I’ve travelled hours to see bands before, but there’s only one band that I’ve travelled hours for through severe weather and a tornado warning to see. Frank Iero and the Patience just wrapped up their  North American tour and I had the pleasure of attending their show in Baltimore, MD in April. They hit the road with Dave Hause and The Mermaid and If you've never heard of them I suggest you do yourself a favor and become familiar with them quickly. They put on a hell of a show and I for one always appreciate artists that can make me laugh, sing, and get in my feeling all in one set. If you're going to start somewhere, I suggest the song "Dirty Fucker", you can thank me later.  No amount of rain, lightning, or twisters could have stood in my way of this show. (Okay, so maybe the twisters could have but fortunately the warning was a few counties over).

After spending time at home to recover from injuries sustained from a bus accident during their time in Australia, Iero finally announced the band was going back on the road and I could not have been more thrilled. My boys were alive and healthy and their fans could not have been more ready to see them back on the road. Baltimore was the closest city for me and I had no problem dragging my family all the way to Maryland to see my favorite artist.

The last time I saw Frank, he was with his first solo project The Cellabration. This time, he was back with his new project The Patience and a new album, Parachutes. The album was one of my favorite recent releases. Frank puts so much of himself into everything he does and this album was no exception, each track contains a different piece of him and his experiences and it’s a masterpiece. Being in the crowd and experiencing these songs live was incredible, especially when you get to scream your favorite lyrics back at him. Each song offers a different perspective on Iero's life and gives us a way of connecting with him through his lyrics and the ones we relate to the most. The first single from Parachutes, "I'm a Mess", is one of the many tracks I connect with. The chorus goes:

"Maybe I'm just lost they said.
Maybe I'm just tired or dead inside.
Something's wrong with me.
Maybe that's just how I am.
Maybe I'm a mess and I ain't gonna change."

And I felt every word deep in my soul.

Frank’s fans are nothing short of extremely passionate and halfway through the first few songs a pit opened and that’s when the fun began. I’m no stranger to mosh pits or crowd surfers but it was clear that some of the kids had never been in a pit before. Sometimes, you can kind of pinpoint good spots to stand if you want to avoid the pit. Pretty much any spot in the very back or on the outside of the crowd is a pretty safe bet. But, if you want to stand near the front or towards the middle, you’re going to deal with being pushed and getting closer to the people around you in ways you’ve never thought possible. Personally, I don’t care. The pit is where all the fun is and even if I don’t wanna be in the pit those that are push me towards the front of the crowd so it all works out in the end. Bottom line: whether you’re into it or not, don’t let people get hurt. Help people back up, don’t let someone hit the ground, don’t be an asshole. I’m not one for crowd surfing but I’ll pick others up and help them along their way when I can. I have a lot more fun when everyone around me is on the same level as I am. I love seeing everyone simultaneously jumping, headbanging, fists in the air, getting into the show. If the people around me as are hype as I am, it’s going to be a good night.

This show was also special because it’s the night that I finally got to me one of my long-time internet buds, Eden. After 10 years of friendship, we finally met in person. It was fitting that we met at a Frank Iero show because one of the things that brought us together all those years ago was our mutual love for My Chemical Romance. Frank and the boys are responsible for so many amazing bonds over the past few years and I am so thankful for that.

P.S. I’m already making plans to see him on the road again.

With only a few short months left before Warped Tour begins it’s time to start getting prepared for what you’ll need to make it through your Warped date. Warped Tour can be a lot of fun but there are a few things you can do to make it even better and ensure that you’re making the most out of your festival experience. So, here’s a quick guide to Warped to help you along your way.

Make sure you have your ticket with you or on your phone. This should be a given but things happen, things get left behind or deleted and the last thing you want is to arrive at your Warped date and discover your ticket is gone.

