Chris Stelmak
Staff Writer
Preview
Tons of Houstonians will brave the endless heat Saturday to sweat it out for this year's Warped Tour.
This year's musical line-up has tossed together a hearty variety that is sure to please. While Bad Religion has been wearing on since the early '80s, its members are still a long way from soaking their dentures. Bad Religion keeps churning out its sharp-edged punk filled with brutal social commentary.
Sharing the headlining spotlight are the aggressive sounds of Rancid. The band takes a bit of old-school ska and a heaping helping of punk to pull together a groove that is an acquired taste.
Little needs to be said about the swingin' sounds of the Cherry Poppin' Daddies. The band has hit the bank with the title track off its latest album, Zoot Suit Riot. With swing music becoming so popular, the Daddies are sure to put on an interesting show.
And how can there be a party without inviting the Reverend? Reverend Horton Heat will be belting out his rockabilly tunes with style, as usual. The Reverend has a certain wit that shows through his music and his live shows .
The Deftones will also be visiting the stage this year. The band's aggressive stylings have been compared with Korn, but the Deftones are not as basic. The hardrock has a flavor of hip-hop and metal that makes it all the tastier.
Obviously, ska seems to be taking the tour by storm this year. The Mighty Mighty Bosstones are back again to share a danceable style and show why they have been so successful all these years.
Save Ferris is trying to grab a few new friends by getting the word out on its swingin' ska style as well.
And as a special treat to old-school ska fans, The Specials are on the tour, too. The band sprang up in the late '70s and has influenced many of the big bands around today. These old, violent limeys are sure to spark some interest.
Other musicians hitting the main stage include NOFX, Civ, Gadjits, Swingin' Utters, Aquabats, Hepcat, The Urge and Unwritten Law. Side-stage buddies are Hatebreed, Unsane, Kid Rock, The Smooths, 22 Jacks, Fu Man Chu, REO Speedealer and 98 Mute.
The Warped Tour seems to pride itself on keeping its sound fresh. Considering that only a couple of these bands are played on the radio in Houston regularly, chances are people will run into something new.
The Warped Tour will be at the Astro Arena this Saturday. Doors open at noon, and the show starts at 12:30 p.m. Tickets are $20.
Call (713) 629-3700 for more information.