HeartSupport helps fuel Warped Tour’s return with mental health support
The return of Vans Warped Tour has been long anticipated in the heavy music scene. The name is synonymous with community, with celebration of a shared passion for music on a massive scale.
For many years, Warped Tour was also known for the presence of organizations like HeartSupport, who faithfully rode the tour circuit since 2013 to bring hope to fans and heal the scene. So when Warped announced their select summer reunion dates for 2025, it was an immediate natural fit that HeartSupport would be there.
The team was on the ground with their mobile support wall at Warped Tour DC, where fans could respond to the struggles of other fans in real time. They offered hope-filled lyric temporary tattoos. And they ensured that everyone who stopped by the booth had the opportunity for genuine conversations and to connect with services that would last long beyond the day itself.
The resulting impact was astounding. 43 people opened up about their mental health. 223 replies were written in response. Here is an example:
“I recently had a bad rock climbing accident that has left me temporarily disabled, and has exacerbated my already poor mental health. It's been really difficult not being able to work or participate in my usual activities and hobbies that help me when I'm feeling low.”
— Music fan
“I feel your pain and I see you in your struggle. I know how hard it is to lose the ability to do the things that make you happy, and I know how frustrating it is when your body can't do the things your mind longs to do. That feeling of forced idleness becomes all consuming so quickly, and it takes a toll on your mental state. I want you to know that even though it's really hard during this recovery, i'm so proud of you for opening up and talking about it. You have a community of people who love you. This fest is that community and you opening up about your struggles means that you don't have to go through them alone. Healing will come, and there are better days coming ahead, but for now know that you aren't alone and that you are surrounded with people who care and who want to support you. All the love.”
— Replier
And that’s not all. HeartSupport’s impact at Warped Tour was multi-dimensional.
HeartSupport at Warped Tour DC
Renan Alejandro was another one of the attendees who came all the way from Mexico carrying a heavy burden. His father had recently passed away, and given that Warped Tour DC happened Father’s Day weekend, it was on his mind.
He opened up in a slot on the support wall about what he was feeling and headed off to see some bands. When he swung back by the booth, he was blown away by the outpouring of support.
“I’m learning — going to keep sharing this experience that I’ve been doing through and inviting people that if they have something inside, it’s OK to be vulnerable,” Renan boldly states. “It’s OK to share what’s going on. This is just part of the process. This is a journey. I’m going to keep taking one step at a time, one foot in front of the other. Like Four Year Strong says, I’ll keep inviting people to share their experiences and remind people: you’re not alone.”
“One step at a time
One foot in front of the other
I'm gonna get through this one way or another
'Cause I know it's warmer where you are
'Cause no matter how far the view
I still always look up to you”
— Four Year Strong
Renan was so moved by the support he received and HeartSupport’s mission as a whole that he signed up to be a peer supporter with HeartSupport.
HeartSupport’s presence on the ground at festivals like Warped Tour DC is creating tangible change and connection. They will continue to create those moments of support at Warped Tour Long Beach and Warped Tour Orlando, as well as several other major festivals this summer. To support this movement to heal the scene in real time, fund their festival presence with a donation today!
