The Vans Warped Tour pulled into the Portland Expo Center earlier then normal this year. Instead of the normal last day of Warped Tour in early August, this year it was the second day of Warped Tour in mid June. An exciting way for every punk rock teenager in Portland to start their summer. With this years tagline, The Best Day Ever, thousands of people enjoyed the music from Motion City Soundtrack, We Came As Romans,Black Veil Brides, The Summer Set, Goldfinger, Chiodos and over 60 other bands at what was truly the best day every. Please enjoy part one of three below!
Gin Wigmore opened up the Tilly stage early with her alternative folk rock all the way from New Zealand. If you plan on catching an act on the Warped Tour this year that is a bit different but still rocks be sure to check her out. Her popularity in New Zealand has lead to a 4x platinum selling album and after a summer on the Warped Tour it should be no different in the U.S.
With great success and excellent reviews on their third album, The Summer Set were promoted to the main stage for the first time in their Warped Tour career. Equipped with three albums of power pop, The Summer Set had no problem packing a large crowd early in the afternoon. Winners of Macy’s iHeartRadio Rising Star Contest The Summer Set are a great band to enjoy this summer especially if you are looking for a break from someone screaming at you for 30 minutes.
If you are looking for a band that preforms at 1000% for an entire 30 minute set then the Chariot is a band not to miss. From the first note until the last note expect your attention to never get diverted away from the stage. Hardcore band The Chariot have more running around stage, throwing the mic, head banging, and climbing on the stage equipment then any band on the Monster Energy stage this summer, guaranteed. Seeing them was a first for me and I can’t wait to see them again. Don’t make the mistake of missing them in action this summer
Warped tour veterans Hawthorne Heights might be playing on a smaller stage this year but their sounds and performance is main stage worthy. While most of the attendees might not have been old enough to enjoy the Hawthrone Heights in the at the height(haha) of their success doesn’t mean their can’t pull out a huge crowd. Expect to fight your way to the front of the stage during their time on Warped Tour.
A jump from Monster Energy stage on their last stint of Warped Tour, We Came As Romans brought a larger then main stage performance to the second day of Warped tour. A full stage of two lead singers, two guitarists, one bassist, and expect at least one member to jump into the crowd. Expect them to get better and better as the tour goes on. One of the top performers of the summer, it would not be the best day every if We Came As Romans were not involved.
Promoted to the main stage for the day Silverstein showed they got what it takes to preform here all summer long. Another older band brought back to Warped Tour to show they still got what it takes to reach out to new and younger fans. Expect a big crowd of new and long time fans of Silverstein all summer long.
Part Two – Forever The Sickest Kids, August Burns Red, Tonight Alive, Chiodos, Sleeping With Sirens, Gold Finger
Yay!