BLINK-182 - BLINK 182

Blink-182 is an American rock band formed in Poway, California, in 1992. Its most widely recognised line-up consists of Mark Hoppus, Tom DeLonge and Travis Barker. Although its sound has diversified over time, the band is commonly associated with pop-punk, combining melodic elements with fast-paced punk rock. Its lyrics frequently address relationships, adolescence and maturity. The group emerged from the Southern California skate punk scene and gained early attention for energetic live performances and a humorous public image. The band’s debut album, "Cheshire Cat", and its follow-up, "Dude Ranch", were released in 1995 and 1997 through the independent label Grilled Cheese, a subdivision of Cargo Records. These releases established a regional following and contributed to wider recognition during a resurgence of punk rock in the mainstream. After extensive touring, including appearances on the Warped Tour, the band signed with MCA Records. Its third and fourth albums, "Enema of the State" (1999) and "Take Off Your Pants and Jacket" (2001), achieved significant commercial success, with singles such as "All the Small Things", "Dammit" and "What’s My Age Again?" receiving substantial airplay and exposure on music television. Later releases, including the untitled album (2003), "Neighborhoods" (2011) and the extended play "Dogs Eating Dogs" (2012), marked stylistic developments. Hoppus has remained the only constant member throughout the band’s history. DeLonge left the group twice before returning in 2022. Founding drummer Scott Raynor performed on early recordings before being dismissed in 1998 and replaced by Barker. Between 2015 and 2022, Matt Skiba joined the band, contributing to the albums "California" (2016) and "Nine" (2019). Following DeLonge’s return, the band released its ninth studio album, "One More Time...", on 20 October 2023. Blink-182 have been credited with contributing to a renewed mainstream interest in pop-punk, and have sold an estimated 50 million albums worldwide, including over 15 million in the United States. The band was formed in August 1992 when Tom DeLonge met Scott Raynor and was introduced to Mark Hoppus through Hoppus’s sister. The trio began writing and performing together, initially under various names before settling on Blink-182. Early recordings included the demo "Flyswatter" (1993) and "Buddha" (1994). The band built a local following through frequent live performances in Southern California and surrounding areas. In 1995, the band recorded "Cheshire Cat", which received local radio airplay and contributed to increased touring opportunities. Due to a naming conflict with another band, the group adopted the name Blink-182. Continued touring, including international dates, expanded its audience. The release of "Dude Ranch" in 1997, and particularly the single "Dammit", brought wider recognition. In 1998, Raynor was dismissed and replaced by Travis Barker, who subsequently became a permanent member. The release of "Enema of the State" in 1999 marked a major commercial breakthrough. The album achieved multi-platinum sales and produced several widely recognised singles. During this period, the band’s public image became closely associated with humour and youthful themes, reinforced by music videos and media appearances, including a cameo in the film "American Pie". In 2001, the band released "Take Off Your Pants and Jacket", which became its first album to reach number one in the United States. Extensive touring followed, including the Pop Disaster Tour with Green Day. Internal tensions increased during this period, partly related to side projects such as DeLonge’s "Box Car Racer" and Barker’s involvement with Transplants. In 2003, the band released an untitled album through Geffen Records, incorporating a broader range of influences and a more experimental approach. The album was generally well received and supported by international touring. However, ongoing tensions led to the band announcing an indefinite hiatus in 2005. During this period, members pursued other projects, including Angels & Airwaves and +44. The band reunited in 2009 and undertook a series of tours. Its sixth studio album, "Neighborhoods", was released in 2011 and reached number two on the Billboard 200. Despite continued activity, internal difficulties persisted. The band released the extended play "Dogs Eating Dogs" independently in 2012. DeLonge departed again in 2015. Hoppus and Barker continued the band with Matt Skiba, releasing "California" in 2016 and "Nine" in 2019. Both albums marked a continuation of the band’s style with additional contemporary influences. Touring and promotional activities were affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2021, Hoppus underwent treatment for cancer and was later declared cancer-free. The original trio subsequently reunited, and DeLonge officially rejoined the band in 2022. The group released the single "Edging" and later the album "One More Time..." in 2023, which achieved commercial success. A deluxe edition, "One More Time... Part-2", followed in 2024. The band continued touring and performing into 2025, including appearances at major festivals and benefit events. Members have indicated ongoing work on new material following the release of "One More Time...". Studio albums Cheshire Cat (1995) Dude Ranch (1997) Enema of the State (1999) Take Off Your Pants and Jacket (2001) Blink-182 (2003) Neighborhoods (2011) California (2016) Nine (2019) One More Time... (2023) Read more on Last.fm. User-contributed text is available under the Creative Commons By-SA License; additional terms may apply.