blink-182

blink-182

blink-182 is a rock band from Poway, United States, formed in 1992. Its best-known line-up includes Mark Hoppus, Tom DeLonge and Travis Barker, with Scott Raynor as an early drummer and Matt Skiba also listed among the band’s members. The group works across punk rock, pop punk, alternative rock, pop rock and skate punk, and is closely associated with the Southern California skate punk scene.

Early years and rise

The band forms in August 1992 when Tom DeLonge meets Scott Raynor and is introduced to Mark Hoppus through Hoppus’s sister. The trio starts performing and recording under several names before settling on blink-182, after a naming conflict with another band. Early recordings include the demo Flyswatter and the release Buddha. Frequent shows in Southern California and nearby areas build a local following.

The debut album Cheshire Cat appears in 1995 on Grilled Cheese, a subdivision of Cargo Records, and receives local radio airplay. Its follow-up, Dude Ranch, arrives in 1997 and, especially through the single “Dammit,” brings wider attention. The band also tours extensively, including dates on the Warped Tour.

Mainstream success

After signing with MCA Records, blink-182 releases Enema of the State in 1999 and Take Off Your Pants and Jacket in 2001. These albums mark the band’s major commercial breakthrough, with singles including “All the Small Things,” “Dammit” and “What’s My Age Again?” gaining heavy radio and television play. Take Off Your Pants and Jacket becomes the band’s first album to reach number one in the United States.

The band’s public image during this period is linked to humour, youthful themes and energetic live performances, including a cameo in the film American Pie. It also tours with Green Day on the Pop Disaster Tour. The group is said to have helped renew mainstream interest in pop-punk and to have sold an estimated 50 million albums worldwide, including over 15 million in the United States.

Line-up changes and later releases

Scott Raynor is dismissed in 1998 and replaced by Travis Barker, who becomes a permanent member. Hoppus remains the only constant member throughout the band’s history. Tom DeLonge leaves the group twice before returning in 2022. Between 2015 and 2022, Matt Skiba joins the band and contributes to California in 2016 and Nine in 2019.

The untitled 2003 album is released through Geffen Records and takes in a broader range of influences. After internal tensions, the band announces an indefinite hiatus in 2005. During that period, members work on other projects including Box Car Racer, Transplants, Angels & Airwaves and +44. The band reunites in 2009, releases Neighborhoods in 2011, and puts out the independently released EP Dogs Eating Dogs in 2012.

Reunion and recent activity

DeLonge departs again in 2015, then rejoins in 2022 after a period in which Hoppus and Barker continue with Skiba. The reunited original trio releases “Edging” and then One More Time... in 2023. A deluxe edition, One More Time... Part-2, follows in 2024. The band continues touring and performing, including major festivals and benefit events.