The Vans Warped Tour. An annual summer celebration of music on the edge, encompassing everything from old school punk rock and ska, to hardcore and electronic based artists, with all points in between. Was this year’s fare worth enduring the scorching Arizona summer heat? The short answer would be no. The long answer however would be a definite yes.

Allow me to explain…

As far as the short and more negative answer is concerned, just the heat itself was enough to deter even the most rabid fan from staying for the whole event. I believe the thermometer that was on the main stage read 108 degrees during NoFx’s rather lackluster performance. Coupled with the fact that the Cricket Pavilion offers very little relief from the sun itself unless you had a VIP Club pass or some other privilege. Even the young first timers to this event found it difficult to deal with. “I have only been here for a few hours,” says 18-year-old Caitlin Gregoire, “and I already feel like I’m dying!”

The heat aside, this event was not cheap. The least expensive water that I personally found was two bottles for five dollars, and that sold out very fast. Yes there were misters and a fire hose spraying people down, and yes if you wanted to wait in line and simmer some more in the sun there was lukewarm foul tasting (but free) drinking fountains available. But in just trying to stay alive I spent the majority of my money on keeping hydrated, which meant that the bands who’s merchandise I really wanted to take home with me saw none of my hard earned cash.

So how in the hell could anyone possibly enjoy this event standing in a gated parking lot, broke, and with the sun feeling like it’s orbiting the earth six inches away from your face?

The music. The reason you go to the Warped Tour in the first place.

Despite everything, there were some stellar performances. Anti-flag had everyone’s fist in the air. Less than Jake kept a smile on your face. 3!oh3 made you dance. The Devil Wears Prada and Aiden pushed out wave after wave of aggression and energy into the crowd. Overall, almost everyone really dug deep and truly performed this year. You certainly felt like as a fan, you were appreciated for braving the elements just to see a 30 minute set of music. Even NoFx who musically missed the mark told joke after joke and had you in stitches, making you forget that they actually played maybe 6 songs. The bands made you feel like they were in this converted parking lot suffering right there with you and that fun would be had no matter what.

So what does this all mean? Was it worth it? Absolutely. Despite all of the Warped Tour 2009’s flaws that naturally come with the summertime in Phoenix, along with a venue that has always been a poor choice for festival-like events, it was fun. Just simply fun. There was a wonderful mix of people both on the stage and in the crowd, with plenty to look at, and plenty to do. So, when you go next year, bring the essentials: Sunscreen, sunglasses, a whole bunch of money, and most importantly, a very positive attitude. If you can’t manage to get any of these items, stay at home and spend the day in the pool. If you have these essentials, come out to Vans Warped Tour, and experience what its like to have a wonderful day in Hell. Somehow.

22 bands were photographed with over 300 images… ENJOY!

Warped Tour photo gallery #1

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Warped Tour photo gallery #2

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