On March 22nd, the Vans Warped Tour held the 2017 band announcements at Full Sail University in Winter Park, Florida. Kevin Lyman, the founder, spoke on behalf of performing bands, non-profits, and things to look forward to coming up this summer with the tour. There were special performances by Jule Vera, Microwave, Stacked Like Pancakes, Blessthefall, and Memphis May Fire. Each band performed two songs; there was also a special appearance by Fronz of Attila.
In a special press conference, Lyman spoke about what he looks forward to on tour, what goes into making the tour, as well as the music industry and how it has changed from what it was years ago.
Q: How long does it take to create the lineup every year?
A: We start around September 1st, and go through normally the end of October; it’s always done by Christmas time.
Q: Do you ever see yourself bringing the five bands a week announcements back; what made you start announcing them all at once?
A: When we had the five bands every week announcement system, it was always difficult to please fans because if they didn’t see their favorite band in that week they automatically hated the lineup. We partnered with Full Sail University last year, and now this year, to release all the bands at one time period and still give fans plenty of time to check out some new artists.
Q: What do you most look forward to about Warped Tour everyday?
A: The front gates, seeing the fans being let in when the doors open. Seeing all of you come out to attend an event we’ve put on for 26 years now…it’s amazing to see what Warped has become and how people like you all still support it.
To close it off, Lyman talked about communication and how important it is to show your passion.
“Communication, especially in today’s society, is so important. The goal to put your name on something and call it yours, to make your mark; it’s ever-growing with the help of social media. No one is ever going to talk about your passion the way you are, you always talk about the things you’re most passionate about, and that’s what’s beautiful is that everyone’s passion is different.”
Here’s a gallery with the photos from the event:
Overall, it was an amazing show, and we are so stoked for the lineup!
