Vans Warped Tour, the original punk rock circus, comes back to Long Beach
The iconic Vans Warped Tour, known as the original punk rock circus, is making a triumphant return to Long Beach this year. Started by founder Kevin Lyman, the first-ever Warped Tour took place in 1995, leaving a lasting impact on the music scene. One of the most memorable episodes from that inaugural tour was when Sublime’s drummer Bud Gaugh broke his ribs while riding a BMX bike on a half-pipe in Houston. Due to the injury, Gaugh later found himself in a bit of trouble in Florida when he was denied medical attention by Lyman.
Reflecting on that incident, Gaugh humorously shared, “I got arrested because Kevin Lyman wouldn’t let me go see a doctor. I was having a hard time breathing, I could not sleep.” Fortunately, a helpful nurse’s mother provided some relief by giving Gaugh access to medicine. Despite the mishap, Gaugh was bailed out and eventually received proper medical treatment in Massachusetts after two weeks on the road with broken ribs. Looking back at this event, Gaugh fondly recalls it as an unforgettable memory from his Warped Tour experience.
Fast forward to today, and Sublime is poised to make a comeback at the Vans Warped Tour’s 30th-anniversary celebration. With late singer Bradley Nowell’s son Jakob taking on vocal duties, Sublime is one of the highlighted bands set to perform at the Long Beach shows. Fans can expect to hear their new track, “Ensenada,” live for the first time in Long Beach, adding another layer of excitement to the festival.
This year, after a six-year hiatus, the Vans Warped Tour is making a comeback in a collaboration with Insomniac for a three-city tour. The Long Beach leg of the tour, set to take place at the Shoreline Waterfront on July 26 and 27, will feature a diverse lineup of artists including heavyweights like Pennywise, 311, Ice-T, Fishbone, All-American Rejects, and the Vandals, among others. In addition to the musical performances, attendees can also enjoy skateboarding and BMX stunts, art exhibitions, vendor displays, a lounge dedicated to female musicians, and a pop-up Vans Warped Tour Museum honoring the festival’s lasting impact on music culture.
Reflecting on the significance of the Vans Warped Tour, founder Kevin Lyman shared his sentiments by stating, “Warped Tour is in my heart.” With an impressive career that has seen Lyman launch numerous branded events, he still holds the Vans Warped Tour close to his heart as a testament to his passion for music and youth culture. As the festival gears up for its three-city tour, fans can expect an eclectic mix of music, art, and extreme sports that have defined the iconic Vans Warped Tour experience over the past three decades.