 The Casualties (Phil Bonyata) |
 The Vandals (Karen Bondowski) |
Story and Photos By Phil Bonyata
The 10th incarnation of the Vans Warped Tour skateboarded its way into Milwaukee last Tuesday. The Marcus Amphitheater hosted more than 60 bands on eight different stages scattered throughout the colorful Summerfest grounds. The playlist is not announced until the day of the show which insures two things - fans show up early for fear of missing one of their favorite acts and also gets them there early to buy concessions, t-shirts and music. The heat took a toll on all the hairspray, make-up and sprayed on t-shirts snaking their way through the maze of nu-punkers.
Photos By Karen Bondowski
Some notable acts were the blistering three-chord New York punk assault of The Casualities, the flavorful hip-hop of Atmosphere, Taking Back Sunday's brutal raping of their instruments, the black leather hardcore rock 'n roll of Lars Frederickson and the Bastards and Flogging Molly's biting the soul of Irish punk rock. Sugarcult put on a confident perfomance that relied heavily on sprited melody. Other notables were Story of the Year, Yellowcard, Bowling for Soup, Avenged Sevenfold, New Found Glory, NOFX and the Vandals.
Vans Warped might have more musicians jumping up and down on stage than an NBA All-Star Slam Dunk contest. Punk is all about energy and attitude, and while none of these bands can touch the genuine raw spirit of the Stooges, the Ramones or the Clash, for a new generation, at least, Vans Warped might be just the right stepping-stone to discovering these ragged masters.
Coheed and Cambria (Phil Bonyata)
Tiger Army (Karen Bondowski)Through the eyes and lenses of Phil & Karen
Phil's Vans Warped Photo Gallery!
Karen's Vans Warped Photo Gallery!
Here's Your Chance to.... Respond!
Your feedback will be featured on
Rant or Rave within 24 hours.
