It was perfect festival weather as the Vans Warped Tour rolled through town this past Monday. With nine stages and almost 100 bands, there was plenty to see and experience this year. As always, there were a variety of vendors selling their wares and hydration stations set up to help concert goers beat the heat. There was even a water slide set up for those who really wanted to stay cool. But with so many things going on simultaneously, one must pick and choose which acts you really want to see.
The first band I checked out was the California rockers in New Years Day. They are hard rock with a horror vibe and are led by their striking lead singer Ashley Costello. I had never seen them and they put on quite an entertaining set with the guitarist doing quite a bit of theatrics on the mainstage. Next, I headed to the side by side Kia stages where I spent the majority of the day. I was determined to see metalcore heavyweights August Burns Red and they did not disappoint with an energetic set. Another crowd pleaser was Sleeping With Sirens lead by lead vocalist Kellin Quinn who has an incredible range.
Changing things up was the pop punk of The Wonder Years and the ska band Reel Big Fish. Front man and Elvis look alike Aaron Barett commanded the stage and a lively horn section was refreshing to see.
One of the bigger name bands to take the stage was The Used, led by lead vocalist Bert McCracken. A line of people in brightly colored ski masks took the stage followed by the band members who were similarly attired. Tearing off their masks midsong, the crowd exploded and The Used were on fire. Bert is quite the showman and threw his trademark colored powder into the audience making sure to paint his own face as well.
It was now time for a quick water break and I happened to stop at the small Spotify stage for a few minutes of Big Chocolate’s performance. I was intrigued to see what he was all about since he was a former death metal vocalist who turned to electronic dance music and dubstep. The crowd was small but seemed appreciative as they jammed to his mixes.
Next up was the act everyone wanted to see, Black Veil Brides. The Hollywood glam metal/screamo band are the seasoned pros of the tour and their set definitely proved that. Lead vocalist Andy Biersack was spot on and whipped the crowd into a frenzy especially when climbing over the barricade into the sea of fans. Musically the band sounds better than ever as they capped off their set with their latest hit, “In The End.” If this tour is any indication, these guys will be headlining much larger arenas very, very soon.
There was one more band still to go after BVB, Blessthefall, so I decided to stick around and see what they were all about and I am extremely glad I did. Their live set was amazing and in my opinion, the best of the day. These guys rock hardcore and do not stand still for a single second. The guitars scream, the drums pound, and the action on stage is nonstop. Lead vocalist Beau Bokan knows how to work the crowd and insisted that every last person surf over the barricade to give him a high five. It was an intense set and a perfect way to cap off a day at Warped Tour.
Black Veil Brides Set List:
Exordium
I Am Bulletproof
Let You Down
Wretched and Divine
Fallen Angels
Rebel Yell (Billy Idol cover)
In the End
We would like to thank Angela Villanueva from MSOPR for the credentials to review the show.
