Warped Tour 2011
by Dan MacIntosh
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Warped Tour - August 10, 2011 - Cal State University, Dominguez Hills
A Gene Simmons look-alike waited in line at Warped Tour 2011. He was standing there like the rest of us, only he had knee-high metallic boots by his side, as well as a Maybellene counter's worth of makeup on his face. Kiss Guy looked out of place, even at an event where tattoos and body piercing was nearly a prerequisite. This is an annual multi-act concert tour, which began as a punk rock traveling package, but has expanded into an eclectic underground yearly concert highlight.
Although it would be a stretch to suggest that this festival holds something for everyone, it's true that most alternative rock fans walk away pleased. A Day To Remember and Sum 41 were likely the two biggest draws -- the former is borderline metal, while the latter is pop-punk.
The Skullcandy Stage was the most variety-filled stage of all. It featured Stephen Jerzak, who had Justin Bieber, teen idol good looks written all over his face and music. Don't be surprised if this boy crosses over into the pop chart goldmine realm soon. Big Chocolate also held court on the Skullcandy stage and performed rave-ready electronic music. Then there was Yelawolf, a white rapper that somehow kept his pants on while crowd surfing over his dedicated throng.
There was also plenty of good music happening at the Nintendo 3DS Stage, where Family Force 5 brought the funk better than a gang of Atlanta white boys has a right to. This was the same stage where Relient K threw together a winning set of melodic pop rock, including a beautifully ironic version of Cyndi Lauper's "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun."
Sadly, Paramore wasn't on the Warped West Coast swing, and didn't take the Teggart/Main Stage. However, in addition to A Day to Remember's musical bludgeoning, there was August Burns Red's spiritual hard rock, Less Than Jake's ska and TV show them songs and Gym Class Heroes' Supertramp song modifications, among other things.
Our friend, Kiss Guy, wasn't seen anywhere all day. That is, of course, until it came time for Black Veil Brides to play. This popular metal band wears a lot of black clothes and makeup. Sound familiar? Well, while this group was encouraging kids to give their parents the middle finger for criticizing their musical tastes, there was our Kiss Guy, stoically standing and chomping on gum. He had found his people.
When even Kiss Guy can feel at home, Warped Tour must truly have something special going for it. It may not be an event where groups can play three-hour marathon concerts � the lucky ones got about 45 minutes at best. However, if you're in the mood for a short attention span sample platter, Warped Tour is the kind of meal that will hit the spot.
Warped Tour 2011
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