There seems to be a lot of local negativity directed at this year’s lineup of the Van’s Warped Tour, the first to stop in Vegas in 7 years. I’ll be the first to admit that when viewed as a whole, the lineup doesn’t have me as excited as some of the previous years, and coupled with the heat (reported as topping off at 101°F on Thursday) and a rise in ticket prices, I can understand people being hesitant to attend the long-running traveling music festival.
However, there are quite a few great bands playing that are well worth braving the heat and emptying your wallet for. And to help push you over the edge, here are Punks in Vegas’ top ten “can’t-miss” Las Vegas Warped Tour bands of 2011 (in alphabetical order):
Against Me! – From the Skillet Café to the Joint, I’ve never seen Against Me! put on a bad show. Reportedly as enthusiastic live as they’ve ever been, they recently started up their own label Total Treble, after leaving Sire Records and bringing in ex-Madball member Jay Weinberg to round out the band on drums. The Russian Spies 7” that they released earlier this month is fantastic, and if it’s any indication of what their live show will sound like, it’s definitely going to be the one set you do not want to miss.
Against Me! will be appearing on the Teggart Main Stage.
The Aggrolites – An alumnus of Punk Rock Bowling 13, the reggae/ska act infused with a healthy dose of soul are pretty much the ideal summertime band. Be prepared to dance to the funky beats, bob your head to the rhythm, and have an all-around good time.
The Aggrolites will be appearing on the Tilly’s/AP Stage.
At Sixes and Sevens – This is a local Vegas act who you’re not going to want to miss. The indie rock band put on a killer live show recently at the Holding Onto Sound self-titled album show, and I expect as much will be true this time. They’re young and talented and you can get hyped for their set by checking out their Home Grown EP for free on the band’s bandcamp.
At Sixes and Sevens will be appearing on the XPOZ Local Stage.
Last Call – The Vegas pop punk band is gearing up to release their new EP, Stay On the Outside, on Mightier Than Sword in August, so you know they are going to be pumped to be playing to their hometown crowd. This close to the release date, we’re likely to hear a few of those new songs live, and some old favorites too, of course. If you like your punk rock poppy, melodic, and in the vein of New Found Glory, Movielife, and Fireworks, than Last Call is a band not to miss.
Last Call will be appearing on the XPOZ Local Stage.
Larry and His Flask – Larry and His Flask were the bearded MVPS of this year’s Punk Rock Bowling, playing their bluegrass-influenced folk-punk up and down Fremont Street for anyone who would listen. It’s hard not to get caught up in their infectious enthusiasm, and it looks like they will be delivering it in droves this Thursday. They bring the same sort of fun and frantic energy to their music that Old Man Markley does, and I think fans of the latter will love the former.
Look for Larry and His Flask roaming the festival, throwing mini-parties throughout the day.
Less Than Jake – These Warped Tour mainstays have been a band for 2 decades and show no signs of slowing down, putting out their (no kidding) 287th release Greetings From Less Than Jake on their own Sleep it Off Records just last week. You can hear the first single from that EP here, or just come out and hear it live because no one ever has a bad time at a Less Than Jake show. The band also revealed that they will be doing signings and other special events on every stop of the Warped Tour, so remember to check their Facebook on Thursday for details on what Vegas’ event will be.
Less Than Jake will be appearing on the Tilly’s/AP Stage.
Lucero – Ben Nichols and crew return to Vegas after playing three excellent, sold-out shows at the House of Blues opening for Social Distortion earlier this year. The country-punk rock act is the perfect bar band, so it’ll be interesting to see how they fair out of their element, playing mid-day in the hot summer sun to a mostly younger crowd. The drunken anthems may have to be replaced with bottled water and Red Bull, but I’m betting they will do just fine.
Lucero will be appearing on the Tilly’s/AP Stage.
SHARKS – SHARKS are a British rock band that can already count Mick Jones and Brian Fallon among their growing fanbase. They’ve started making a name for themselves in the US, having toured with the likes of Social Distortion and Chuck Ragan. They sound sort of like a mix of The Replacements, Springsteen, and The Clash, and a good mix it is. Since they’re coming from so far away to play here it’s hard to know when they will be back, and surely by that time their star will have risen quite a bit, so catch them now so you can say you saw them first.
SHARKS will be appearing on the Kia Kevin Says Stage.
Street Dogs –Mike McColgan, former lead singer of Dropkick Murphys, is one of the best modern frontmen in punk rock. He effortlessly blends social commentary with energetic stage antics over anthemic street punk, and always makes every venue feel like an intimate club. You’ll want to try and get up close for the inevitable sing-alongs and fist-pumps.
Street Dogs will be appearing on the Tilly’s/AP Stage.
The Wonder Years – Like Last Call, The Wonder Years represent the new breed of melodic pop punk from kids who grew up listening to Drive-Thru Records during the label’s prime. If you’re a fan of bands like Saves the Day and Starting Line than you’re going to instantly love The Wonder Years’ catchy hooks and memorable melodies. What makes the band stand out from many of their pop punk peers is their lyrics, which shun the superficial and oftentimes touch on social awareness and thoughtful self-analysis. And then there’s the drumming from Mike Kennedy, which will blow you away. This is a band that gets better with every release, and will be a treat to see live.
The Wonder Years will be appearing on the Nintendo 3DS Stage.
There are a number of other great bands playing this Thursday, June 30, at the Plaza Hotel Parking Lot, from the punks in Battle Born to the ska styling of Big D and the Kids Table. Who are you most looking forward to seeing?
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