Kevin Lyman: Building Warped Tour, Breaking Bands & Bringing Punk to the Masses. #81

The latest episode of Go With Elmo features an in-depth conversation between host Elmo Lovano and the legendary Kevin Lyman, founder of the Vans Warped Tour. For fans of live music, punk rock, and music industry history, this episode offers a treasure trove of stories, behind-the-scenes insights, and personal reflections from the man who turned parking lots into punk playgrounds and gave some of the biggest names in music their first taste of festival life.

Subscribe On:

About the Guest: Kevin Lyman

Kevin Lyman has been a pivotal figure in the American music scene for decades. Best known as the creator of the Vans Warped Tour—the longest-running festival tour in history—Kevin’s career began in the Southern California punk scene, promoting hundreds of shows, and working with legendary promoters like Goldenvoice (who later founded Coachella). Over the years, Warped Tour became the launch pad for countless bands, from Blink-182 and No Doubt to My Chemical Romance, Paramore, and even Eminem. If a band made waves in alternative music from the ‘90s onward, chances are Lyman gave them a stage.

How the Vans Warped Tour Was Born

Warped Tour launched in 1995—but success didn’t come overnight. Lyman shares candidly that the first tour was a financial bust, and he was almost out of options when fate—and a call from the Vans shoe brand—came knocking. What started as a chance meeting quickly turned into a partnership that would define the festival’s identity. Lyman was expecting a modest sponsorship, but walked out of the meeting with a $300,000 deal. That’s how Vans became inseparably linked to Warped, providing the crucial support needed to give the festival a future.

“I thought I was going to get like $30,000. And it was $300,000.” – Kevin Lyman

The Punk Parking Lot Magic

What set Warped Tour apart was not just its stellar lineups, but its unique festival culture. Every day was orchestrated like a symphony of chaos—with Kevin at the center. Warped operated unlike any other festival: set times weren’t posted until the day of the show, and bands found out where and when they played each morning. This shuffle kept things fresh and fans on their toes, bucking industry norms where big bands always play last.

Lyman designed the tour as a melting pot: veteran punk legends like Rancid, Bad Religion, and NOFX rubbed elbows (and stages) with hungry newcomers like Blink 182 and Paramore. The festival became a place where every act—no matter how big or small—had a shot to make an impression. The approach fostered camaraderie, competition, and unexpected breakthroughs.

“Treat everyone equal. …It’s hard to be an asshole when you’re in a parking lot of 600 people having a great time.” – Kevin Lyman

Breakout Bands and Iconic Warped Moments

One of Warped’s legacies is its role in “breaking” bands. Elmo and Kevin reminisce about the countless acts that made the leap from side stages to stardom through Warped. From No Doubt (back in their clown-suit ska days!), Avril Lavigne, and Katy Perry, to rap icon Eminem and hard rockers like Avenged Sevenfold, Warped was often where audiences first caught a glimpse of the next big thing.

Lyman shares how his years of booking club shows taught him the importance of a killer live act, and his ear for spotting talent leapt beyond genre: “You have to have a great live show to back it up.”

Controlled Chaos: Logistics & Life on the Road

The conversation delves into the logistical Herculean effort behind a touring festival. Unlike fixed-location fests, Warped built an entire “city” every day—stages, catering, parking, fencing, and all. Kevin’s production background helped, but he credits a staff and crew that cared deeply about the mission. The “family” vibe extended to every band and vendor, with traditions like communal barbecues, impromptu on-stage appearances by band friends, and inventive ways to keep morale high (houseboating, bowling nights, and even skydiving trips).

With young and seasoned bands crammed together on buses and stages, the war stories are as wild as you’d expect (Sublime’s famous dog Lou Dog, anyone?), but so is the sense of purpose and belonging.

Balancing Legends and Upstarts

Warped’s evolution is a story of balancing old-school punk cred with the need to stay fresh. Lyman openly discusses how the festival sound had to change with the times:

“You could make a nice living in punk rock, but you always had to support punk rock. If you’re going to make something successful… you’re going to come from your heart. …I know a lot of people don’t like that I changed the sound of Warped Tour, but you had to, to be able to evolve.”

He shares anecdotes about punk leaders like Fat Mike of NOFX, their contributions to the scene, and their willingness to shepherd upstart acts—all crucial in keeping punk rock alive and relevant.

Giving Back: Community and Nonprofits

One of Warped’s lesser-known, but most impactful, legacies is its support for nonprofits and community causes. Lyman speaks passionately about Warped’s food drives, on-site counseling, support for addiction recovery, and more. After witnessing the tragic loss of Sublime’s Brad Nowell and others, Lyman made it his mission to provide support for artists facing hard times, partnering with organizations like MusiCares.

Recent Warpeds have continued this charitable tradition, with thousands of pounds of food collected and space carved out for nonprofits to reach fans.

Endings, Comebacks, and What’s Next

After a celebrated run and a final show in 2018, Warped took a hiatus just before the pandemic. Now it’s back—sold-out shows, new partnerships, and a blend of nostalgia and new energy. Kevin reflects on the importance of timing, rest, and health, both for himself and for the live music business as a whole.

The most recent Warped shows saw a healthy mix: old-school fans returning for the memories, and a whole new generation discovering the magic that pulsed through sweaty parking lots for decades.

Final Thoughts

The episode is a love letter to live music, the power of punk rock, and the value of doing things from the heart—even when the odds (and budgets) say otherwise. Whether you’re a longtime Warped kid or just learning about its legacy, this conversation between Elmo Lovano and Kevin Lyman is a fascinating look at what it takes to build a scene, break new talent, and keep the punk spirit alive.

To hear the full episode and future interviews with the most interesting people in music, subscribe to Go With Elmo wherever you get your podcasts. And if you’re headed to a Warped Tour date this year—don’t forget to bring a can of food for the drive!

Email Newsletter

Music Industry Newsletter

Get access to the Go With Elmo Lovano newsletter to get updates on the latest episodes,
and insights from music industry experts, pros, and legends on their journeys to making it in music.