Loyal fans of punk music braved the blazing sun and skyrocketing temperatures Tuesday as the Vans Warped Tour made its first appearance in Columbus at Promowest Pavilion.

The tour featured 55 local and national punk artists performing on seven different stages, as well as exhibitions by extreme athletes.

Seasoned veterans of the punk scene, such as MxPx, NoFX, Bad Religion and The Mighty Mighty Bosstones, shared the spotlight with up-and-coming acts like Riddlin’ Kids, The Used and Places to Park.

Oliver Dolder, a graduating senior in international studies, said he was happy to see the Warped Tour come to Columbus.

“The punk scene in Columbus isn’t the best, so it was good to see diversity added to the overall music scene,” said Dolder.

“The Warped Tour introduces you to bands that don’t always get the same type of exposure as artists on MTV or major radio stations, but are at least as talented,” he said.

The majority of the bands on the Warped Tour described the atmosphere as a punk rock summer camp, emphasizing that the relationship between bands is one of community and brotherhood.

Dicky Barrett, lead vocalist of the The Mighty Mighty Bosstones, went even further, saying, “It’s like a giant, traveling, dysfunctional family.”

The bands helped each other by lugging equipment on and off the stage, as well making special appearances on each other’s songs.

The most telling sign of the family atmosphere came during meals, when the bands were able to take a well-earned breather and break bread together.

“We’re responsible for feeding all the bands, and the meals are served at set times,” said Shelly Lynn Brandler, a representative of Ta Da Catering Company. “The bands normally eat together, so we’re sort of like their home away from home.”

Tuesday’s dinner menu consisted of grilled chicken, sweet potato casserole, bok choi, pineapple-fried rice, as well as a variety of breads, salads and vegan dishes.

By the time the doors opened at noon, temperatures were well into the 80s and soared past 90 degrees by mid-afternoon.

The key to stay cool in the sweltering heat was water. Fans were able to cool off at several strategically placed shower stations, and local vendors sold large amounts of bottled water.

“Drinking water is about all you can do to stay cool,” Dolder said as he wiped the sweat from his brow. “The music certainly helps keep your mind off the heat and congestion.”

One of the most notable up-and-coming performances on the Volcom stage came from the Austin, TX-based band, Riddlin Kids.

Lead vocalist and guitarist Clint Baker said the band was happy to play the Warped Tour because it was a big reunion among many of the bands.

“We’ve gotten to hang out with other bands that we’ve toured with in the past, as well as make new friends. It’s a little intimidating to play along side bands like Bad Religion and NoFX, but everyone here is cool,” he said.

As day turned into evening and the temperatures slowly cooled, anticipation mounted as the closing lineup slowly approached.

NoFX, Reel Big Fish, The Mighty Mighty Bosstones and New Found Glory were the four bands that wrapped up the afternoon with hard-hitting sets, preparing the crowd for what would soon come.

However, all eyes were on one of the industry’s proclaimed “grandfathers” of punk rock, Bad Religion.

As Bad Religion rocked its ear-splitting set, the crowd exploded into a frenzy of moshing and crowd-surfing that hadn’t been seen all day.

Several individuals watching the set from backstage, including The Used’s lead vocalist Bert McCracken, ran and dove into the crowd, adding to the chaos.

Bad Religion closed the show with their highly circulated single “Sorrow,” and left the stage to thunderous chants of “one more song” by the crowd.

A vast majority of punk musicians and fans look at Bad Religion with a high level of reverence and respect, recognizing the influence of Bad Religion’s music on the punk industry is, as New Found Glory’s lead vocalist Jordan Pundik declared, “indescribable.”

What advice can these old-timers give to younger, aspiring punk bands?

“Be original. Don’t choreograph your music or performances,” said Greg Hetson, one of Bad Religion’s guitarists.

“Put the music in front and let the fans decide.”