It was sadly announced last year that Warped Tour would be coming to its official end last summer. Kevin Lyman, founder of the tour, made the announcement after several years of low attendance records and a few unfavorable allegations against both bands and touring crew alike.
The tour ran for 24 years, traveled all of the US and Canada, and was infamously known as the punk rock summer camp. Fans, including myself, were disappointed and saddened by the news and began to wonder what would become of their summers now that the tour is over.
Rumors circled the web saying that the tour coming to an end was a hoax and would be returning next year. Facts is that as slightly true.
Just shy of celebrating 25 years, one of the longest running tours, Lyman decided he couldn't hang up his bucket hat just yet.
Warped Tour will celebrate its quarter of a century with a few dates in select cities, Cleveland, Atlantic City, and Mountain View. The lineup for these shows consists of some original band who made the tour famous, Blink 182, Sum 41, and 311. As well as newer acts that have survived the punk rock summer camp, Sleeping with Sirens, Wage War, and Memphis May Fire just to name a few.
The Atlantic City date sold out almost as soon as the tickets were posted and tickets for the other two shows are very limited. You can buy tickets to your "last chance" to see the legendary tour at vanswarpedtour.com.
So the question is still to be asked, who will take over the reins as the tour that defines summer?
The Sad Summer Fest might be the answer. This ironically named tour will feature acts such as The Maine, Mayday Parade, State Champs, and Mom Jeans. Just like Warped Tour, this tour will travel across the US but with a cause.
The tag line for the tour is "17 cities, 17 charities." The tour will be donating proceeds from tickets sales to 17 different charities in each city that they perform in. Concert goers can pick the charity they want to see the money go towards. So if you are in the giving mood and want to hear some great music visit sadsummerfest.com.
Another answer to who will be king of the summer tours is the Rockstar Energy Disrupt Festival. This tour, unlike Warped, will be held inside. This Warped Tour wanna be, with its offbeat name, will be heading to 25 cities across the US and feature acts such as Circa Survive, The Used, Thrice and Sum 41.
Disrupt is a tamer and baby version of what Warped Tour was but stands a chance to come back next year and possibly be the next punk rock summer camp. For more information about the Rockstar Energy Disrupt Festival visit rockstardisrupt.com.
Even though Warped Tour may see it's final days this summer the possibilities of a new great long-running tradition tour coming up to be crowned is exciting and just what the music scene needs.
