I remember attending Warped Tour in 2003, and it was such a struggle to see all your favourite bands – almost all of the bands were well-known and if two played at the same time on different stages, you’d run through the crowds just to catch half of each band’s set.Maybe it’s my age, but now, I have no idea who any of these bands are.For an indie fan, it could be an awesome experience – to see new bands and critique their performances before they become famous and start selling out big stadium shows.But for the rest of us that remember Warped Tour back in the day, it’s a bit of a disappointment.
The usual vendors were in attendance – Vans, Skullcandy, Epitaph, and almost every band had a tent selling merch.It is always quite surprising how many charities and organizations flood into the venue each year – it seemed as though at least 40% of the tents were dedicated to a charitable organization (i.e. PETA, Skate4Cancer, breast cancer awareness, etc.).I don’t necessarily agree with this – I think it’s important that young people know about this stuff, but the organizations are definitely taking advantage of all the young people that have money to blow.
Another frustrating aspect of this show was the quality of sound.I originally blamed it on the parking lot environment, until I saw several of the sound techs standing off to the side smoking cigarettes while the band on stage was struggling to get any sound coming out of their guitars.Who is paying these people??Do they just assume that young kids won’t notice these kinds of things?Sorry to burst your bubble Warped Tour execs, but you’d better step up your game next year if you want any kind of increase in attendance.
Despite some negative aspects of this year’s tour, many of the bands that I saw perform were fantastic.Bands like The Rocket Summer, VersaEmerge, Polar Bear Club, The Cab, and We Are In The Crowd, all put on an awesome show.Headlining this year’s Toronto date were All-American Rejects, Sum 41, and Alkaline Trio on the main stage.The crowd went crazy for these bands, despite the lack of quality.Having seen these bands a few times before, I know they’ve seen better days.Steve Jocz, the drummer of Sum 41, looks like he’s aged 20 years, and the whole band gives off a sense of arrogance and ego that none of them deserve at this point.Tyson Ritter, lead singer for All-American Rejects, came onto the stage wearing the tightest white flood pants I’ve ever seen, with a tight white suit jacket to match.After watching the first couple of songs, it was clear that he was on some serious drugs.
Overall, this year’s Warped Tour was a fun time for everyone who attended, but it could use some changes next year in order to prove to us that the $60 ticket is actually worth it.
*LINKS TO ALL of Live in Limbo’s Warped Tour 2010 Photos:*
*LINKS TO ALL of Live in Limbo’s Warped Tour 2010 Photos are at theEnd of the Article:*
In its 16th year, the Vans Warped Tour once again passed through Toronto on July 9 at The Flats @ Arrow Hall.Many people who have heard of the Warped Tour perceive it to be a punk festivalfor punk kids.The fact is, it’s so much more than that.One of my favourite things about this tour every year is the crowd it attracts – many different types of people, none of whom are afraid to show their true selves (i.e. neon coloured leg warmers, 13-year-old public make-out sessions, rainbow mohawks, and brief nudity).However, the tour has changed dramatically over the last few years – the original venue was Molson Park in Barrie, which was ideal for multiple stages, vendor tents, beer gardens, and tailgate parties in the grassy parking lots.The new venue at Arrow Hall is definitely not up to par.The concrete of the parking lot takes away from the whole feel of the festival (but does allow for less crowd surfing and less moshing, due to the threat of injury!).The multiple stages are also so close together, it made it hard to get around some of the bigger crowds.One good thing is that Arrow Hall is open, and gives everyone the opportunity for an escape from the rain and/or heat.
*LINKS TO ALL of Live in Limbo’s Warped Tour 2010 Photos are at theEnd of the Article:*
In its 16th year, the Vans Warped Tour once again passed through Toronto on July 9 at The Flats @ Arrow Hall.Many people who have heard of the Warped Tour perceive it to be a punk festivalfor punk kids.The fact is, it’s so much more than that.One of my favourite things about this tour every year is the crowd it attracts – many different types of people, none of whom are afraid to show their true selves (i.e. neon coloured leg warmers, 13-year-old public make-out sessions, rainbow mohawks, and brief nudity).However, the tour has changed dramatically over the last few years – the original venue was Molson Park in Barrie, which was ideal for multiple stages, vendor tents, beer gardens, and tailgate parties in the grassy parking lots.The new venue at Arrow Hall is definitely not up to par.The concrete of the parking lot takes away from the whole feel of the festival (but does allow for less crowd surfing and less moshing, due to the threat of injury!).The multiple stages are also so close together, it made it hard to get around some of the bigger crowds.One good thing is that Arrow Hall is open, and gives everyone the opportunity for an escape from the rain and/or heat.
*LINKS TO ALL of Live in Limbo’s Warped Tour 2010 Photos are at theEnd of the Article:*
In its 16th year, the Vans Warped Tour once again passed through Toronto on July 9 at The Flats @ Arrow Hall.Many people who have heard of the Warped Tour perceive it to be a punk festivalfor punk kids.The fact is, it’s so much more than that.One of my favourite things about this tour every year is the crowd it attracts – many different types of people, none of whom are afraid to show their true selves (i.e. neon coloured leg warmers, 13-year-old public make-out sessions, rainbow mohawks, and brief nudity).However, the tour has changed dramatically over the last few years – the original venue was Molson Park in Barrie, which was ideal for multiple stages, vendor tents, beer gardens, and tailgate parties in the grassy parking lots.The new venue at Arrow Hall is definitely not up to par.The concrete of the parking lot takes away from the whole feel of the festival (but does allow for less crowd surfing and less moshing, due to the threat of injury!).The multiple stages are also so close together, it made it hard to get around some of the bigger crowds.One good thing is that Arrow Hall is open, and gives everyone the opportunity for an escape from the rain and/or heat.
*LINKS TO ALL of Live in Limbo’s Warped Tour 2010 Photos are at theEnd of the Article:*
In its 16th year, the Vans Warped Tour once again passed through Toronto on July 9 at The Flats @ Arrow Hall.Many people who have heard of the Warped Tour perceive it to be a punk festivalfor punk kids.The fact is, it’s so much more than that.One of my favourite things about this tour every year is the crowd it attracts – many different types of people, none of whom are afraid to show their true selves (i.e. neon coloured leg warmers, 13-year-old public make-out sessions, rainbow mohawks, and brief nudity).However, the tour has changed dramatically over the last few years – the original venue was Molson Park in Barrie, which was ideal for multiple stages, vendor tents, beer gardens, and tailgate parties in the grassy parking lots.The new venue at Arrow Hall is definitely not up to par.The concrete of the parking lot takes away from the whole feel of the festival (but does allow for less crowd surfing and less moshing, due to the threat of injury!).The multiple stages are also so close together, it made it hard to get around some of the bigger crowds.One good thing is that Arrow Hall is open, and gives everyone the opportunity for an escape from the rain and/or heat.
Chief Editor & Founder of Live in Limbo. Host & Producer of the Capsule Podcast. Sean is an award-winning photographer and Nikon Professional Services member. His work has appeared on the CBC, Pitchfork, and MUCH. He is an Academy Delegate at the JUNOs (CARAS) and has been involved in the Toronto music scene since 2005. He is also an endurance and CrossFit athlete. You should follow him on Twitter @SeanChin.
