Rise Against To Headline UK Vans Warped Tour 2013 Plus Billy Talent, Crossfaith, Yellowcard & More
Wednesday, 03 April 2013
Written by Jon Stickler
Vans Warped Tour have revealed the first seven confirmed acts for the 2013 UK event, which takes place 16th and 17th November at London’s Alexandra Palace.
Rise Against are the first headliner to be revealed on the Monster Energy Main Stage, bringing their arsenal of politically charged melodic hardcore to a London indoor arena for the first time in two years.
Since 1999, Tim McGrath and co have been spreading their progressive message with stunning songs and electric live shows, rising up through the underground to enjoy the kind of mainstream success very few punk rock acts can genuinely lay claim to, including a TOP 40 album with 2011’s 'Endgame'. Says Tim: “As a band that used to open the lowliest of Warped side stages in sun-drenched parking lots across the states, we're elated to be headlining Warped Tour UK as it spreads its wings across the pond.”
Joining them are six sensational acts, the first coming in the form of Canadian punk rockers Billy Talent. Going supernova with their 'Try Honesty' single back in 2003, Billy Talent have racked up the platinum albums, sold out shows and chart positions in the ten years that followed. No strangers to Vans Warped Tour, having performed in the US in 2006 and returning for this year’s American run, fans are in for a treat as they bring the room filling sounds of the likes of 'The Ex', 'Red Flag', 'Devil On My Shoulder' and 'Viking Death March' to a 10,000 strong Ally Pally.
Vans Warped Tour prides itself on being the first to bring you the hottest new talent, and this year is no exception. Australia’s Capture The Crown come up from down under armed with vicious metallic hardcore laced with hooks so massive their debut video has ratcheted up over 6 million views in little over a year.
“We've all dreamt of playing Warped Tour for basically our whole lives and now we get the chance?” enthuses guitarist Jye Menzies. “It's fucking mind blowing to say the least! We're all extremely excited to travel to the UK and play to fans that haven't had the chance to see us yet. Everyone should expect a show that's full of energy and a fuck load of fun!”
Last year, Crossfaith laid waste to the Kevin Says stage, ramming the room and leaving hundreds of fans unable to catch the phenomenal set due to capacity restrictions. This year, Vans Warped rectify the problem by sticking the Japanese Electro metalcore masters on the Monster Energy Main Stage, to ensure that Crossfaith can throw down a much bigger dance metal party in the main hall.
Singer Kenta Koie looks forward to their return: “We've played at Warped UK last year, which was an honor to be on the bill and it is one of our greatest memories. We're gonna destroy the floor again! See ya in da pit!”
Itch is no stranger to the punk world, having graced magazine covers, sold out tour posters and radio airwaves while fronting The King Blues. Over four albums and seven years, Itch's political spirit was spat out to many, many thousands, refreshed by someone with something to say. With TKB disbanded, Itch shows no sign of slowing down, and continues to spread his message as a solo artist, with his new work mixing punk, pop, reggae, folk, dubstep and dance and a lyrical finesse that is both flourishing and fearless.
“The first time the Warped Tour came to UK I was there at the front the whole time.” He says. “To be playing Warped UK is an honour. I'm mad excited its gonna go off!”
Currently tearing it up across the US with Senses Fail and Such Gold, Real Friends make their UK debut, bringing their suburban Chicago pop-punk to the line up.
"Real Friends is beyond excited to come over to the UK with Warped Tour.” Says bassist Kyle Fassell. “This is one of those moments when you just sit back and really appreciate the opportunities that are thrown your way. Can't wait to hit the UK for the first time, and definitely not the last."
Yellowcard leave the Florida sunshine to bring their violin-laced pop-punk to North London. Frontman Ryan Key states: “We have been a part of the Warped Tour family for over a decade now. We are so honored to help bring the Tour overseas!”
Having refined the art of good time party music since 1997, the Floridian five piece will bring the spirit of a red-cups-and-beer-bong college keg party that is bound to break out in spontaneous bouncing and hearty singalongs as they bust out faves like 'Only Me' and 'Ocean Avenue'.
With four stages and two days, this is just a taste of things to come, with over 45 bands – including further headliners – still to be announced. As usual, the running order is to be decided on the day, and this year you may even see some surprise appearances from a select few bands who decide one show at Warped is not enough and join for both days.
Keeping with tradition, a breathtaking extreme sports display will appear alongside the musical banquet, as well as dozens of stalls in a bigger merch market, which offers not only items from all the bands playing but also the chance to meet some of them at spontaneous signing sessions. Check out vanswarpedtouruk.com for further details.
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