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Goodbye Warped Tour, may you rest peacefully.

For those who are unaware, Warped Tour is a touring festival that makes one day stops all around the country. Each day is filled with live music, non-profits, and fun.

Exactly one month ago it was announced that Warped Tour was oinits final year, and this was also the day my dreams went to die.

Warped Tour has been iconic in the music scene for more than two decades. The tour has hosted more than just punk and alternative bands. Warped has hosted legends from all genres of music including Katy Perry, Gwen Stefani, Weezer, blink-182, and My Chemical Romance. They also have provided a huge platform for previously up-and-coming artists. Now, some of these creators have found mainstream success in many outlets. Some of these contemporary artists include G-Eazy, Bebe Rexha, Paramore and The Black Eyed Peas.

Am I too emotionally attached to concerts and bands?

Yes.

Do I still have a right to be sad about the event ending?

Yes.

The first time I attended Warped tour was in the summer of 2016. I had wanted to go for so many years prior to that, but 2016 was the year I was able to swindle my family into letting me go. After hours of careful deliberation and arranging logistics, I got the approval from my parents and bought the tickets.

I always dreamed of what Warped Tour would be like. I spent so many days wondering what my experience would be like. I spent hours planning, preparing, and packing for that day. I wanted everything to be perfect.

As I arrived at the venue, I prepared myself for a slight let down. I knew that the way I imagined things would never be how they would go.

I was right, things did not go as I expected. They were far better.

I spent countless hours running around listening to new music, buying new band merch, and experiencing everything Warped had to offer.

I went on the inflatable Fueled by Ramen slip-and-slide over and over. I ended up in the front row for some of my favorite bands’ sets. I connected with artists in such a unique way that I had never thought possible.

Warped Tour gave me so much joy. Although I did not attend as many times as I wanted, the time I did go was one of the best times of my life.

Warped Tour provided such a safe space for me to experience music. My day running around a suburban Chicago parking lot will forever be one of the greatest summer memories ever.

I will never forget running into the venue to assure I was as close as I could get before one of Yellowcard’s final sets as a band.

I will always cherish the feeling of safety and security I felt approaching the To Write Love On Her Arms tent and reading the messages of hope.

I will forever be grateful for the fact Warped Tour helped me discover some of my now favorite bands.

I will never forget the shocked feeling I had seeing some of my favorite artists casually in passing while I walked around.

I now have to prepare myself for the end. Warped Tour is over. I know I will only have one more chance to experience a day like I had before.

All I know is since this summer is my last shot, and I have to make the most of it.