>>PREVIEW
THE VANS WARPED TOUR 2006
Thursday, July 20th
Race City Speedway
Heading to an all-day punk rock festival in your late-20s and beyond is a slightly different experience than in your mid-teens. First off is the asking-the-boss-dilemma – how do you enunciate your inner desire to see Fat Mike, Kenny from Moneen and Reggie and the Full Effect? Uh-huh. Trying to explain to your peers and superiors about the bands you like, the genres they fall into and what The Warped Tour is like gets harder as you age. Furrowed brows, worried nods and confused grins may abound, so be prepared to launch into an explanation of emo, hardcore, screamo, posi-core, etc., or simply take a mental-health day and be on your way.
As far as gearing up for the big day goes, basic things to always remember are: enough cash to load up on merch galore and not use the ATMs with sky-high convenience charges, a small backpack or messenger bag so you don’t have to tie hoodies around your waist and can stash freebies, CDs and the following:
· Sunscreen – If possible, find a bug repellent/SPF 30 combo so there isn’t a mosquito smorgasbord sign on your face and neck. Not only will you itch all to hell, but nothing says sexy like mosquito bite, allergic-reaction swelling when you hit on the merch guy/gal.
· Sunglasses – Protect your peepers, avert your gaze from the skate-jock who keeps staring at you, look stylish, etc. Whatever your rationale for big UVB blockers, just don’t leave home without them.
· Shoes – Sturdy, sturdy, sturdy people. There is no shame in shoving a comfy pair of insoles into your cons/vans/airwalks. Your tootsies will thank you when you’re soaking them in espom salts later that night. Plus, if the grounds turn into a mud pit as they somehow always do, your piggies will be safe from the guck and debris.
· Shirts – Yes, logo/band affiliation can play a role in one’s coolness but keep in mind there is nothing more delightful than standing on a racetrack tarmac in 35-degree weather in a snug, jet-black "insert fave screamo band here" tee. Lighter colours also allow you to get autographs if that floats your boat.
· Garbage bags – I know it seems a little too "over-prepared soccer-mom-ish" but they make insta-ponchos and prevent impromptu wet T-shirt contests and your shame inducing appearance in (higher-power forbid) Punk Girls Gone Wild.
· Condoms – Stranger things have happened than having impure thoughts about the young emo stud beside you while Silverstein thrash about onstage. Heavens to Betsy, please don’t let bare skin touch any part of the port-o-potty. Coach says stretch before the game and use your imagination to keep limber limbs akimbo, on walls, etc. For braver souls looking to lose purity points, sneak under the half-pipe scaffolding. But please keep it all under wraps in the pit. No one wants that flailing into them as they make their way around a circle before realizing they’re too old to take another elbow to the kidney.
In summary, just remember to be respectful and have fun. We’re all there to soak up the musical energy, support bands we adore and see some kick-ass shows – there’s no need to fight, jeer or act like a deranged toddler. See you in the pit! Well, maybe on the edge of it. |
Copyright ©2006 FFWD. All rights reserved.