The Vans Warped Tour, a beloved institution in the music festival scene, is set to make a highly anticipated return in 2025 after a six-year hiatus. This announcement comes amid ongoing discussions about sexual misconduct within the music industry and the festival's own history. As the festival prepares to celebrate its 30th anniversary, many women who have participated in or attended the tour are speaking out about their experiences and the need for cultural change.
The Festival's Comeback
On October 17, 2024, Warped Tour founder Kevin Lyman confirmed that the festival will return in a new format: a pop-up festival taking place in three cities over two days each. The dates and locations are:
- Washington, D.C.: June 14–15, 2025
- Long Beach, California: July 26–27, 2025
- Orlando, Florida: November 15–16, 2025
While this new iteration deviates from the traditional traveling format, it reflects Lyman’s hope to reignite the festival's spirit while addressing past controversies.
A Legacy of Impact and Controversy
Warped Tour has played a pivotal role in launching the careers of numerous pop-punk and alternative rock bands, including Blink-182, Paramore, and Fall Out Boy. The festival has historically provided an intimate atmosphere where fans could connect with artists, but this closeness has also led to troubling incidents of harassment and misconduct.
Many artists have come forward to share their experiences, shedding light on a culture that has often been dismissive of serious issues. Mariel Loveland, lead singer of the band Best Ex, reflected on her time on Warped Tour, stating, "There was a definite culture... to shut up and not make a fuss about anything." Loveland's sentiments echo the experiences of many women in the industry who have faced harassment while navigating predominantly male spaces.
The Shift Toward Accountability
In recent years, there has been a growing awareness and condemnation of sexual misconduct in the music industry. Lyman's past comments about the festival's accountability measures have come under scrutiny, especially his statement that inappropriate behavior would be dealt with only when there was proof. This attitude has contributed to an environment where many feel unsafe.
Kira-Lynn Ferderber, founder of Safer Scenes, an organization dedicated to bystander intervention, voiced the need for change. She noted that festivals like Warped Tour must prioritize creating safer spaces for all attendees, especially women. "We really needed it in 2017, and we will need it again in 2025," Federer said, emphasizing the importance of continued education and awareness.
Voices of Experience
Numerous artists have spoken out about their experiences on Warped Tour. Shawna Potter, lead singer of War on Women, shared her commitment to supporting survivors of sexual violence and educating attendees about harassment. Potter’s efforts reflect a broader movement within the music community to confront these issues head-on.
Theo Kogan, who performed on the tour in the late '90s, recalled a culture that often objectified female fans. "It was pretty accepted by the men in charge there, and no one cared to stop it," she said, highlighting the need for a fundamental shift in attitudes.
A Call to Action
As the festival gears up for its comeback, many advocates are urging male band members to take a stand against harassment. Loveland stressed the importance of male allies in creating a safer environment: "Men in bands need to lead the way... The most punk rock thing you can do is say, ‘We’re not going to tolerate this type of harmful behavior.’"
This call to action is crucial as the festival looks to rebuild its reputation while ensuring the safety and well-being of all its participants.
Looking Forward
The return of Warped Tour in 2025 presents both challenges and opportunities. While the festival has a rich history, it must navigate the complexities of its past to create a more inclusive and safe environment for everyone involved. With the voices of women in the music industry gaining visibility, there is hope for a new era of accountability that prioritizes respect and safety over profits and popularity.
As the countdown to the festival begins, the music community watches closely, hoping that this revival will mark a significant turning point in how festivals operate and how they prioritize the safety of their attendees.
Comments
Post a Comment