August 8th, 2004-08-08
By Sergei Dolukhanov
Amidst a raging cloud of dust and a head-rattling array of emo, punk, hardcore, ska, metal, metalcore and pop-punk, it occurred to me that Warped Tour isn’t just about the music – it also shows just how diverse and rich rock culture can be. Fathers with their children, eccentric pre-teen girls, old-age rockers, metalheads as well as the usual teenage punks dotted the enthusiastic crowd. Every year Warped Tour brings people from all over the country together to take part in a festival alive with rich rock culture, music, food, entertainment, dancing and the forget-me-not mosh pits. This year, headlining upperclassmen Bad Religion played a great set among other big names that included NOFX, Story of the Year, Thursday, Bowling for Soup, Matchbook Romance, Yellowcard, Anti-Flag and the Bouncing Souls. Stopping at more than 20 locations nationwide, the Warped Tour is continuing to grow in popularity and size. Featuring more than 40 bands ranging in different types of rock and five stages to keep the fans on their feet, Warped is one of the better punk events of the year. Gas masks and bandanas are a common occurrence among fans on Randall’s Island because a little bit of dust doesn’t stop anyone here from enjoying their music. At times, I couldn’t see 5 feet ahead of me but I loved every minute of it.
