First off, let me say It’s great to be back doing what I love the most. Being on the sidelines for 2 months has been a major drag. So this is my 3rd time attending the Vans Warped Tour (would of been 4 if I didn’t get a nasty allergy attack in 2008). The first time came in 2005 in Charlotte, NC. That was the year I got to meet Dropkick Murphys and see bands such as Motion City Soundtrack, Fall Out Boy, The Transplants and MXPX just to name a few.

The second time was in 2007 and that was at The Gorge. Bands such as Paramore, Pennywise, Pepper, Bad Religion, and Flogging Molly played. That was also the year I got into it with security while I was waiting in line to meet Paramore. (Long story)

This year, it was really different. To be honest, it really didn’t feel like Warped Tour. Instead of the main stage being in the amphitheater like they normally have it, the main stage was up on the hill. The other stages were hard to find. To make matters worse, with all the vendor/merch tents on the grounds, it was hard to get through to make it to the stage on time to get your 3 songs in for a band you had to shoot. The last time I attended Warped in 2007, the layout was much smoother.

Overall, the lineup was good. Maybe next year things will be back to normal. But with bands such as Reel Big Fish, AM Taxi, Dropkick Murphys and Alkaline Trio, who could complain? However, they had advertised Sum-41 being one of the bands playing. Sadly, they didn’t play. I was also bummed when I saw on the interview sheet that Pennywise was playing. . . Unfortunately, that didn’t happen either.

Until then, here is a photo recap. To see more of these check out my gallery.

~ Xander Deccio

P.S. This is only the first part, I have 7 interviews that will be coming shortly. STAY TUNED!!!

Anti-Flag

Andrew W.K.

The Casualties

Rev. Payton’s Big Damn Band

Alkaline Trio

The Dillinger Escape Plan

Reel Big Fish

Oompa-Loompa’s

Dropkick Murphys

Everclear

Danielle Knight from KISS FM

AM Taxi

Crowd Shot

Banana Man!