Vans Warped Tour mastermind, Kevin Lyman, announced that the 2018 run of the popular summer event would be its last. After 20 years of sharing new bands with eager fans, developing a special music community and providing one of the most iconic stages for artists to play, it's time to say goodbye to the beloved music experience. But we've still got one summer left, and Warped Tour is going to make it unforgettable.
Follow Recording Academy host Ryan J. Downey during opening day of Warped Tour 2018 in Pomona, Calif., on June 21. He takes us inside the festival to see the crowds, find out why fans love the festival, take a peek at the festival's community, see bands in action onstage, check out the half pipe, and see some of the characters in the crowd.
Also find out why bands Doll Skin, Dead Girls Academy, Issues, and Tonight Alive love playing Warped Tour. Reel Big Fish offer a suggest for the next iteration — a cruise! — while Wage War and Echosmith reflect on how Warped Tour has supported artists over the years. We The Kings share how they snuck into their first Warped Tour, and the Used and Amity Affliction remember how the show represents the "pinnacle" of success.
Given what we saw and heard, this is one summer festival you don't want to miss. So if Warped Tour is headed your way this summer, the time to get in on the action is now.
