I have to say, stepping onto the grounds of the Warped Tour in Long Beach this summer felt like stepping back into a part of my own history. The sun was hot, the air buzzing with that familiar energy, and it was as if time folded in on itself. Seeing Warped come back reminded me that this tour was never just a lineup of bands—it was a whole world of kids, punks, and misfits coming together to build a community around music. That spirit was alive and thriving, and it was electric to be part of it again.
Of course, for me and the rest of L7, Warped isn’t just any festival. We played the very first one, back in 1995, when the idea of a punk-rock traveling circus seemed both wild and impossible. To watch it grow into such a cultural force over the decades has been surreal. It’s rare to see something that manages to hold onto its raw heart while still reaching so many people. Walking through the crowd, I could see flashes of that same fire that fueled us back then.
What struck me was how the music continues to bind generations together. Kids were seeing their first Warped Tour with wide eyes, and veterans like me who’ve seen this train roll for nearly thirty years. New vendors, comprising longtime friends and newcomers, also came together to showcase how much the imprint’s brand has expanded over the years, with the latest additions keeping the festival’s spirit alive. That cross-generational mix reminded me that punk has always been about more than style or era—it’s about energy, honesty, and showing up. The fact that Warped still carries that DNA proves how powerful this scene really is.
By the end of the day, I felt equal parts exhausted and rejuvenated, the way only a festival can do to you. Warped Tour may look different now, but it’s still a place where people gather to scream, sweat, and celebrate music together. Long may it live!
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