2005 was insane - I worked a handful of midwest dates that year slinging shirts for Hopeless. I remember getting a stage wristband that year, standing on one of the side stages watching someone (I think it was Motion City) across from the main in Detroit and seeing our lighting trusses swaying from the literal stampede towards main when Fall Out Boy hit the first few chords of Sugar. Just a wild time. Seeing Paramore that year playing Shiragirl before anyone really knew who they were and Hayley's dad selling merch for them was so fun.
I went in 2004 in Detroit but was stuck at a family event for most of the day. Didn't arrive until 5:30pm and still was able to catch Matchbook Romance, Flogging Molly, Good Charlotte and Story of the Year. All for a $30 ticket too. Ah, those were the days.
I mean, for sure. It's just a little unfair because it was the regular tour plus a "special" day. Looking back on it... Day 1: Audio Karate, the (International) Noise Conspiracy, Story of the Year, Allister, Street Dogs, Tiger Army, the Bouncing Souls, Atmosphere, Taking Back Sunday, New Found Glory, Bad Religion, the Used, Rise Against Day 2: My Chemical Romance, Andrew W.K., Strung Out, Sick Of It All, New Found Glory, MxPx, Rancid, the Explosion, H2O, Talib Kwelli, Big Wig, Less Than Jake, Bad Religion, Something Corporate It was pretty fucking sick in hindsight. And I didn't even include the bands I saw a few songs by (Midtown, Hot Rod Circuit, Fall Out Boy at like, 11:30am, Sugarcult).
Warped Tour 1999 was my absolutely favorite…also I think the first concert ticket i ever bought on my own from paper route money. The Vandals Less Than Jake Blink 182 Eminem Orange 9mm Ice-T Jimmy Eat World Dropkick Murphys AFI Black Eyed Peas (lol)
I went from 2005 - 2018 and 2019 AC fest. I did not appreciate the 2005 lineup as I just set checked out the few bands I knew. Looking back that should’ve been the one that was my favourite but I’d say 2017 was my least favourite with 2018 being my favourite as it had a good mix of old favourites and new bands I wanted to see. I also went to 2 dates so that meant I could see more that year. Haha.
My issue with 1999 was that I didn't fully appreciate it at the time! I went stoked on seeing Blink-182, Less Than Jake, the Vandals, the Living End, Pennywise, and Fenix TX. Those were all dope! Haha. I wound up checking out the Lunachicks, Suicidal Tendencies, Sevendust, Dropkick Murphys, the Bouncing Souls, H2O, and Black Eyed Peas but the Bouncing Souls and Black Eyed Peas were the ones who really impressed me at the time. If I could go back now I would have checked out: 7 Seconds, Ice-T, Molotov, the Amazing Royal Crowns, Avail, Frenzal Rhomb, Jimmy Eat World, and Orange 9mm who were all also on my date. It's one of those days where I just wish I could go back in time and do it all differently with the knowledge I have today. Haha.
I'm jealous of those that went to Warped tour 2003 and 2005 those early 2000s shows had an amazing mix of the old punk bands with the post hardcore/ emo bands that were blowing up. I do hope we get more of those bands if it is 50% older bands instead of bands like 3oh3 and cobra starship for long beach. I didn't start going to Warped tour until 2007 and I mostly went for Rise against and nofx
2014 and 2016 are tied for me in terms of lineup and experience. For 2014, I was at the Ventura show with the infamous surprise Linkin Park set. That was an absolutely insane experience looking back. It makes me glad I got to be there considering what happened to Chester. I also got to meet Less Than Jake too, at the peak of my fandom of them. I got their setlist after the set and they all signed it! 2016 was also amazing in terms of lineup too. I did the 3 1/2 hour haul to Pomona from my hometown, but it was worth it. Saw LTJ and Sum 41 front row, plus NFG, Yellowcard and a few others. I got to meet NFG too which was amazing. Chad remembered me from their set earlier which absolutely made my life
I’m going to Orlando. My favourite band so far is State Champs but I’ve seen them a bunch so I’m most looking forward to seeing The Home Team for the first time so far.
We for sure WERE lol Nice! I've liked what i've heard of the home team so far, and state champs is on my list of bands to see the only time I have seen them was at Warped tour lol back in 13 or 14
I was about to say i've never heard of their music until I played that song, tiktok keepinh me slightly in touch
They’ve been more active recently than in years past, hoping we get a Cartel announcement at some point.
Cartel was pretty anti-Warped back in the day but I think they recognize they’re an emo nostalgia band at this point and I don’t think they’d have any qualms about playing but I do wonder if Kevin would ask them back