Warped 2004: Something for Everyone
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>>NOFX's
Fat Mike in some cool shades.>> |
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| >>The fans
got into the Aquabat's wild antics.>> >>Check out our other exclusive Aquabats pix>> |
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| >>Bad
Religion stole the show.>> >>Check out our other exclusive Bad Religion pix>> |
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| >>Bouncing
Souls got into a funky vibe.>> >>Check out our exclusive Bouncing Souls pix>> |
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| >>Story of
the Year brought tons of energy.>> >>Check out our exclusive Story of the Year pix>> |
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| >>Taking
Back Sunday are the future of rock.>> >>Check out our exclusive Taking Back Sunday pix>> |
>>Fullerton, CA>>
Each year, the Vans Warped Tour provides a day of fun and good music to the thousands who
attend. This year was no exception. With sixty bands on seven stages, there was
something for everyone. The tour offered a
wide range of styles, mixing hardcore bands like The Casualties with the more radio
friendly sounds of New Found Glory and Yellowcard.
There seemed to be a slight political feel present during NOFX's set. This was due to their most recent song releases,
attacking current world events and leaders that were mixed in with their usual selection
of songs. During one of these particular
selections, the crowd was asked to sing along with him to the chorus. However, the crowd got a little too enthusiastic
about it, prompting Fat Mike to interrupt the song to stop the sing along.
Bad Religion took to the stage with the kind of energy that would be expected of a band
who has had nearly 25 years of touring experience. They
played an assortment of songs, including some off their new release, The Empire Strikes
First and some old favorites like "21st Century (Digital Boy)". The crowd went crazy over each one, bringing the
energy level and the amount of crowd surfing up. Fans
of all ages watched and sang along during the short set, proving that a band's age is no
limitation of the amount of influence it has over its listeners.
A new addition to Warped was the Long Island band Taking Back Sunday. They seemed to make an easy entrance onto the
tour, headlining it from the main stage after only one album release, 2002's Tell All
Your Friends. Right from the beginning of
their half hour set, the band was full of energy. This
was mostly due to lead singer Adam Lazzara's antics, which included wildly shaking his
head so that his long hair went in every direction, rushing from side to side of the
stage, and mic swinging. During other stops
on the tour, hanging by the rafters was also added to this list.
Besides the long list of performers, Warped also offered many other attractions. As usual, there was the large set up of booths
representing record labels and merchandise vendors. Some
gave attendees the chance to meet members of their favorite bands. However, this was only if the individual was
willing to wait in a long line and most likely miss some of their other favorite bands. One much needed improvement from last year was the
food available - it was actually easily accessible, with a selection of burgers and even
Chinese. This was a lot better than the one booth of pizza and the free Easy Mac offered
at last year's stop.
The talk and anticipation for the tenth anniversary Warped Tour started months before its
June 25 kickoff date. And it definitely fulfilled the expectations.
>>Story by Hilary Maas, VOX Staff Writer.>>
