exploremusic

Ok, so here’s part 2 of my Warped Tour coverage from Pomona, California.  For those of you that missed my first blog on 15 years of Warped, click here.

This time around, let’s start off with Anti-Flag…a band I originally got into after seeing them perform “Die For The Government” back in the day at Warped up in Molson Park (miss that place).  I must admit Anti-Flag were a big band for me growing up…I always liked them, mainly because of the strong political message of the group.  First off I chatted with bassist/vocalist Chris #2 of the band on the rehearsal date of the tour….good dude…

The next day, Warped Tour kicked off…and Anti-Flag drew 1st on the main stage following the random draw.  I grabbed my coffee and headed backstage to watch the band play some furious punk rock.  Actually, they played a cool cover of The Clash’ “Should I Stay Or Should I Go?”… here’s some cool pictures from their performance that day. 

Right after their set I spoke with lead guitarist and vocalist Justin Sane…also a good dude…

Anti-Flag are currently supporting their new record, The People Or The Gun…so far it’s one of my favourites of 2009.  For more info go here

Next up: Flogging Molly.  If you are a fan of the Dropkick Murphy’s or The Real McKenzie’s, then Flogging Molly is right up your alley.  They’ve been around for upwards of 10 years…making awesome Irish punk rock.  However, they did not play the tour down in California for whatever reason…as such, being the Irish punk rocker I am… I decided to head out to the Toronto date of the tour to catch up with bassist Nathen Maxwell. 

 
If you are interested in Nathen’s solo stuff he was talking about…you can check it out here.

Currently, Flogging Molly is touring their latest album Float…in fact they just announced some Canadian dates!  Check out this awesome animated video of the album’s title track, “Float”. 

Oh, and here’s a couple pictures of their closing set @ this year’s Warped Tour Toronto date.

Next up, I caught up with Meg & Dia…this is their 3rd time playing Warped Tour…they lean towards the more pop side of things. You can check them out here

I spoke with both sisters about 15 years of Warped …

Finally, I figured I would include this cool phone interview Alan did with Warped Tour founder Kevin Lyman before the tour hit the road.  We’ve featured it already before…but it fits well here.  It interesting to hear the logistics and history of the tour from it’s founder.
Here’s part 1:

…and here’s part 2:

That’s it for now….my 3rd and final blog will feature, Gallows, Alexisonfire , The AKA’s, Superman Is Dead (really cool band Alan got me into from Bali), & The Devil Wears Prada.  For more info on the festival check out: here.

Up the punx

-Skullz