15 Vans Warped Tour Bands You Need to See in 2019
Can you believe it? The final year of the iconic Vans Warped Tour is officially here. This summer marks the 25th year since the punk rock summer camp began touring across the country. Not only is the VWT the largest traveling music festival in the United States, but it’s also the longest-running touring music festival in North America.
Since kicking off in 1995, VWT has brought fans all sorts of incredible bands ranging from up-and-coming acts to big-name names we can’t forget. Some of those bands have included Fall Out Boy, No Doubt, Four Year Strong and so many more.
Starting June 8, VWT will kick off the first of three stops to commemorate more than two decades of endless summers on the road. The first sold out date will take place in Cleveland, Ohio at the historic Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, which will also mark the opening of the new exhibit Forever Warped: 25 Years of Vans Warped Tour. The two remaining stops will take place over the course of two weekends in Atlantic City, New Jersey (June 29 and 30) and Mountain View, California (July 20 and 21). (Not to mention, the Atlantic City stop is literally on the beach — there’s no way you can possibly beat that.)
To get you ready for another rad summer of music, we’ve rounded up 15 bands you absolutely can’t miss at the final VWT stops. Plus, we’ve even picked out a song from each band to help you start your Forever Warped playlist.
Check out our band roundup, below. We’ll see you in the pit!
- 1
Hawthorne Heights
One of our emo staples is none other than Ohio based band Hawthorne Heights. They’re the group behind the angsty anthem “Ohio Is For Lovers” that still has us singing along to this very day. The band’s most recent album, Bad Frequencies, was released in 2018 and includes tracks such as “Just Another Ghost,” “Push Me Away” and “Crimson Sand.” You can catch them in Cleveland on June 8.
- 2
A Day To Remember
Florida based rock band A Day To Remember is slated to perform in Atlantic City (July 20 and 21). The band made a name for themselves with bangers like “All I Want,” “The Downfall of Us All” and their most recent single, “Paranoia.” ADTR are worth adding to your watch list because they put on a stellar show and have a stage presence you certainly won’t be disappointed by.
- 3
Blink-182
If you recall, Blink-182 were the ones that coined the phrase: “I couldn't wait for the summer at the Warped Tour” from the track “The Rock Show.” So is it really VWT season if you don’t catch a set from this iconic trio? This band will be coming back to shred one last killer set in Atlantic City. Plus, they’re expected to release a new album this year and recently debuted a new single titled “Blame It On My Youth.”
- 4
Memphis May Fire
This isn’t the first year that metalcore band Memphis May Fire have performed at the VWT. They will be returning to perform at both weekends in Atlantic City and Mountain View. Some of the band’s best known tracks include “The Sinner,” “Heavy Is The Weight” and “Vices.” MMF released their sixth full-length Broken in 2018.
- 5
Neck Deep
When it comes to pop-punk music, one of our favorites is Neck Deep. They released their third full-length record The Peace and The Panic in 2017 featuring hits like “In Bloom,” “Motion Sickness” and “Happy Judgement Day.” The band was recently confirmed for the Atlantic City lineup, and fans are surely in for a treat since they know how to command the stage and put on a damn good show every set.
- 6
Set It Off
Set It Off first hit the scene with their 2012 debut album, Cinematics. The band has since gone on to record three more albums and released Midnight in Feb. 2019. SIO’s unique sound is something that should be on your radar. Fans will be able to catch them at both weekends in Atlantic City and Mountain View.
- 7
Sleeping With Sirens
Another emo favorite is Sleeping With Sirens who first made a splash in 2010 with “If I’m James Dean, You’re Audrey Hepburn.” They’ll be returning to VWT to perform at both weekends in Atlantic City and Mountain View. Pay no mind if you catch us shamelessly belting out the lyrics to “If You Can’t Hang” so we can live our emo years all over again.
- 8
Taking Back Sunday
When you think of VWT, Taking Back Sunday is likely another band that comes to your mind. They’ve solidified their name in the scene with tracks like “Cute Without the ‘E’,” “MakeDamnSure” and “You’re So Last Summer.” Bring on all the angsty emo vibes when you catch them at the Atlantic City stop this summer.
- 9
Trophy Eyes
Australian based band Trophy Eyes have been taking the States by storm with their most recent release The American Dream. Some of the band’s other notable tracks include “Chlorine,” “You Can Count On Me” and “Heaven Sent.” They’re slated to perform in Atlantic City, so be sure to add them to your must-see watch list.
- 10
Dance Gavin Dance
Northern California based rock band Dance Gavin Dance are set to appear at the Mountain View stop. They bring an incredible presence to the stage with fan favorite tracks like “Son of a Robot,” “Summertime Gladness” and “Midnight Crusade.” Fun fact: The band kicked off the first annual SwanFest in March 2019 with acts like We Came As Romans, Don Broco and Crown The Empire.
- 11
Elder Brother
California based band Elder Brother is the brainchild of The Story So Far’s Kevin Geyer and Daybreaker’s Dan Rose. If you’re looking for chill and laid-back vibes, you’ll want to catch this duo when they perform in Mountain View, which is not too far from their nearby hometown. The band’s most recent release, Stay Inside, was released in May 2018.
- 12
Simple Plan
It’s impossible not to have all the emo feels when you hear the name Simple Plan. The band performed on last year’s VWT and will return once more for a set in Cleveland and Mountain View. Be sure to catch favorites like “I’d Do Anything,” “Perfect” and “I’m Just A Kid” during their performance this summer.
- 13
The Story So Far
The Story So Far is another Northern California band that will take the stage at the VWT in Mountain View. This pop-punk act knows how to bring in a crowd with tracks like “Nerve,” “Solo” and “Heavy Gloom.” TSSF’s most recent album, Proper Dose, was released in September 2018.
- 14
Sum 41
Did someone say Sum 41? The band’s upcoming album, Order In Decline is slated for release on July 19 right before they’re set to perform in Mountain View. Sum 41 are one of those must-see classic acts who are sure to bring hits new and old to their set this summer.
- 15
The Used
Want all things emo? Look no further than The Used. They’re scheduled to perform at the Mountain View date and will not disappoint for those who have never seen them before. The Used caught the heart of all emo fans with songs like “All That I’ve Got,” “The Taste of Ink” and “Take It Away.” The Canyon marked the band’s seventh full-length record after being released in 2017.