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Warped Tour a hit in new digs
from: azcentral.com
by Michael Senft, The Arizona Republic
Photo by Ryan Eilders
Don't worry about the Vans Warped Tour selling out. The all-day punk-rock fest survived its move down 83rd Avenue from the Peoria Sports Complex to Cricket Pavilion with its integrity intact on July 4.
In fact, nobody seemed to mind the new digs - from the bands who praised the better backstage area to the fans who could move freely
and enjoy more misting systems.
There were a few complaints, however, ranging from the minor (not close enough to an In-N-Out Burger) to the major (the asphalt parking lot at Cricket was more dangerous for crowd surfing than the outfield at Peoria Stadium).
But things went smoothly and 12,000 fans were able to enjoy more than 70 bands on eight stages at the festival.
As expected, heat problems were prevalent, with more than 100 fans treated by 4 p.m., according to Cricket Pavilion's on-site first-aid team, Frog CEP Medical. But the medical tent looked nothing like the wa rzone that Peoria would turn into in the late afternoon at Warped, and thanks to ready availability of water, only a handful of concertgoers had to be taken to the hospital.
Due to the size of the massive main stages, the concert was mainly set up in the parking lot, with the two stages surrounded by a maze of vendors tents, ranging from energy drinks to breast cancer awareness groups. Professional skaters displayed their skills on a half-pipe at one end of the lot, while fans cooled off in a water slide at the other. There was even a "reverse day-care" tent for parents who wanted to escape the sounds of hardcore and screamo. Inside they received free water and enjoyed Jim Carrey movies on a big-screen TV with complimentary headphones.
But the music was the main attraction. Early arrivals were able to see experimental metal pioneers Helmet as well as retro punks the Casualties. By midafternoon the crowd had swelled, moshing to the political sounds of Anti-Flag and NOFX. NOFX even inspired a wheelchair-bound fan to crowd surf, which singer "Fat Mike" called the wildest thing he'd seen in 15 years.
Ska-punk band Less Than Jake drew one of the largest crowds, getting a circle mosh going around the soundboard. And Chicago's Rise Against get the vote as the band to watch for - its political hardcore was the highlight of the day.
But the bands were most excited by the reunited Germs, which made its Warped Tour debut on the Fourth. The group was a seminal part of the LA hardcore scene in the late '70s and was featured in the groundbreaking documentary The Decline of Western Civilization, but it quickly imploded with singer Darby Crash's death in 1980. Actor Shane West (ER, League of Extraordinary Gentlemen) sporting a new mohawk, joined original Germs members Pat Smear, Lorna Doom and Don Bolles for a bracing set.
Unfortunately it was sparsely attended, so many young fans didn't get to see the inspiration for the bands they love. But members of many of the bands who had performed were visible backstage during the set, and Bolles commented that his 13-year-old granddaughter was at the show as well.
JOAN JETT was another surprise of the day. She may be known for the classic rock anthem I Love Rock 'n Roll, but the former leader of the RUNAWAYS was a punk before a Top 40 mainstay. And she reminded fans of that with a bracing set that included such songs as Bad Reputation and the RUNAWAYS hit Cherry Bomb.
Saves the Day and Senses Fail both pulled double duty, playing electric sets in the afternoon on the main stage before unplugging for more intimate evening shows on a side stage.
After a set from local boys Greeley Estates, the evening concluded with Motion City Soundtrack. The keyboard-driven band played a bracing sidestage set last year that was unfortunately marred by sound problems, but it clearly impressed fans and promoters enough to get the group a promotion.
Warped still has a few issues that need to be addressed. The show moves like clockwork, but the massive production requires massive open spaces. Were the show held inside the pavilion it would have been much cooler, but logistically that would have been impossible. Still, the kids with the smudged eyeliner and wilted mohawks left happy. And to be able to sample 70 bands for $25 makes Warped the best concert value for your money, even with the risk of heatstroke.
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