Warped Tour 2010 Pre-Party
April 9, 2010 was the official kick-off party for the 2010 Van’s Warped Tour! I was lucky enough to get to check it out, talk with some of the bands and see some great live performances at the world famous Key Club in West Hollywood.
The night began with some light mingling in the basement of the club. The media and the bands chatted as $10 drinks were served and candy lay scattered on all the tables (hmmm Laffy Taffy), and the press conference began! Kevin Lyman, Warped Tour creator, started by talking about the tour and the 15th Anniversary DVD (shameless plug, we know.. and so did he).
Kevin talking about the 15th Anniv. Warped DVD
Standing along the ranks of Andrew WK, The Pretty Reckless, Pierce the Veil, Sum 41 and many others, I felt the strength of this tour. Warped is the longest running tour in North America, now in it’s 16th year. The 2010 Warped Tour will have a whopping 43 stops (be sure to check out the official site for all dates), starting June 25th in Carson, California.
Everyone was there, damnit!
A tour that can combine artists like The Bouncing Souls, who have been a band for over 20 years, with bands like Of Mice & Men (Rise Records), who just released their debut album in March 2010, can not only appeal to an array of fans, but really help people branch out and hear new, fresh music.
Pierce the Veil poses with friends
Many people complain about how the tour has changed from it’s beginning, and I am not denying that it’s definitely headed in a different direction; but we can’t expect something as eclectic as music to stay the same for 16 years. Of course the bands will evolve with the times and what people are listening to and of course… what sells! The bottom line is the MEANING of the tour hasn’t waned from it’s original goal: MUSIC. It’s about getting kids out to the shows, exposing new bands and giving veterans a chance to play for their fans. If you can’t appreciate that, than I have a sad spot in my heart and some stilettos that would fit nicely in your bum-hole. Whether you want to go watch 20 bands or only two, Warped Tour is always a fun filled day of music, sun, people and $11 beer.
Posing with Kevin Lyman, Warped Creator
The Pretty Reckless (Interscope Records)
SUM 41
After the press conference was winding down, the show began on the upstairs stage with Death Punch. Bands to follow were The Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band, The Pretty Reckless, Pierce the Veil and Andrew WK (not to mention an MC Battle and Umpa Lumpa performance in between).
Shira of Shiragirl hosted the concert
Pierce the Veil live @ The Key Club
The Pretty Reckless performed to a packed crowd!
Be sure to check out www.WARPEDTOUR.com for all the official dates and lineup for the 2010 Van’s Warped Tour!
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About the Author
Denise Borders 39, Los Angeles. Denise founded PWV in 2008 and remains the primary manager and photographer/videographer. She is not secretly obsessed with Joey Cape.
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