The most shocking band to find preforming on this year Warped Tour is folk rock band Never Shout Never. Not because their unpopular, sound terrible, or even because their type of music would not be welcome on Warped Tour. It is because front man Chris Drew said on the ‘No Room For Rock Stars’ DVD filmed during the 2010 Warped Tour that he would never be back on the Vans Warped Tour. As he put it, he was against other artists acts of commercializing music to make a buck on the tour. Maybe he was has realized that artists need to earn money to make a living or that he is putting differences a side to join one of the best summer tours, but it is great to see him back on the tour.
One of best parts about Warped Tour is the chance to get exposed to a ton of new bands. This year Go Radio was just that band. I heard nothing but positive praise from others so it was over to the Tilly’s Stage around mid-afternoon to catch their set. The 30 minute set reminded me exactly why I love going to concerts of bands I have never heard before. The fast pop rockers Go Radio were an exciting act to find. Exactly what I was looking for. Tons of catch lyrics, popping rhythms, and a tons of movement based stage presence. Even my little brother enjoyed them right away and it takes him a while before he likes a band.
Black Veil Brides, oh Black Veil Brides. As far as sound goes and performance on stage they are solid. For a melodic metal core or what ever of the numerous genres they fall into, I am a fan. Their songs are catchy and have sweet guitar solos. As far a appearance they defiantly go above and beyond. It has dialed back a bit since their ‘Kiss’ and ‘Motley Crue’ days. It creates a nice contrast to the other bands on a day at Warped Tour. And the fans, oh the fans love them. Even before the band walked on stage there were loud screams from girls from all over the venue. Packing in the largest crowd of the day it was nice having ear plugs in even before the music started. One of the most watched bands of the day they might be worth catching, if nothing but for the stage presence and appearance.
It seemed this year the Monster Energy stage was set up to showcase the many metal/screamo bands on this years Warped Tour. Some mediocre, some very bad, and a couple great. One of those was great bands was Attila. Not only did they have a great sound but their stage presense was intense. It reminded me of the past Warped veterans Of Mice and Men. Same stage, genre of music, and stage presence. If you ask me they will have the same gain in popularity in the coming years.
Warped Tour veterans Motion City Soundtrack were the first band I knew would be playing in 2013 and was the only band I needed to know was playing to know to know I would be attending. One of my favorite bands since their first record I Am The Movie they keep up getting better and better with each record. If you catch their set you will even be lucky enough to hear a new song from their upcoming record. Its going to be an excellent record too bases on the one song. Expect a different set of songs each day too. With so many records it like pulling each song out of a hat. They mixed it up well with old and new. Please do me a favor and catch Motion City Soundtracks electric pop rock this summer.
I missed most of Outasights set due to being mesmerized by the hooks of Motion City Soundtrack, but I knew it was still worth covering. Another band I discovered but going to a concert not know of the bands in early 2013. On the Spotify music stage this year they are the best pop/rap artist this year.
Last band on the main stage at the Portland Warped Tour was the Wonder Years. Some classic punk rock music from non classic band is exactly what was needed to turn things out in Portland. A great end to a great day of music from some of the best bands in the alternative rock scene. Many thanks to Kevin Lyman to another great year. Can’t wait to see what next year has in store.
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