Warped Tour 2012 - Uniondale, NY

Even with a July which feels more like September, Warped Tour is always one of the pinnacles of my summer. While even my novice ass can acknowledge that it is no longer the epic punk fest that it once was, and that it will certianly unlikely live up to its 2009 lineup of Bad Religion, NOFX, Less Than Jake, The Flogging Molly, it's still an enjoyable day for me and whatever cameraperson I can convince to let me drag them around for the day.



This year's big highlight for us was definitely Lostprophets, who haven't played the States in six years. The interview was a coupe, and apparently the only one that we were going to score this year, as half of the bands were either "Pre-Approved" only (Seriously? Would've been nice to know that ahead of time, publicity agents) or not giving interviews at all for some odd reason. This year's festival also showcased a handful of bands who I've been dying to see for years and haven't been able to, so I was pretty happy with the lineup.

The day began as it always does for us music hacks: at the press tent, to interact with the lovely Bethany and an entertaining veteran who had been there since the beginning of the new pop punk (do with that information what you will). Schedules in hand, we set off for the Kia Soul Stage (how cool is that name?) to check out Yellowcard. They sounded good, but I was a bit disappointed in the lack of bounce that the band possessed. I like to see interactive Warpeds. If I want to just stare at some dude on the stage, I can buy a ticket to the Highline or something.


Chuck Ragan

To redeem that experience was the phenomenal Chuck Ragan's acoustic tent set. It was short, but he made the most of it (even if he never opened his eyes!) with a really enthusiastic cellist and violinist on hand. We were amused to spot a table off to the side with a pack of empty cigarettes and a sign which read "Take one!" The hunt for cigarettes by desperate musicians and stagehands was pretty much the rule of the day, as crewmembers called out to the audience and to each other from stages and merch tents for the high-demand items.

We were a disappointed that our day's schedule did not jibe with either Bayside's or Every Time I Die's set or signings, but a tired Nick Ghanbarian and Jordan Buckley were nice enough to sign and take photos from inside their stations within their bands' tents.
Streetlight Manifesto's set was every bit the party that we were expecting it to be, with bursting singalongs and dancing horns galore, and we were bummed that we had to bail early in order to conduct our Lostprophets interview (to be posted in this space shortly.)


Senses Fail

Local band Senses Fail was a secondary highlight of the day for me. I've waited years to see them live and they were incredible. The band moves around so fast that they're almost impossible to photograph, and they're extremely interactive. They sounded great and the slot went by much too quickly for me.

In the wake of having lost out on a Blink-182 headliner at this year's Bamboozle, a New Found Glory set was a somewhat satisfying replacement. These touring veterans haven't lost their edge, and the crowd blew up once they took the stage. Mixing both classics and newer jams into their unfortunately abridged time slot, NFG owned the place, and I was able to tick another notch off in my belt for bands I needed to see live.


Lost Prophets

Losprophets was most definitely worth the long wait. They were fascinating; dark, funny, extremely catchy and very expressive. With "Weapons" wheels barely on the ground, this band is showing no signs of slowing down. If it weren't for their contribution, this year's Warped lineup would have been quite a bit bleaker. Do yourself a favor and download the new album; you won't be sorry.

We weren't particularly interested in any of the headliners, and spent that time catching up with friends (one of whom is Terry From Jukebox Romantics - you should try and catch this somewhat unapologetic sendup to the Bouncing Souls if you're ever in town when they're playing.)

With Warped sales admittedly stagnant, this event could definitely do with a facelift, but as long as there are a few decent bands every year to break up the monotony, I will be there.

More Photos

Chuck Ragan

Lost Prophets

Senses Fail




Streetlight Manifesto






Yellowcard