Sad news for fans of Vans Warped Tour, as its founder has announced the traveling music festival will come to a bittersweet end after next summer.
What started as a punk rock-rooted event in 1995 has evolved into a massive touring operation that features alternative rock, hip hop, metalcore, pop acts, and of course its signature punk style. Vans Warped Tour sees around half a million attendees each year as it travels across the country.
Over the years, once lesser known artists like Blink-182, Fall Out Boy, Paramore, Katy Perry, My Chemical Romance, The Black Eyed Peas, Yelawolf, Eminem and many more rocked out on Vans Warped Tour stages before their careers exploded.
Founder Kevin Lyman looks back proudly: “The enduring spirit of the Vans Warped Tour remains as bright as ever, continuing to inspire creativity and ambition in new and exciting ways as we prepare for a 25th anniversary celebration in 2019.”
Check out excerpts from his official statement below, and read the entire announcement here.
Vans Warped Tour: All Things Must Come To An End
“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.”
“Though the tour and the world have changed since ’95, the same feeling of having the ‘best summer ever’ will live on through the bands, the production teams, and the fans that come through at every stop.”
“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 (Founder of the Vans Warped Tour)
Sources: Noisey, Vans Warped Tour | Photo via Vans Warped Tour