WARPED TOUR 2008
Six Days With The Greatest Tour On Earth!
MusicBox had the privilege of spending about a week with the Van's Warped Tour as it traveled the mid Atlantic area. We attended the Virginia Beach, Columbia MD, Camden/Philly, Long Island, Scranton PA and Englishtown NJ dates. We experienced everything from hailstorms to rattlesnakes and heard some of today’s hottest artists as well as discovered some new bands we hadn’t previously heard of.
One of the great things about Warped Tour is that you can check out some of today’s hottest acts while at the same time discovering bands you might not otherwise get to know about. Kevin Lyman, founder of Warped Tour, always seems to find some new undiscovered talent to have on the tour. This year some of our favorite ‘new’ bands were Beat Union from England and Oreska Band from Japan. Both drew enthusiastic crowds as they worked to win over the Warped Tour masses. Oreska Band, an all girl ska band, could be seen every morning out working the lines and throughout the day interacting with fans. This is the kind of personal touch most bands give to their time on Warped Tour.
At every date fans have the chance to interact in an up close and personal way with their favorite bands and new discoveries. Bands walk the lines before the gates even open introducing themselves and announcing their set times. Throughout the day many bands walk the grounds or gather at their merch booths to meet fans and sign autographs. This is part of the unique experience that is Warped Tour.
Other things that set this tour apart from other summer tours are the diversity of artists, the number of shows played over the course of the tour (46 this summer!), the number of charity and other organizations present, and the behind the scenes aspects that are as much a part of this tour as the actual event. From its world class catering crew, famous among anyone who has ever played the tour, to the after show BBQ and festivities the beyond the barricade aspects of Warped Tour are as well known as the tour itself.
Be sure to check out our Warped Tour 2008 photos in the Gallery!
MusicBox wishes to thank and acknowledge Kevin Lyman, Bethany Watson and her press department, Tada! Catering, and all of the bands and fans for making this article possible. See everyone next summer!
Article and all pictures copyright MusicBox Entertainment 2008
