15 Unexpected Acts That Played Warped Tour Over the Years

From Eminem to Katy Perry, these artists were not your typical Warped Tour acts.

Feb. 25, 2026 at 12:55pm

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Warped Tour, the annual punk, emo, and metalcore music festival, has often featured unexpected acts over its 30-year history. From emerging artists outside the tour's go-to genres to long-established legends looking for a new audience, the festival has provided a platform for a diverse array of musicians. This article highlights 15 surprising Warped Tour acts, including the Black Eyed Peas, Eminem, and Joan Jett, that may have caught fans off guard when they appeared on the lineups.

Why it matters

Warped Tour's willingness to book unconventional acts has helped it maintain its reputation as a festival that celebrates musical diversity and discovery. By providing a stage for both up-and-coming and established artists across genres, the tour has expanded the horizons of its attendees and kept the festival feeling fresh and unpredictable over the decades.

The details

The article cites several examples of unexpected Warped Tour acts, including the Black Eyed Peas and Eminem in 1999, when the tour booked the two artists before they became global superstars. In 2006, the festival also featured legendary punk group the Buzzcocks and Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, who were pleasantly surprised by the "friendly" festival crowd. The article notes that Warped Tour has often served as a platform for emerging acts outside of its usual punk, emo, and metalcore genres, helping to introduce new artists to a younger audience.

  • Warped Tour first launched in 1995.
  • The 1999 Warped Tour featured the Black Eyed Peas and Eminem.
  • The 2006 Warped Tour included the Buzzcocks and Joan Jett and the Blackhearts.
  • Warped Tour plans to celebrate its 30th anniversary with shows in 2025.
  • Warped Tour is scheduled to return for five dates in 2026.

The players

Black Eyed Peas

An American musical group that was part of the 1999 Warped Tour lineup before they became a global pop superstar act.

Eminem

The American rapper was also part of the 1999 Warped Tour lineup when his hit song "My Name Is" was just starting to gain popularity.

the Buzzcocks

A legendary British punk rock group that performed at the 2006 Warped Tour.

Joan Jett and the Blackhearts

The American punk rock band played the 2006 Warped Tour and were pleasantly surprised by the "friendly" festival crowd.

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What’s next

Warped Tour is scheduled to return for five dates in 2026, with acts already announced including A Day to Remember, Sublime, Coheed and Cambria, Jimmy Eat World and Papa Roach.

The takeaway

Warped Tour's willingness to book unexpected acts outside of its typical punk, emo, and metalcore genres has helped the festival maintain its reputation for musical diversity and discovery over its 30-year history. By providing a platform for both emerging artists and established legends, Warped Tour has continually surprised and delighted its attendees with its eclectic lineups.