Its official. Warped Tour is happening right now. The tour is edging our way and with that it is time for me to offer some tips on for Warping wisely.
1- Water. Drink alot. I know its a time waster to have to find restrooms and if your a girl to wait it out but I'm telling right now stay hydrated or you will faint. Fainting gets you a free ride on a stretcher to the medic tent where some fat paramedic will scold you and take your blood pressure for an hour while forcing you water. Don't believe me? Ask Mary Magpie, I took pictures.
2- Food. Warped offers a preshow meal ticket now. Pizza and fries may not be the healthiest thing to snarf on but its a start and the sodium will help I suppose. Be wise you're going to be in perpetual motion for almost 12 hours don't faint. (see tip 1 for ramifications of that action)
3- Footwear. Don't be an ass. Flip Flops and festivals don't work. Crowd surf and your barefoot walking on spit covered dirt and flaming hot asphalt for the rest of the day. Guys- boots? hot sweat stinking rancid feet. The best idea- Chuck Taylors, and I pop a pair of slides in my bag for late day. Trust me on this one nothing is worse than disgusting feet at Warped-yuck.
4- Sunscreen- shut the hell up and wear it. Or you will be fried and blistered by days end. There is nothing less cool than a farmer sunburn and its simple to prevent. Add that skin cancer also sucks and that's reason enough- do it. You'll thank me the day after when you're able to move and unfried.
OK now that you're comfortable lets move on to the top 5 tents not to miss at Warped. Last year we missed alot of this as we were doing alot of interviews in succession. From experience I can tell you not to miss these.
1- PETA. Get schooled on animal rights, sign a petition, get some swag and walk away wiser.
2- Music Saves Lives. Better yet check out musicsaveslives.org right now and donate blood for some amazing VIP perks and best of all FREE water all day and exclusive meet and greets.
3- Hellcat Records. I will always mention Hellcat and I will always support them for supporting Joe Strummer.
4- Band tents- most bands will have a merch tent. Support your faves please. They aren't making a ton of money but they do get a cut of merch so if you're able please do buy something from them. Much better than Hot Topic- go to the source.
5- Alternative Press. Now I shouldn't be shoving you to read something else but this is the best magazine left standing and you can get a killer deal on a renewal or new subscription direct from them- sometime the tent workers are frustrated hipsters (2 years ago I nearly decked the girl behind the table for being a brat but I refrained) but remember- Alt Press is not the sum of its volunteer subscription broads. Plus there is usually a signing there so check the board.
Now for the most important Warped tips.. WHO not to miss. Picking a top 10 is not easy but I will do it to help you with time management.
1- The Devil Wears Prada… lordy lordy cannot wait
2- Of Mice and Men I haven't said enough about these guys yet- but I will be
3- Black Veil Brides Great stage presence and if Andy falls please catch him
4- A Day To Remember thinking mans hardcore. Brilliant
5- D.R.U.G.S. A huge pain in the ass to type but a great band and great guys
6- Attack Attack! Personnel changes are a good thing
7- Woe, Is Me another great American band not mentioned enough here
8- The Wonder Years This ain't no sitcom this is great musicianship
9-Madina Lake So sad they're not at my stop but dont miss them if they're at yours!
10- Fear Lee Ving should be happy hes not doing Hartford. 80s icons don't miss them