FOREVER WARPED :: 2018 will be the final, full cross-country run of the Vans Warped Tour.
ℹ️ https://t.co/yfY8C1XxFo#foreverwarped #vanswarpedtour #warpedtour pic.twitter.com/oWboCWVhWr— Vans Warped Tour (@VansWarpedTour) November 15, 2017
Today Warped Tour announced that 2018 will be it’s final year as a cross-country tour. Warped Tour found Kevin Lyman made the news official on Twitter. In a statement on the tour’s website Lyman clarified why this is happening to the alternative touring music festival and what Warped has been able to achieve in it’s 23 years on the road in the summer.
“I have been a very lucky person to have traveled across the country and sometimes around the world as one of the founders and producers of the Vans Warped Tour. Today, with many mixed feelings, I am here to announce that next year will be the final, full cross-country run of the Vans Warped Tour. I sit here reflecting on the tour’s incredible history, what the final run means for our community, and look forward to what’s to come as we commemorate the tour’s historic 25th anniversary in 2019.” said Lyman.
Fans and bands of Warped have expressed their sadness about the last trek on social media.
Wow I can't believe Warped Tour is over after this summer. I've been going to Warped since I was in 8th grade and it has been my happy place ever since. Crazy to think it's coming to an end. #foreverwarped
— Gerri Richardson (@gerbear98) November 15, 2017
When you hear about #vanswarpedtour and you want to go once in your life before it's too late 😭 pic.twitter.com/2HmkIwUTYk
— kelly bronselaer (@KellyBronselaer) November 15, 2017
We're so sad to see the end of an era with @VansWarpedTour 😭
Let's hear about your raddest memories from #vanswarpedtour over the years 🤘 pic.twitter.com/npoT5KDVph
— Alternative Press (@AltPress) November 15, 2017
Warped Tour has been a big part of the careers of alternative icons like Green Day, Blink-182, Sublime, the Offspring, and many more. It has also helped launch waves of bands that would go on to success outside of the alt world with Kid Rock, No Doubt, and the Black Eyed Peas all spending time on the sweaty annual hootenanny.
It will be interesting to see how Warped Tour evolves. This is pure speculation but it would not surprise this late 90’s/early 2000’s kid to see Warped evolve into a destination festival like Riot Fest.
Warped Tour will come to Chicago area on July 21st.