Get familiar with the lineup and the stages. Warped Tour can be very hectic and a little overwhelming. There’s a lot happening at once and there’s a ton of different stages all across the venue where you can enjoy all of the rad music there throughout the day. Plan and figure out what bands are your priority and what stages they’ll be at. Set times are released at the start of each show so you’ll have no idea what time the band’s go on until the morning of your Warped date. Keep an eye on social media and have a schedule with you so you won’t miss out on any of your must-see bands at Warped and hopefully none of your faves will be performing at the same time. You can keep up with a paper copy or install the free Vans Warped Tour app on your phone and keep a mobile schedule, complete with notifications for when your faves go on.

Bring a small backpack to keep with your belongings. You’re going to want a bag with you to help keep up with your things as well as help you keep up with the merch you’re going to buy at the festival. On top of all the band merch and official Vans gear that’s available at the show, there will be a ton of amazing non-profits and brands that will be at each date and all of them will have their own booths full of merchandise and other cool handouts that you’ll want to keep up with. Even if you don't have your own, most booths will be giving away tons of cool gear, including backpacks.

Make sure your phone is fully charged. We know all too well how the battery life on our phones can let us down when we need them the most. You’re going to want to take pictures and document your time at Warped so make sure your phone is fully charged. Portable chargers are also a huge help and you can throw one in your bag to use to give your phone some extra life during the show. I also believe there were charging stations throughout the venue, so be on the lookout.

Bring cash. Obviously, you’re going to want to bring some cash along with you. You know you’re going to want to pick up some merch or buy food or drinks while you’re at the show so bringing along some cash is a must! One thing to consider is that some booths might not have a card reader or they may have one and it’s suddenly not working so always have some actual cash with you just in case that happens.

Wear sunscreen. I cannot stress this enough, you’re going to need sunscreen. I don’t care how impervious you think you are to burning, that hot summer sun is not going to care and you will end up looking like the most pop punk lobster that ever existed. Put some on before you get the show and bring it with you so that you can reapply it as needed at the festival. And trust me; you’re going to need it.

Wear practical clothes and shoes. It’s going to be incredibly hot and the last thing you’re going to want is to wear something that’s going to make you miserable.  Those black skinny jeans and leather jacket may look amazing but it’s definitely not Warped Tour material. You’re going to want to wear something light and comfy so you can enjoy the show without feeling like you’re about to die of a heat stroke in the middle of your favorite band’s set. The stages are scattered across the venue and you’re going to be doing a lot of walking so wearing comfortable shoes are a must. Whatever shoes you feel will be the best for walking and standing around for hours are the ones you’ll want to go with. If you plan to accessorize, be smart about it. Bring some cheap sunglasses so that if something happens to them or they end up breaking, you won’t be too crushed about it.

Bring water and snacks. Staying hydrated and refueling is super important so make sure to bring some water and some light snacks with you. You don’t want to end up getting sick or passing out so it’s important to have something with you to prevent that. Plus, if you’re not trying to pay ridiculous concession stand prices for a simple meal or drink you’re going to want to bring your own stuff. You can bring bottled water or if you have a refillable water bottle you can fill it up for free at the Cool Gear booth.

Locate the shade tents and other ways to beat the heat. Like I’ve mentioned before, it’s going to be hot and if the heat starts to get to you there are plenty of ways to cool off. There will be multiple shade tents around the venue where you can take a break in the shade and get out of the sun. There’s also a slip and slide if you’re looking to really cool off. You could also get a tiny portable fan to throw in your bag.

If you’re going to wear makeup: sweat-proof is the key. For those that wish to wear makeup to Warped, it’s all about making sure your face doesn’t melt off while you’re jamming in the pit. Try to go as light as possible with your products so that you won’t have to worry about heavy makeup sitting on your face all day. You want to be comfortable and you don’t want to have to worry about your makeup getting in the way. Try to use waterproof and smudge-proof products so that you won't have to worry about your winged liner flying away halfway through the day or your mascara running down your face.

Alright guys, that’s it for this survival guide. Let me know what sort of things you have in your survival guide or any tips you want to add.

Till next time.