Story by Shannon Shumaker
Since 1995, The Vans Warped Tour has been a staple in the punk and alternative music scene. The largest traveling music festival in the U.S., Warped Tour has pushed boundaries and introduced music lovers to new artists for the past twenty-three years, and although 2018 marks the festival’s final cross-country run, that doesn’t mean that they’re playing it safe. This year’s lineup, like many before it, includes a healthy mix of iconic Warped Tour veterans as well as up and coming acts.
Over the past few years, The Prelude Press has featured some of Warped Tour’s best newcomers to watch, but this year, we’re doing things a bit differently. For the final run of Warped Tour, we’ve compiled a list of artists to see that promise to make for a perfect day, from Every Time I Die and Reel Big Fish, who have played warped tour countless times, to rising artists such as YUNGBLUD, Don Broco and Sharptooth. Whatever you’re into, there’s a little something for everyone on this year’s Warped lineup. Here are some of our recommendations to help you have the best day ever.
3OH!3
Playing 6/21 – 8/5
Journeys Left Foot Stage
Relive your scene kid glory days by catching 3OH!3 as they celebrate the 10th anniversary of WANT this summer. You won’t regret it.
YUNGBLUD
Playing 7/3, 7/5 – 7/16, 7/26 – 7/31
Owly.fm Stage
If you’re looking for a unique new artist to check out this year, YUNGBLUD is your man. By merging rock, pop and hip-hop, this 19 year-old brit is sure to blow your mind – and he’s insane on stage.
Every Time I Die
Playing 6/21 – 8/5
Mutant White Lightning Stage
Is Warped Tour even Warped Tour without Every Time I Die? These guys have played every other year since 2006, so it only makes sense that they’re along for the ride on the final cross-country run! Every Time I Die always put on an insane show – whether you’re a long time fan or just hearing them for the first time, they’re sure to blow your mind.
Mayday Parade
Playing 6/21 – 8/5
Journeys Left Foot Stage
With their new album, Sunnyland out this month, Mayday Parade are prepared to celebrate all summer long on Warped Tour!
Sleep On It
Playing 7/10 – 8/5
Owly.fm Stage
Sleep On It have been quickly gaining momentum in the pop-punk scene and are arguably one of the best rising bands on this year’s Warped Tour. Although they’re not on the entire tour, they’re definitely worth checking out if they’re coming through your state!
State Champs
Playing 6/21 – 8/5
Journeys Left Foot Stage
State Champs have proven time and time again that they’re a force to be reckoned with, and with a headlining slot on this year’s Warped Tour and their new album, Living Proof out this month, their upcoming performances promise to be larger than life.
Reel Big Fish
Playing 6/21 – 8/5
Journeys Left Foot Stage
Like Every Time I Die, Reel Big Fish are a classic Warped Tour band to see, especially if you haven’t had the chance to catch them at one of the many Warped Tours they’ve played in the past. It’s truly not summer without Reel Big Fish!
Chase Atlantic
Playing 6/21 – 7/31
Owly.fm Stage
Alt-pop band Chase Atlantic are another unique group worth checking out on this year’s run. With a moody, R&B influenced sound, they’re sure to stand out among all of the pop-punk and metalcore this summer.
Unearth
Playing 6/21 – 8/5
Mutant White Lightning Stage
If you’re looking for something a little heavier than all of the upbeat pop-punk bands on this year’s Warped, stop by the Mutant White Lightning Stage to check out metalcore veterans, Unearth. They’ll blow your mind.
Simple Plan
Playing 6/21 – 8/5
Journeys Right Foot Stage
Simple Plan are no strangers to the Warped Tour stage, and the final cross-country run honestly wouldn’t be complete without them. Do I even need to convince you to go see them?
Senses Fail
Playing 6/21 – 7/17, 7/20, 7/21, 7/24 – 8/5
Mutant White Lightning Stage
If you’ve never seen Senses Fail live, then you’re missing the hell out, and if you have, then you already know why they’re a must-see this summer. On top of a killer back catalogue of music to pull from (and an incredible new album out now), these guys are insane live.
Sharptooth
Playing 6/21 – 8/5
Mutant Red Dawn Stage
Mark my words: Sharptooth are going to be this year’s breakout band on Warped Tour. With explosive energy, they’re quickly rising to the forefront of the hardcore/metal scene.
Don Broco
Playing 6/21 – 8/5
Owly.fm Stage
Like Sharptooth, Don Broco are destined to be one of this year’s breakout artists. Already massive back home overseas, Don Broco have an larger than life (and incredibly fun) live presence and sound that’ll make you want to move.
Waterparks
Playing 6/21 – 8/5
Journeys Left Foot Stage
Waterparks are quickly rising to become one of the next great pop-punk bands, and you’re really missing out if you don’t catch them this year.
Makeout
Playing 6/21 – 8/5
Owly.fm Stage
Similar to Waterparks, Makeout have a larger than life, don’t give a fuck attitude that makes them hard to resist. They’re sure to put on a fun set all summer long!
In Hearts Wake
Playing 6/21 – 8/5
Mutant White Lightning Stage
In Hearts Wake are another band with a massive stage presence. If you’re looking for an experience (rather than watching a band looking bored on stage) then you’re going to want to see these guys.
The Used
Playing 6/21 – 7/10
Journeys Left Foot Stage
Like many of these bands, The Used have been playing Warped Tour for over ten years, making them a must-see for the final run. They always put on an incredible show and are great at peppering both new and old material into their set.