BeatNonStop A Weblog by Chris Macias Bee pop music critic Music geek (n. myü-zik 'gEk) 1: A person who proudly wore KISS commemorative pajamas in third grade. 2: A person who owns multiple copies of the same album, still buys vinyl and has a room dedicated to 2,000 or so CDs and records. 3. A person who wrote a five-part series about traveling with a local band in their stinky van - and loved every minute of it. 4: Chris Macias, the Bee's pop music critic, serving Sacramento's music scene since 1999.

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August 23, 2007

As I Lay Headlining

A couple of vendors are breaking down their booths, and the Warped Tour is slowly winding down. As I Lay Dying, the metal-core band from San Diego, has the distinction of being the last band to play all day. They’ll go on just before 8 p.m., but a headlining spot is a dubious honor.

“By the end of the day the kids are burnt out, no matter how good your set is” says guitarist Nick Hipa. “The choice spots are between 2 and 4. It’s the middle that’s good. But we’re still having fun. Like anything else in life, it’s what you make of it. I’ve had the chance to check out a bunch of bands. It’s still cool to be a headlining act.”

The Warped Tour may have peaked during Sum 41’s set. The crowd was packed out and singing along while the skaters rolled back and forth on the nearby ramp. The trash is also reaching critical mass. The cleaning crew out here has plenty to sweep up: band fliers, water bottles, beer and lemonade cups.

But for now I’m stoked on Agent Orange’s set. Listening to the legends of SoCal hardcore was like a trip back to high school, when I was blasting “Bloodstains” in my room and mad at the world for no particular reason. It was cool to see a bunch of youngsters in the pit, moshing along and paying respect to these o.g. punkers.

Now it’s time to check out Bad Religion – and maybe grab some food. All this Warped Tour action is working up my appetite. Overpriced pizza, here I come!

Posted by cmacias at 6:09 PM | Comments |