
Kevin Lyman
Photo: Gabriel Olsen/Getty Images
Vans Warped Tour Planning For 2018 Cross-Country Farewell
Vans Warped Tour was founded by Goldenvoice's Kevin Lyman in 1995 and has been a summer music centerpiece ever since, featuring hip and indie bands fans love. On Nov. 15 Lyman blogged "All Things Must Come To An End," sharing the sad news that 2018 will be the last year the tour travels cross-country.
"I am so grateful to have worked with more than 1,700 bands over the last 23 summers," wrote Lyman, who was honored by MusiCares in 2014. "I wish I could thank every band that has played the tour."
In an exclusive interview with Billboard, Lyman got a start on that long list of thanks, listing many acts like No Doubt and Paramore who were helped by big Vans Warped boosts.
Last summer fewer kids turned out for the tour dates, and Lyman wants to bring things to a close on a high note while staying true to the Vans Warped brand. "It's still supposed to feel like that backyard party that anyone can go to," he said.
Lyman said that a 25th-anniversary celebration is planned for 2019, but for fans, the 2018 farewell tour will feel more like a must.