Pre-Show Chaos

I arrived nice and early for the concert, just in case. I got dropped off to avoid the $10 parking and the whole parking fiasco in general. I walked around the back area trying to find the press tent. Eventually I started asking random "Event Staff." I was told to go to "Productions." Well, well, Productions, eh? I thought I was cool. I walk to the Productions area, through the mob of roadies and band members picking up shoes, which looked like a big Vans truck went 60 in reverse and slammed on the breaks (thus causing all of the shoes to fall out all over the place). I entered the productions building and ractically walked into about twelve tough looking, 6 foot plus, tattoo'd guys waiting in line to do what, I don't know. I just hopped in line anyway. Next to the "line" was a bunch of garbage bags, full of clothes, with name tags. I think I might have seen Yellowcard's dirty laundry. Needless to say, Productions was not the right place. I found the Press Tent and was still too early. Lots of going back and forth with the Will Call and Press Tent and I finally got my Press and Photo passes.

-Die' Hunns-

They were playing when I walked through the gates. I wasn't digging the whole voice-sounding-like-an-old-smoker sound. And I noted Duane Peters looks like a piece of beef jerky.

I took this as the time to scan the venue and know where all the stages were. Plus, I had an interview with Joe from The Vandals in 20 minutes, no time to waste.

After the interview, I came in through a side entrance so I want to extend my thanks to which ever Event Staff was cool and did not piss about the pass dealio.

-Letter Kills-

They were really good. I saw about 4 of their songs, including their single, "Don't Believe." Lots of crowd interaction, the fans were digging it. I wish I had been able to see their whole set.

After Letter Kills, I did a little more wandering. Noted that Hidden In Plain View had still not checked in, and somehow ended up at the Maurice Stage.

-Hazen Street-

Ok, honestly I only watched them because I heard they were on Joel & Benji Madden's imprint label through Epic...And it intrigued me. Overall, they were not too bad. Not a lot of people were really getting into it, but the band had energy and was good. I listened to three of their songs and remembered that Yellowcard was on the main stage so I left before they were done.

-Yellowcard-

They played "Ocean Avenue," "Way Away," "Only One," "Empty Apartment," "Breathing" and probably a few other songs, which I missed. Ryan (lead Vox/guitar) & Sean (Violin/Vox) talked a little politics, about how everyone able to Vote should be registered to Vote and go out and Vote this Fall. The band was really good, the fans were into it and overall it was awesome. I would definitely see them again.

-Bouncing Souls-

I do not really know any of their music, so I am not sure which tracks they played exactly. It was a good set though. Lots of energy.

-NOFX-

I only know a little of their music, but I still enjoyed their set.

-Flogging Molly-

Wow, this band impressed me. Their music is pretty different than most of the the other main stage bands, but the fun and crowd appreciation didn't lack at all.

-Taking Back Sunday-

Oh. My. God. So awesome, so much energy, so many fans. It looked like a brutal pit, as I saw a few girls and guys walk away with busted lips or noses. I was totally blown away with the band and the crowd reaction. Set included "You're so last summer," "Cute without the E," "Great Romances Of The 20th Century" and I'm pretty sure they played some newer, unreleased ones as well.

-Thursday-

Another "Whoa!" of the day. Awesome set, including "Signals over the air," "War all the time," and others. Lead vocalist, Geoff Rickly, is an amazing live performer.

-Melee-

They played on a tiny-ass stage...well, I don't even think it was a stage, more like the ground, with a tent shading them. They were really good. Their live set is pretty energetic compared to their record. I think their music sounds best live. Set included "The War" and "Perfect Mess."

-Alkaline Trio-

Good set. Not as energetic as the bands before them, but they sounded good and their fans enjoyed them.

-Coheed & Cambria-

I was probably the only person who isn't a huge fan of C&C, within 80 feet of them performing. The lead singer, Claudio Sanchez, entered the stage and the fans cheered. He undid his pony tail holder, and the fans went fricking crazy. You'd think his hair held a special power that could kick bubya out of office at the rate the kiddies were cheering. Maybe it does, I don't know, but dayum, good performance. Not a lot of band-crowd interaction, though. They played a bunch of songs of their "In Keeping Secrets of Silent Earth: 3"

-New Found Glory-

Saw them on the 03 Civic Tour and was not impressed. But I stuck around for their performance, anyway. It was so-so. I'm greatful for them not having that damn NFG stobe light sign this time around at least hehe. Played songs from their latest cd, and the previous cd, but not much from the others.

-The Vandals-

Dudes, the played APE DRAPE! How can anyone not like this band? It's fun punk, with no need of the "insert political blurt here" like the previous bands. They played "Now we dance," "My Girlfriend's Dead," "Oi To The World," "I've Got An Ape Drape," "My neck, My Back," "Be A Good Robot," and a few others.

-The Sounds-

I wouldn't have put this band on main stage during primetime (for craps sake, they played 3rd to last for the main stages). They were ok, but I left early to go watch other bands. The lead singer was totally loving the camera/press attention, by the way.

-The Skulls-

Caught the tail end of their performance. They were pretty good. -Hidden In Plain View-

I was supposed to interview them, and well, they never signed in at the press tent so I was s.o.l. on that. This was the second time I had seen HIPV, and I loved it. They played "The Chaser," "Shamans Witches Magic," "Where The Highways End," "Belly Full Of Kerosene," "20 Below," and "Bleed For You." My favorite songs were "Bleed For You" and "The Chaser." I love these guys.

-Story Of The Year-

After HIPV, I wandered back to the main stage and found SOTY playing. They were pretty good for the few songs I got to see.

-Bad Religion-

I'm not too hip to their music, so I watched from afar. After two songs I lost interest. Crowd was loving them & they played really well, I'm just not a fan. Went to the merch booths and bought a HIPV shirt and got my cd signed by Chris & Rob. Rob was super nice and he tried stealing my sharpie, probably assuming it was theirs since Sharpies were supposed to be confiscated at the entrance.

Warped was just so damn awesome. My favorite performances were Yellowcard, Taking Back Sunday, Thursday, The Vandals, and Hidden In Plain View.

Review by: Candice