First time?

It has just occurred to me that there might be some first timers at Warped 2011; this entry is for you.

Going to Warped Tour is something that cannot be compared to. To put it simply, Warped is a normal concert on steroids.

Throughout my life I have been to a variety of concerts: from artists such as Britney Spears and Lil Wayne to Brad Paisley (twice) and Linkin Park (also twice) and everything in between, I have almost seen it all. And let me tell you, nothing even compares to the rush of Warped.

For country fans, Warped is like Country Thunder. For people who like that weird and random music, this is better than Lollapalooza. And for people who are scared of Ozzfest, well, this is less intense.

Here are some pictures from Indiana 2010 that will give you a preview of what Warped looks like:

Alesana

Bring Me The Horizon 

Sum 41

Mayday Parade (Where I started)

Mayday (Where I ended)

The All American Rejects 

(The one and only Tyson Ritter crowd surfing on a mattress)

After seeing these pictures, you might wonder how you are going to handle all the chaos. Not to worry. I have complied a list of tips that will help you make it through your very first time.

Tips to prepare yourself for Warped Tour:

1.     Wear sunscreen. Most years, the weather for Warped is extremely hot and no matter what your skin tone, you will burn from standing in the sun all day.

2.     Be prepared to get the closet you have ever been to a stranger. When people, such as myself, are determined to get as close as they possibly can to their favorite band, they will get uncomfortably close to you and anyone else who stands between you and the band.

3.     Look up. In attempt to get closer to a band or just because it is the most exhilarating feeling in the world, people will crowd surf. It is for your and the person who is crowd surfing’s benefit that you help them stay up so that they do not fall on top of you.

4.     Do not wear your favorite clothing. By the end of the day you and your clothing will reek of sunscreen, sweat and alcohol. Also, once again, it gets really hot. Old clothing or bathing suits accompanied with old clothing is encouraged.

Last year my brother wore an adorable Breathe Carolina shirt (pictured above) and took it off at the second show we went to because he was too hot. He placed the shirt in his pocket, but after jumping and rubbing up against so many people he discovered that by the end of the show it was no longer in his pocket and instead, gone forever.

5.     Pace yourself. At some point you are going to get tired. That’s okay. Take a break, buy some overpriced water, find some shade and relax for a little a while. If you try and do too much you will become dehydrated and exhausted.

6.     Have fun! I would have to say my two favorite days ever were at Warped Tour Indiana 2010 and Warped Tour Illinois 2008.You do not have to be front row at every show to have a good time. Warped is what you make of it. If you go in with a good attitude, fun is inevitable.


-AngAllOver