Warped Tour 2015 Cleveland, Ohio Review Part 1

A little background first.

I’m 43 years old, last year was my first Warped Tour. For the 2014 tour I only knew of a hand full of bands by name, none of them were bands I listened to and only a few songs were ones I recognized, all from my daughter, who ditched me as soon as we were in the gate. I had a great time, got to hear a lot of great bands play songs that would be new additions to my music library.

This year I would be prepared. I would know the bands that would be there and have the best fucking day of live music so far. I auditioned every band that would be playing Cleveland and ranked all of them. Made a Spotify playlist of the top bands (21) and listened to it almost everyday for about 3 months.

Day of the show we arrived around 9:15, donated our canned goods to skip the line. Skip the line people got their bags checked starting at 10 and we were in the gates by 10:45. First band started at 11:15, but I didn’t have anyone on my list until 11:30.

I was in the Acoustic Basement to see Aaron West and The Roaring Twenties. I was there early, but it was to fucking hot in there. The tent was pack, so good for them, but I wasn’t going to stay. Checked my list and my notebook. Carousel Kings was playing at 11:30, I had plenty of time. My list had them at a 4 out of 5, unfortunately I didn’t have them on my playlist, so I didn’t know any of their songs. I walked up during the first song, which pissed me off, I had my audio recorder set up to record all of the sets I would watch and I’m a bit of a completionist, so I didn’t get their full set. A good punk band who I enjoyed. I give the bands on the Kevin Says and Ernie Ball stages a lot of credit, for the bands I saw there they only played to maybe 30 or so people max.

Alvarez Kings were next on my list, didn’t even have to change stages. Crazy how one band is off and the next is ready to play in 15 minutes. Great sound, kind of like Cold Play with less keyboards and more guitar. Again another band that didn’t play to a big crowd, I did see the singer to The Kenneths watching some of the set.

Set It Off were up on the Shark Stage right after Alvarez Kings, probably had 10mins to get a spot. They might be a little more “pop” than a most of the warped tour line up, but they drew a big crowd. Had a lot of energy and really worked the crowd. I noticed they didn’t have a bass player, which I just read was no longer with the band as of this past May. Wonder if they had someone playing off stage or if it was recorded.

Had a short break before The Wonder Years were up. Sat down at a picnic table with a mom using her get in free with your kid ticket. Did a little people watching while I woofed down a PBnJ.

Met up with my daughter about 10 mins before the Wonder Years began. Another main stage act, I tried to get kind of close so I could get a few decent photos. I was able to get my decent camera into the show. I believe they were on most peoples must see list for every date on the tour. I can see why, a ton of energy, great songs. Unfortunately someone got hurt and needed medical attention during their set, so they had to cut a song out. I’ll try to make it a priority to see them when they tour next. I wish I could have seen them with my daughter a couple years ago.

Headed back to the Keven Says stage to see The Kenneths. Old school 3 piece punk band from England. Had their songs in my rotation so I was pretty familiar, again only about 30 people. The lead singer poked a bit of fun at the Alvarez Kings who’s singer was by the sound board watching. He was imitating how he got down by the barrier and had a fan hold the mic. Got a laugh when he flipped him the bird. Looking through their Facebook, it seems to be an on going thing. Glad I got to see both of them play.