Warped Tour has always been a proving ground—where legacy acts cement their status, and the next generation earns their stripes. As the festival continues its resurgence, speculation is already swirling around who could take on the coveted headlining slots in 2026. From Warped Tour alumni poised for massive returns to modern heavyweights redefining the alternative landscape, these 15 artists feel uniquely positioned to carry the torch into the next era of Warped.
Pierce The Veil
Pierce The Veil have surged back to the top of alternative rock thanks to The Jaws Of Life album and their I Can’t Hear You World Tour—now the biggest run of their career. After supporting blink-182 in 2024 and rolling out fresh music throughout 2025, the band has never had more momentum. Their history with Warped plus their current arena-level draw makes them a no-brainer for a 2026 headline return.
blink-182
One of Warped’s most iconic alumni, blink-182 helped define the tour’s DNA in the late ’90s and early 2000s. Following their reunion album One More Time… and a string of sold-out 2025 tour dates—including a headline spot at When We Were Young—they’ve proven they still command multigenerational crowds. If Warped wants a guaranteed blowout headliner, blink is the safest bet in the world.
Simple Plan
After rejoining Warped in 2025 and stacking multiple When We Were Young appearances, Simple Plan have re-solidified their place as pop-punk lifers. Their catalog hits every age group, their live show hasn’t lost an ounce of energy, and with the newly announced Canadian Warped date, they’re arguably the most fitting headliner for that stop. Simple Plan checks every box.
Black Veil Brides
Fresh off of Warped Tour 2025, Black Veil Brides continue to bring a fiercely devoted fanbase everywhere they go. Their evolution from 2010s Warped staples to major festival draws makes them uniquely positioned to bridge generations of fans. In 2026, BVB could deliver one of the most visually explosive headline sets of the summer.
Paramore
If they return, Paramore would be an instant marquee headliner. They came up through Warped in their early years, and Hayley Williams’ massive 2025 solo cycle only boosted the band’s cultural footprint. Pair that with the festival’s ongoing need for more women-led headliners, and Paramore’s potential slot becomes not only exciting—it becomes essential.
Spiritbox
Spiritbox may have never performed Warped Tour, but they’ve already earned festival-headliner status across the metal and alt-rock landscape. Their genre-shattering sound and skyrocketing popularity position them as the fresh blood Warped needs. A 2026 Spiritbox headline would signal the festival’s embrace of its modern heavy era.
YUNGBLUD
YUNGBLUD spent 2025 breaking records—multiple No. 1 singles, a Grammy nomination, and a global tour that put him firmly in the upper tier of alternative acts. He first played Warped in 2018 as a rising firebrand on his debut. And now, after MGK’s wildly successful 2025 headline slot, he’s the natural successor.
Bring Me The Horizon
Bring Me The Horizon cut their teeth on Warped in their early years. They’ve since evolved into a world-dominating festival headliner. With several major U.S. festival top-line slots already confirmed for 2026, the timing could sync perfectly. If Warped wants a heavy headliner who can still pull mainstream crowds, BMTH is the clear answer.
My Chemical Romance
Warped alumni returning for the first time since 2005? That alone would break the internet. With The Black Parade turning 20 in 2026 and My Chemical Romance holding multiple festival headlining slots next year, the stars are perfectly aligned. A Warped headline from My Chem wouldn’t just be a big return—it would be a historic one.
The Used
A cornerstone of Warped Tour history, The Used continue to headline festivals and major tours with no signs of slowing down. Their connection to the Warped legacy makes them an easy 2026 main-stage pick. Few bands embody the festival’s heart the way The Used do.
Neck Deep
As longtime Warped alumni and leaders of the new-school pop-punk wave, Neck Deep have continuously proven they can command festival crowds worldwide. Their consistent headlining tours and strong presence across both U.S. and UK festivals make them a natural fit to represent international pop-punk on a 2026 Warped bill.
Sum 41
Warped Tour alumni through and through, a Sum 41 headlining slot in 2026 would be nothing short of historic. After officially retiring, a one-off return to Warped would be a full-circle victory lap. Frontman Deryck Whibley’s presence at Warped Orlando in 2025—where he launched his merch line—only fueled speculation. A special headlining comeback is not just possible, but incredibly fitting.
The All-American Rejects
After a massive 2025 fueled by viral backyard pop-up shows and a resurgence in fan engagement, The All-American Rejects are riding a wave of renewed relevance. With their Warped 2025 appearance proving the demand is still huge, they could easily pull a headline crowd in 2026.
Taking Back Sunday
With their iconic album Louder Now turning 20 in 2026, Taking Back Sunday are positioned for a landmark year. As Warped alumni with one of the most cherished catalogs in emo-rock, they could deliver a headline set that hits every emotional pressure point of the 2000s.
Good Charlotte
Good Charlotte’s massive return in 2025—paired with their upcoming run with Avenged Sevenfold—signals that they are back in full force. Add in recent festival slots and the excitement surrounding their next era. They’re a perfect blend of nostalgia and renewed firepower.
