racing between stages to catch their favorite acts for just 30 minutes. They won’t know the excitement of crowd surfing, or the desperation that comes when someone snatches their shoe, pushing them to take drastic measures.
While the 2018 lineup hasn’t been confirmed yet, rumors abound about possible performers, ranging from My Chemical Romance to Blink-182. For the sentimental fans, there are special tour packages that include a pair of collectible Warped Tour Vans (though I recommend not wearing them if you plan to crowd surf).
Here’s a fun fact for parents: if you accompany your child, you can get into Warped Tour for free! That’s right—one ticket for a child equals one free ticket for a parent. My kids are a bit too young to appreciate the chaos, but if you have a tween or teenager who still thinks you’re cool, this is a chance to relive your glory days. The final tour will likely feature a mix of nostalgic bands and up-and-coming acts that your kids will love.
Now seems like the perfect time to share some memories. Below is a photo of me as a teenager, circa 1999, leaving a Warped Tour. Wasn’t my hair reminiscent of Kurt Cobain’s? I encourage you to share your own photos in the comments.
Thank you, Warped Tour, for the unforgettable experiences.
Summary:
The Vans Warped Tour has announced its final tour after 24 years, marking the end of an era for many fans. Founded by Kevin Lyman in 1995, the festival has been a staple in the music scene, providing unforgettable experiences for attendees. As the festival faces declining ticket sales and an evolving industry, fans are encouraged to reminisce and share their memories. With parents getting free entry when accompanying their children, this final tour offers a mix of nostalgic and new bands, making it a unique opportunity for families to connect over music.