blink-182
Biography
Blink-182 is an American rock band formed in Poway, California, in 1992. The best-known lineup consists of bassist/vocalist Mark Hoppus, guitarist/vocalist Tom DeLonge, and drummer Travis Barker. The band is considered a key group in the development of pop-punk music, merging pop melodies with fast-paced punk rock. Their lyrics often touch on themes of adolescence, relationships, and maturity.
Formation and Early Years (1992–1998)
The band was formed by Tom DeLonge, Mark Hoppus, and original drummer Scott Raynor. They initially went by the name "Blink" but added the "-182" to avoid legal issues with an Irish band of the same name. Their early releases, the demo "Flyswatter" and the album "Cheshire Cat" (1995), helped them gain a following in the Southern California punk scene. In 1997, they released "Dude Ranch," which featured the breakthrough single "Dammit." A significant lineup change occurred in 1998 when Scott Raynor was dismissed and replaced by Travis Barker, the drummer for The Aquabats.
Mainstream Success (1999–2004)
With Travis Barker on drums, the band released "Enema of the State" in 1999, which became a massive commercial success, selling over 15 million copies worldwide. The album featured hit singles "What's My Age Again?", "All the Small Things," and "Adam's Song," which became MTV staples. Their follow-up album, "Take Off Your Pants and Jacket" (2001), debuted at number one on the Billboard 200. In 2003, the band released a self-titled album, "Blink-182," which showcased a more mature and experimental sound with tracks like "I Miss You" and "Feeling This."
Hiatus and Reunions
In 2005, the band announced an "indefinite hiatus," with members pursuing side projects such as Angels & Airwaves (DeLonge) and +44 (Hoppus and Barker). The band reunited in 2009 and released the album "Neighborhoods" in 2011. Tom DeLonge departed the band for a second time in 2015 and was replaced by Matt Skiba of Alkaline Trio. With Skiba, Blink-182 released two albums: "California" (2016) and "Nine" (2019). In 2021, Mark Hoppus announced he was battling cancer, which led to a reconnection between him, DeLonge, and Barker. This ultimately led to DeLonge's return to the band in 2022.
Recent Activity
The classic lineup of Hoppus, DeLonge, and Barker released a new album titled "One More Time..." on October 20, 2023. The album's creation was heavily influenced by the band's history, Hoppus's cancer battle, and Barker's 2008 plane crash. They embarked on a major world tour in 2023 that continued into 2024.