Vans Warped Tour rolled through Chicagoland on July 20th. Like previously years, the tour was held at the First Midwest Bank Amphitheater in Tinley Park, just outside Chicago. This summer the tour had an amazing lineup including Chiodos, Sleeping With Sirens, Bring Me the Horizon, Blessthefall, Memphis May Fire and Story of the Year. This summer the tour’s slogan was “Best Day Ever” and even in its 18 years, it manages to get better each time around. Warped Tour is great because it has a little something for everyone. Of course the main attractions are the bands and artist playing on the two KIA main stages, and several other stages set up around the amphitheater grounds. There are also tons of clothing lines and merch tents lining the space between stages. Warped also has its share of non-profits such as Feed Our Children Now, The Keep A Breast Foundation, Music Saves Lives and PETA. In order to get spectators more involved, many offer incentives such as trading canned goods for skip-the-line passes, or giving blood to get backstage. My favorite part of warped tour is how it brings artists and fans so much closer together. Whether you fight your way to the front of the pit or attend a meet & greet, you are able to connect with the bands you love.
Bring Me the Horizon. Photo by Lauren Aguirre
Bring Me the Horizon
Without a doubt, one of my favorite performances this year was by Bring Me the Horizon. Their latest album release Sempiternal received extremely positive reviews, and their set lived up to the hype. Even as front man Oliver Sykes walked to the main stage, he was rushed by screaming fans trying to snap a photo or get an autograph. They opened their set on the Vans main stage with Shadow Moses and played mostly new songs from their latest album including “Sleepwalking” and “House of Wolves.” As in past years they also played crowd favorites, “Chelsea Smile” and “Diamonds Aren’t Forever”.
Chiodos. Photo by Lauren Aguirre
Chiodos
Two summers ago, fans were rushing to see D.R.U.G.S. play main stage at Warped Tour. This summer D.R.U.G.S. is no more, but fans still flocked to see Craig Owens perform once again with Chiodos. There is just something about Owens that sets him and Chiodos apart from other bands. Since they no longer play any songs from their Illuminaudio album, everything they played was several years old, but that sure didn’t stop fans from screaming along. They also surprised spectators with a new song entitled “Expensive Conversations in Cheap Motels” that will be a part of their new album that is to be released sometime within the next year.
Blessthefall. Photo by Lauren Aguirre
Blessthefall
Vans Warped Tour veterans Blessthefall returned to the tour once again this summer, and put on a killer performance on the Vans main stage. During the performance, they promoted their forth studio album, Hollow Bodies, which will be released later this summer. During their set, they played a combination of new songs from this album, as well as older ones. Lead singer Beau Bokan was very entertaining as he flew all over the stage, dove into the crowd, and climbed to the top of the 25-foot structure. This was my first time seeing Blessthefall, and after seeing their live performance I would recommend everyone to see them perform live.