For the last 12 years, the Vans Warped Tour has offered up a combination of hard-charging music and action-packed sports. It's no surprise that in its 13th outing, the event is bigger than ever.
From veterans to newcomers on the scene, the tour offers a there's-something-for-everyone attitude -- approximately 50 bands. There's punk, there's rock, there's metal. Here's some quick-hit info on a handful of the bands who are scheduled to perform during the Charlotte stop on July 23:
Alesana
Raleigh's Alesana has been picking up steam on the hardcore scene for the last few years. It's already undergone a few band member changes and has released three albums. The band falls into the screamo category with its melodic lyrics often finding their way into screams.
Bad Religion
Having just released their fourteenth studio album, New Maps of Hell, Southern California punk rockers Bad Religion are showing no signs of slowing down. They've been a band for 27 years and have made three previous appearances on the Warped Tour. The band's socially conscious lyrics continue to inspire some and make critics out of others.
Coheed and Cambria
The prog rockers are getting ready to release their fourth studio album this fall, and are sure to entice fans with a preview of some of the songs. Singer Claudio Sanchez and his curly mop-top may be one of the more visually recognizable band members on the tour. The band, formerly known as Shabutie, changed its name to Coheed and Cambria in 2001.
Meg & Dia
They're making their second, consecutive appearance at the Warped Tour for 2007. Last year, they were featured on the MySpace stage, but this time, they've stepped up a notch to the Hurley.com stage. Since the tour is nearly filled to the brim with testosterone-fueled bands, sisters Meg and Dia will offer a nice rest for the eyes.
Pepper
The Hawaiian ska trio first made an appearance on the Warped Tour back in 2001. Its major-label debut hit streets last October and featured production from 311's Nick Hexum, No Doubt's Tony Kanal and former Butthole Surfer Paul Leary.
The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus
The band, which leans toward the pop side of emo, has hit the scene hard, finding fans on the radio and a variety of tours over the last two years. As far as the name, they say it means nothing, opting instead to focus on making music instead of wasting time thinking of a name.
Tiger Army
The California psychobilly band recently released Music From Regions Beyond, its fourth album. The release takes them further into punk than rockabilly, but a stand-up bass remains. The band is signed to Hellcat Records -- owned by former Operation Ivy/Rancid frontman Tim Armstrong.
The Toasters
Determined not to "let the bastards get them down," the New York ska outfit has been around for more than 25 years. They're often considered to be the longest running, active ska band in the country, though Robert "Bucket" Hingley is the only original member left.
The Vincent Black Shadow
Named after the motorcycle of the same name, the alt-rockers feature a female vocalist and a trio of brothers. The Canadian quintet has been around only a couple of years and offers up a more straight-ahead approach to its rock music.
