Warped Tour 2008 was awesome, it is now in its 14th year, and though there were expectations of it being a smaller tour this year, it was still as good as past years. The great lineup included bands from many genres of music.
As soon as the gates opened From First to Last was playing. Even with the addition of their new singer they still had great energy and played their older songs well. Considering how early they performed they had loads of fans turn out.
While waiting for The Devil Wears Pradas set I had the chance to watch Greeley Estates. I never really heard any of their songs but I was very impressed, they had great energy and the crowd was going nuts.
Reality stars Shwayze put on an incredible show, the crowd loved the hit songs Buzzin and Corona and Lime. They brought a new type of music to Warped and the crowd seemed to really like it.
The next band I saw was The Devil Wears Prada, who had some of the biggest pits of the day. They played a wide range of songs from their new and old albums and even threw in a cover of Big Tymers’ Still Fly,” I had the chance to talk to lead singer/screamer Mike Hranica and guitarist Chris Rubey. When asked what their favorite songs to play live were, Chris answered probably whatever song we play last because that means Im almost done, right now thats Hey John, its fun, Hey John is a good song to play.” Mike continued, when we write a new song Im always excited to play it, but it all gets old after a while, I like Nickels is Money Too I like Dont Drink and Dance, probably one of those two.” When asked whats the best part of Warped they both agreed that its the huge crowds of kids.
Up next was The Academy Is who are no strangers to Warped Tour. They played a solid mix of their older songs, and songs from their new album Fast Times at Barrington High due out August 19th.
After that we saw Every Time I Die. They were insane, playing a ton of their songs including their hit The New Black which was featured on Guitar Hero II. Andy Williams the guitarist said ‘The New Black’ is fun, its got a fun riff, he added that The best part about warped tour is you play in front of a trillion people everyday.” The crowd went nuts when they played their hit We’rewolf.” They had one of the best sets of the day.
Norma Jean was next playing songs from their upcoming album Vs. The Anti Mother due out August 5th. They had some of the craziest fans of the day.
Next up was pop sensation Katy Perry. I never really heard any of her songs besides her hit song I Kissed a Girl on the radio. She had so much energy and had everyone singing along.
Then we went over to see Gym Class Heroes, they played their hits Clothes Off and Cupids Chokehold. It was a solid performance and the crowd was going nuts.
Right after that was Cobra Starship, they had one of the most fun sets. They played songs from both of their albums and even brought out William Beckett from The Academy Is and Travis McCoy from Gym Class Heroes to perform the theme song from the movie Snakes On A Plane.
Overall it was a great festival and we got to meet some cool people from some awesome bands. I cant wait for Warped Tour 2009.
