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| Allstar Weekend, July 5, 2013* |
As much as people may say I'm getting too old for this, I always beg to differ. Music is music and no matter what age you are or the music genre that makes your heart AND ears happy. Age is only a number and when it comes to music, and festivals like the Vans Warped Tour, age is clearly ignored. I saw kids as young as 11 and as old as 50 rocking out to their favourite bands. Yes, the older you are the more likely you are a parent but what parent can disagree that some of their kids favourite tunes rub off on you?
My taste in music has varied over the years and has grown to include bands and musicians I never thought I'd listen to in a million years. Most people who know me know I listen to mainly pop-rock, so when they find out I like a certain band they look at me in disbelief. I've said this before and I'll say it again though, music is music. If I like the sound and the lyrics mean something to me, I'm all in!
July 5, 2013 started out like any other typical Warped Tour in Toronto - a long line and rain, rain, rain!
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| Silverstein, July 5, 2013* |
Taking place for the second time around on the Flats on the grounds of what used to be Ontario Place and is still home to the Molson Amphitheatre, Warped Tour this time around was a heck of a lot better from an organizational standpoint. Last year the stages were placed in awkward areas where it was hard for anyone to get around, the weather was a disaster (torrential rain anyone?), and due to extreme heat, the loss of a life. Anyone who went last year will all agree with me when I say it was a bit of a disaster. Despite the lack of communication with the Warped crew and the Amp security (um hello, photo passes ALLOW media to the front of the stage - duh!), I felt this year went a lot smoother and there were less complications.
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| Drummer from Hawthorne Heights, July 5, 2013* |
While the tradition of the rain upheld (surprise, surprise), the crowds didn't. I'm definitely not saying it wasn't packed - because it was - but it felt this time around that it wasn't as busy. There didn't seem to be as many people this time around and it makes me wonder if the events that took place last year hindered this year's attendance? Nevertheless those fans who were present rocked out and their favourite musicians gave it right back. Tons of bands were out and about greeting fans, doing autograph signings and taking pictures. It was nice to see them interact and have fun with their fans. It's always hard to meet your favourite artists to begin with but it's even harder when bands don't come north of the border very often.
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| Kellin Quinn, July 5, 2013* |
It's always hard to choose which sets to cover as most are located on various stages and throughout the day. It's never easy picking who you skip though and sadly I had to make some tough decisions. yes I am first and foremost a writer but when it comes to music I may have had to choose between popular vs. favourites.
I feel like I have a nice balance, but I'll let you be the judge of that!
The posts following this main one will showcase the individual bands I was so fortunate to cover as well as any photographs that were taken!
If there are any bands/musicians/reps that read the following posts (including this one) and have any questions or comments feel free to direct them at
taryn.mcelheran@gmail.com!
Happy Listening!
*Copyright - All photos are property of My Life in Lyrics. If you wish to use please email me and ask!
Think you've hard of Allstar Weekend? It's probably because you have. Gaining popularity through Disney Radio (and through the Family Channel here in Canada), they've been making a name for themselves since 2007. This four member band from Poway California has since released four studio albums and announced back in January that after Warped Tour they would be on an indefinite hiatus. They currently just announced this past Friday that members Zach, Cameron and Michael will be starting a new band titled The Tragic Thrills and their new single "Tears".
Starting the day off on a good note, these boys were upbeat and friendly onstage. While the crowd wasn't that large, they still acted as if they were performing in front of hundreds. I think that any performer who is able to do that deserves all the success that comes to them. No matter what their band title is. Why? It shows they love what they do.
TO me the only set back to this first set was the security. I'm not sure if it was lack of communication between the Warped Tour organizers and the Amphitheatre security or if it was security was just - for a lack of a better word - stupid, it was a tad annoying when they refused media/photographers access to the pit. You would think they would understand the ins and outs of media access and have been more organized. It wasn't as if there were dozens of people trying to get into the pit. There was probably six or seven of us who were there to take pictures.
