All Emo Things Must End, Even Warped Tour

My tiny emo heart is crushed. I’m sad, but understanding. If you don’t know what I’m talking about, brace yourself. It’s the end of an era for Warped Tour.

Earlier today Kevin Lyman, Warper Tour founder, announced that 2018 holds the tour’s last worldwide run. Lyman told Billboard that several factors played a role in his decision to call it quits. Starting in 1995, the tour has come to face fierce summer festival competition, a smaller pool of bands, and declining ticket sales within the target demographic. Without enough talent and a shrinking audience, Lyman’s decision to end on year 24 comes justified.

Lyman released a statement announcing the brand’s final tour, this coming year:

“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.

From names like Quicksand to Simple Plan, The Used, and Fall Out Boy. Ranging in genres, these groups all played their part in the epic journey that Warped Tour has been over the last 25 years.

“I witnessed Warped alumni like The Black Eyed Peas, Katy Perry, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, No Doubt and even Kid Rock play the Super Bowl. I’ve even had the pleasure of seeing Green Day play the Rose Bowl,” Lyman continued.

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Warped tour is the most diverse, largest, traveling festival remaining in the world of music. More than just bands, the brand boasts a list of over 90 non-profit organizations it has supported over the years. You’ll recognize names like To Write Love on Her Arms, Music Saves Lives, and Hope For The Day.

While we can’t quite put our feelings together, we can all agree on something: this can’t be it. From all appearances, Warped Tour is over and done with. But, if there’s one thing we’ve learned from the industry, it’s that everyone has a trick or two up their sleeves. We’re keeping our eyes wide open for anything and everything Warped.

Of course, Warped Tour still has one more tour left in them. If you’re planning to finish your Warped Tour experience with the team that brought it all, make sure to hit up the 2018 tour. Find your dates at vanswarpedtour.com/dates.

downinthepit had the opportunity to attend Warped 2017 in Boise as press. We extend our grattitude and thanks to Kevin Lyman and the Warped Tour team for the opportunities they have graced not only us with, but the entire music community. #foreverwarped.

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.”   – Kevin Lyman