Warped Tour 2007
Words: Chris Henderson
Photos: Flip Revy or Matt Bennett

Appeared:
July 22, 2007
Tinker Field, Orlando

As I readied myself for another Warped Tour, I wondered what the 2007 edition would offer.   With a lineup including only four bands that I wanted to see, the only thing I was certain of was the cruel heat that I would endure for the next eight hours. The day started off as I sat at the REAX tent watching the line for the Paramore autograph signing grow.  After catching a glimpse of their singer Hayley Williams I knew this day was getting started out in the right direction so I headed for the Hurley stage.  There I found Haste the Day midway through their set, which is usually flawless, but on this day it was far from that.  With a disappointing start from a band I had actually wanted to see, I thought the day could only get worse.  I trekked back to the REAX tent and decided to wait out an oncoming thunderstorm.  After a few beverages, the rain subsided and sets from Anberlin and Circa Survive marked a positive shift in the day. Rapper K-OS added to that with an inspiring performance with a live band.  The Chariot began their set with singer Josh Scogin saying “Don’t worry we’ll be done before Norma Jean starts.”  That statement kicked off the best performance of the day.  Afterwards, Scogin made his way to the main stage for a guest appearance with his old band mates in Norma Jean for the song “Memphis Will Be Laid to Waste”, which was the highlight of my month. Looking back, Warped Tour has done a lot of growing up over the years.   As the tour gets older, the crowds get younger. A festival that was once littered with OG punk rockers is now mostly comprised of up and coming scenesters and a whole lot of commercialism. However, there is still some of that punk rock attitude and there are always a few bright spots that make it worthwhile.