Vans Warped Tour 2017
CenturyLink, Seattle, WA
06.17.17
The beginning of summer is full of many great things: warmer weather, the end of school, longer days, and the start of the summer’s longest running traveling music festival, The Vans Warped Tour.Unlike the rest of the Warped Tour dates, Seattle’s stop was mostly cloudy, keeping the sun at bay and the sun burns to a minimum. The 23rd year of Warped Tour rocked the heart of Seattle Washington – just outside of CenturyLink Field. Seven different stages spread out across the north lot of CenturyLink Field with over 60 different bands playing all day long. With so many different bands there was something for everyone.
In its 23rd year, the tour rocked the heart of Seattle, in a cloud-covered parking lot just north of CenturyLink Field. While the sun might have been kept at bay, the music certainly wasn’t. Seven stages spread across the area featuring over 60 bands that played all day long and into the evening, with something for everyone. Like a right of passage, this year saw many bands from past years’ tours promoted from smaller stages to the main stage including Atilla, New Years Day, Hands Like Houses, and Dance Gavin Dance, proving that hard working bands are what Warped Tour is made of.
Every year there are a few stand out acts for different reasons. This year Futuristic was the main stage hip hop rapper amongst the heavily dominating punk, alternative rock, and metal bands. Welcomed by a sea of fans, his music was a favorite during the day – offering everyone’s ears something they would not normally hear at Warped Tour.
Another great act was Andy Black’s first year as a solo artist. After years of playing with Black Veil Brides, it was time for something a little different. Turns out he was one of the most popular artists on the roster. Black’s beautiful 80’s synth-pop beat complimented by his strong vocals was the best possible way to end the day.
In an industry dominated by male-fronted bands, this year had a noticeable number of female powerhouse leaders. On the main stage, Jule Vera brought a bright bit of sun to the overcast day with her raw lyrics and emotional melodies. A wonderful contrast to the normal Warped Tour performances, she drew quite a crowd early on in the day. Other standout female bands were punk rock Doll Skin and Bad Cop. Both showed that female only punk bands rock just as hard, if not harder, than the rest.
Along with providing the chance to see the youngest and most popular bands on the scene, each year includes a few classic bands. This year Goldfinger, The Ataris, and Adolescents were among them, proving that no matter your age there will always be a band on the Vans Warped Tour to enjoy.
In one of the best Seattle Warped Tour locations, along with one of the most well-rounded lineups of bands, the 23rd year of Warped Tour got off to a great start.
Photo and review by Logan Westom
