It’s almost that time again — summertime that is. With the spring semester coming to an end, it’s time to start making plans for the summer. One of the biggest summer pastimes is going to concerts. In the summer thousands upon thousands of people gather together in stadium parking lots under the blazing sun to watch some of their favorite bands perform. Concerts like the Vans Warped Tour and Projekt Revolution are typically held in the summer, as well as Bamboozle, which is usually a two-day concert held in May.
This summer some big headline tours include the Honda Civic Tour featuring Panic at the Disco, Motion City Soundtrack, The Hush Sound, and Phantom Planet. The Honda Civic Tour started this past Thursday in California and will runs till Jun. 14. The tour originally started in 2001 in support of Blink 182’s album “Take Off Your Pants and Jacket,” and has continued since then. The price of tickets, which differ depending on the venue you go to, range from $30 to $40.
This year, Projekt Revolution is featuring Linkin Park, Chris Cornell, The Bravery, Ashes Divide, Atreyu, 10 Years, Hawthorne Heights, Armor for Sleep, and Street Drum Corps. Tickets for this concert are really expensive but if you have the money to buy tickets, why not go? From what I have heard from friends it’s a great concert to go to.
The Vans Warped Tour also ranges from about $30 to $40. To find more information on the bands performing and prices, go to warpedtour.com. This year, the tour headlines in Pomona, Calif., starting on Friday, Jun. 20 and ending Aug. 17, in Carson, Calif. Some of the bands playing this year include Paramore, Jack’s Mannequin, Gym Class Heroes, A Day to Remember, The All-American Rejects, Story of the Year, and more. Warped Tour also usually has a stage just for new, unknown bands. There’s also a lot to do in between band performances, like visiting tents that give out free stuff and tables where people sell band merchandise.
Last summer, I attended my very first concert, the Vans Warped Tour, and it was one of the best experiences I’ve had. I did think a couple of things were not ideal, though. For example, the particular day I went, it was extremely hot out and I could feel the rays of the sun blazing down on me — not fun. My suggestion, put on massive amounts of sun-block and pack a lot of water, but just make sure the cap hasn’t been opened before you go in — you’re not allowed to bring bottles in if they’re open.
In addition, make sure you eat something heavy beforehand, the food at these types of venues are just plain ridiculous. I mean does anyone really want to pay $5 for a bottle of water? Unfortunately you just might have to because hydration is key at these type of events. Also, be prepared to be knocked into by random strangers who are in the mood to mosh. Moshing isn’t really my style, I’d rather just listen to the bands, but others are really into it. Your best bet is to just avoid those people if you’re not into moshing.
Wearing comfortable shoes is also important because a lot of these concerts are usually outdoors and you will be standing for a long period of time. Of course, you’re also going to want to get there early. A lot of people go to these concerts and you will want to beat the crowd to get the band line-ups so you know what time you need to be at each stage. I suggest going to the stages at least 15-20 minutes before the band is supposed to perform.
If anyone is planning on going to Bamboozle, I received some tips from a friend, Carolina, who has experienced the show in the past. Her tips are “to stay away from the front and center of the stage, if you’re not into moshing because that’s where it usually starts.” She advises to wear something over your head because it gets sunny and people tend to throw bottles full of “unknown fluids in the air.” She suggests not taking a lot of valuables with you because people do tend to get pick-pocketed. Basically, the important thing to do stay hydrated, especially at events that are outdoors and not to wear clothing you really like because you will sweat and have something thrown on you.
A lot of these concerts are pricey so if you don’t have the money to shell out $40 and happen to be in the city, I suggest going to the Knitting Factory. They have tons of great, undercover bands play there all the time and admission is usually no more than $10.
Other artists who are either currently on tour or will be touring this summer include Death Cab for Cutie, Maroon 5 with the Counting Crows, Pearl Jam, Keith Urban with Carrie Underwood, and Paramore with Jimmy Eat World. To get tickets and venue information check out Ticketmaster.com.
For more concert information I suggest going to LiveNation.com and/or picking up an issue of Spin magazine or Rolling Stone magazine.
