After 23 years, the Vans Warped Tour is coming to an end.
In an open letter posted to the Vans Warped Tour website, producer Kevin Lyman said next year's run -- its 24th -- would be the last for the traveling music festival.
"Today, with many mixed feelings, I am here to announce that next year will be the final, full cross-country run of the Vans Warped Tour," Lyman wrote.
Lyman told Billboard.com that the "evolving summer festival industry, a shrinking pool of bands, and declining ticket sales" were factors in his decision.
In the letter, he recounted the numerous artists and bands who performed over the years, including those that started small and would then go on to become international stars.
"The Vans Warped Tour has become the community I had always hoped for," he wrote. "We have worked with over 90 non-profits each summer shining a light on new and growing groups giving our community the resources they need to connect with people who can help them, but also encourages our community to help each other."
Lyman launched the festival in 1995. Over the years, it visited several cities and towns around the country. Performers include Sum 41, Blink-182, Flogging Molly, Black-Eyed Peas and New Found Glory.
The tour is scheduled to visit Phoenix on Tuesday, June 26, 2018. View the full schedule.
While the tour might be ending, Lyman did hint at some sort of celebration to mark its 25th anniversary.
"I sit here reflecting on the tour’s incredible history, what the final run means for our community, and look forward to what’s to come as we commemorate the tour’s historic 25th anniversary in 2019."
