Warped Tour Announces Return of Another Nostalgic Event

2025-02-07

Festival under the sun.

There’s lots of excitement and stir surrounding the return of the Vans Warped Tour in 2025, and now, the festival is bringing back another event. – Author: Cat Badra, Photo via Audio Ink Radio

There’s lots of excitement and stir surrounding the return of the Vans Warped Tour in 2025. Back in October, the tour announced its triumphant return for 2025, marking its 30th anniversary.

The festival will return as three two-day day festivals in Washington, D.C.; Long Beach, California; and Orlando, Florida, in partnership with Electric Daisy Carnival Las Vegas producer Insomniac. Each tour date will feature 70 to 100 bands, bringing together a collection of genres, such as punk rock, alternative, pop punk, emo and more.

Now, on top of the Vans Warped Tour being back in 2025, organizers have announced another return.

The Ernie Ball Battle of the Bands is Back

The Vans Warped Tour is bringing back the Ernie Ball Battle of the Bands. For years, the battle was known for offering new, up-and-coming talent with a way to get some exposure and even get signed. The list of bands who have gained attention from the battle is long, including names such as Nothing More, Mayday Parade and more.

So, the Ernie Ball Battle of the Bands competition is back for 2025, and the grand prize winner will get picked to perform on the main stage of Vans Warped Tour at all three of the 2025 performances in Washington, D.,C., Long Beach and Orlando.

It doesn’t stop there. On top of those high-profile performances, the grand prize winner will get more than $100,000 in prizes and the possibility of a record label contract. That’s a lot of loot.

In addition to appearing at the Vans Warped Tour, the prizes include the following:

  • Top-tier drum equipment from SJC, Gibraltar, Zildjian, Vic Firth, Remo and Humes & Berg.
  • High-end guitar and bass gear courtesy of Ernie Ball, Ernie Ball Music Man, Sterling By Music Man, Marshall, Orange, Revv, Galien Krueger and BOSS.
  • Keyboard gear from Roland and Korg.
  • Live and studio gear from Universal Audio, Electrovoice, Mackie and Sennheiser.
  • A $1,000 Vans gift card for each main stage performer.
  • A special feature in an episode of the Ernie Ball’s Big Sound.
  • The opportunity to possibly ink a record deal with EDGEOUT Records / Universal Music Group.

That’s a lot of swag for a band that’s trying to make a name for itself in today’s music culture. If you or your band is interested, feel free to sign up and give it a shot.

Entering the Earnie Ball Battle of the Bands

Submissions are open at the Battle of the Bands website and will close on May 1. As for who will pick the winner, a panel of industry professionals will judge entries based on technique, creativity, originality and entertainment value. Votes are also being taken from fans, so if you have a big social following, that could help, too.

It’s great to see a nostalgic battle of the bands such as this one return. It really does provide a good opportunity for bands trying to get their name out there. Also, if you’re looking for emerging talent, check out the Spotify playlist below, which features a range of independent rock and metal bands and artists from across the world.

Cat Badra
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Posted by Cat Badra | Alternative, Music, Rock News