Ever since it’s debut in 1995, the world-famous Vans Warped Tour has been a second home to punks, metal-heads, and music-lovers alike. The tour hit the Comcast Center in Mansfield, Massachusetts on Thursday, July 11, turning its amphitheater and surrounding grounds into a melting pot of music, promo tents, and tens of thousands of sweaty fans awaiting what they hoped was their “best day ever,” which is the tag line for the tour this year.
With the rainy weather touching down before the doors opened, many were unsure how the day would play out. Surprisingly, the rain held off, and the day continued without a hitch.
The tour brought many hardcore heavyweights to the scene with acts like Upon A Burning Body, Memphis May Fire, and even UK band, Bring Me The Horizon, who all put on fast-paced shows, filled with mosh pits, circle pits, and relentless crowd surfing.
The day did not just cater to those with an appetite for heavy music, however, with acts like Pennsylvania pop-punk heroes, The Wonder Years, Australian punk band, Tonight Alive, and even California ska punk band Reel Big Fish, who took to the stage to deliver a nostalgic kick in the groin.
Vans Warped Tour also makes sure to feature local talent as well with its partner Ernie Ball, who hosts an online battle-of-the-bands contests in which the winning acts gets a time slot on the tour at their local date. Some of these acts featured, metal band We The Machine, female-fronted rock band Paris, and even acoustic act Wind In Sails, featuring Evan Pharmakis, ex-member of Boston hardcore band, Vanna.
Floridian post-hardcore band, Sleeping With Sirens, and Michigan metal band, The Black Dahlia Murder both wrapped up the event on their respected stages ending the Warped Tour off in Boston with a bang. The merch tents and stages were then taken down and packed away, while the crowd shuffled out of the venue. To many, it truly was the “best day ever.”
Additional Warp Tour dates can be found here. If you are interested in seeing more of my pictures from the event check out my Facebook page or follow me on Twitter @ericgesualdo.
Special thanks to photojournalist Eric Gesualdo for this coverage.
