One Toka over the line: Matt Toka Warped Tour Blog

Matt Toka’s never been to Warped, so we thought we’d get his thoughts on being at the only tour that matters this summer. Look forward to weekly updates on Toka’s shenanigans, photos, videos and any other crazy additions he can throw at AP this summer.

Holy shit, it’s been a rad couple of days. This past Tuesday I dropped my EP and immediately after, I hit the road heading to Salt Lake City for Warped Tour. After a day of traveling, my drummer, Chris Wilson, and I wandered around in Walmart for an hour trying on all the ridiculous T-shirts, asking people what they thought.

Thursday morning, we woke up at a truck stop that had a petting zoo right next to it. I filmed a tour update while an escaped peacock ran around in the parking lot. Then I got pecked in the head by an Ostrich that I’m assuming thought my hair was grass.

Friday, the band checked into Warped. It was so sick seeing all the stages and vendors setting up.  I was excited to go to Salt Lake City because that’s where Chris is from. I got to see the house he grew up in, as well as see all his platinum plaques [from his time in Good Charlotte]. It was the first time I got to hold a fucking MTV Moon Man! I had no clue he was on the cover of Alternative Press.  I was geeking out over all his old concert stubs and posters and I really wanted to steal his original Scream concert poster. (Which if you don’t already know, Scream was the band Dave Grohl was in before he joined Nirvana.)

Saturday was the first day, and it was pretty surreal. It was great seeing the Breathe Carolina guys again. Their whole camp is fucking amazing, and I really look forward to hanging with them this summer. I also got to watch Taking Back Sunday, Miss May I and my new favorite band, Dead Sara. At 4:30, I performed on the Kevin Says stage. The best part for me was covering “Territorial Pissings” by Nirvana. By 10 p.m., we were already on the road heading to Denver.

Sunday, I woke up to find the bus was parked at the Broncos’ stadium. Every morning you have no idea where the shitter or showers are, so it becomes an adventure. I randomly ran into Jack and Zack from All Time Low and we snuck on the field to do a quick Tebow. I got to watch Anti-Flag and All Time Low at this stop. Later that night, there was a big barbeque for all the bands. Everyone was saying because of Denver’s high altitude you get drunk easier, but after a few beers, I didn’t notice a fucking difference. 

After just two days, I’ve met so many great people. I can already tell this will be a summer I’m never going forget. The hardest part will be trying to stay hydrated. I drink at least a gallon of water a day and I don’t think I’ve pissed since I left Los Angeles. Forty-one more shows to go, and I’m writing this as we drive to the Luxor parking lot for the Vegas Warped. Hope to see you this summer!

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