The longest-running touring music festival comes to an end in 2018. Vans Warped Tour announced this week that next year will be the final set of cities. Kevin Lyman, Founder of the Warped Tour, posted a personal message about “All Things Must Come To An End”.
It will be bittersweet each morning when I see the sun rise and then watch it set knowing that this will be the last time I get to witness it from that exact spot.
I truly look forward to seeing as many of you as possible during this final cross country run, and getting to thank you for your support on this wild adventure. Until then, take care and be safe.
Lyman came up with the Warped Tour in 1994 and Vans became the official sponsor in 1996. It became known for having the hottest acts but also knowing who was going to hit it big. Another trait was its unconformity. Each city had a different set-up. Bands were known for cooking barbecue for everyone or acting as crew.
The personal letter also pointed out the charitable efforts throughout the decades.
We have worked with over 90 non-profits each summer shining a light on new and growing groups giving our community the resources they need to connect with people who can help them, but also encourages our community to help each other. To Write Love on Her Arms, Music Saves Lives, Feed The Children Now, Keep a Breast, Hope For The Day, Canvas Foundation, Living The Dream and A Voice for the Innocent have built their organizations from the Warped Tour parking lots across the country. This even inspired me to start my own foundation Unite the United.
The work we do each summer on “give back days” has become part of our DNA. My brain is etched with the image of the church ladies after Katrina serving beans and rice to The Casualties with their upright mohawks, finding a common ground where no one was judging anyone. Then finding out the only working business in the county seemed to be the moonshine still and the locals showing up with a crate to share with the crew later that evening.
It’s possible the Warped Tour will live on in some form. Lyman did confirm a 25th anniversary celebration for 2019.
To read the full letter and find your city, click here:
