The magic that is Warped came upon us this past Sunday and it was the biggest most packed I have ever seen. Upon arrival the line to enter the Comcast Theater is literally wrapped around city blocks and up a hill. This is 10:30 am and as the police wave Mary Magpie and into the tour bus area I am taken aback by the sheer volume of humans. This is where bands and busses and groupies and scene kids merge into a giant glob of energy. It is intoxicating in its volume alone.
The Comcast staff is notoriously rude. It’s a tough job and Hartford is a tough city. They take no crap they serve it up on platters. So, being the punk rock duo we are we skip through the VIP door. Treated well and with a smile we are in. As the literally plunger effect of fans rushes through the General Admission gate. It was like the Running of the Bulls for fucks sake.
This is where Kevin Lyman and his genius staff take over. Convert that sweaty gob of teenage angst into a raging party, safely and efficiently. How I wish every tour was as well run. But they’re not, not by a mile.
We came with The Wonder Years as our priority and upon signing up for press we were slated for a 12 noon chat. For some reason when we returned to do the interview the entire press box was X’d out. The Wonder Years would not be offering interviews on this stop- no explanation. A shame really considering they have become the darlings of Hartford. I don’t think they offered the fans a meet and greet or signing- big tactile error there, they’re worshipped by these kids.
But that being said their bailing out gave us opportunity to see more bands and first up was Bring Me The Horizon. Mr. O Sykes seems a bit more in control these days.
The heat is on and the day was a success despite the game change. Thank you Warped Tour, Kevin Lyman and staff for making this event an annual tradition bringing Hartford top notch entertainment with passion and objective.
Oh and before I forget I had to finally (after 5 years covering this for rocknyc!) check out the ‘Reverse Day Care’ tent offered for tired parents while their kids dehydrate out in the sun (or worse!) Here it is!! A 20 x 20 air conditioned tent with TV! I look around and realize I am most likely older than these parents. Im either insane or just way too cool. I high tailed it out of there before a bingo game started. BUT what a great option for those not willing to brave the festivities but cool enough to allow their kids to do so .