Unless you have been living under a musically soundproof rock, you should have heard by now that the notorious '90s punk rock band, Blink-182, announced that Tom DeLonge, vocalist and guitarist of the trio, has quit the band. If you are not a '90s born baby, then you might not be familiar with these rock stars, meaning you probably will not understand the magnitude of such tragic news.
Blink-182 is an all American rock band formed in San Diego in 1992, consisting of vocalist and bassist Mark Hoppus, vocalist and guitarist Tom DeLonge, and drummer Travis Barker. Together, this rebellious trio colored the lives of many punk teens throughout the '90s and early 2000s with smash hits like “All The Small Things,” “What’s My Age Again?” “First Date,” and countless more.
On Jan. 26, Blink fanatics learned that the original trio would never make sweet rock melodies together, ever again. “Tom. Is. Out.” stated DeLonge’s manager in an email to Hoppus and Barker cementing his final decision to leave the band. Although DeLonge claims his leave is “indefinite,” bandmates Hoppus and Barker are not pleased with his communication and seem uninterested in his possible return.
To breakdown the volatile journey of Blink-182, see the timeline below:
1992. Blink-182 forms in San Diego, Calif. Albums included: “Cheshire Cat” (1994), “Dude Ranch” (1997), “Buddha” (1998), “Enema of the State” (1999), “I Won’t Be Home for Christmas” EP (2001), “Take Off Your Pants and Jacket” (2001).
2001. DeLonge and Barker branch off to create the band, Boxcar Racer.
2003. Blink-182 reunites to create “Untitled” album.
2005. DeLonge leaves “indefinitely” to pursue new band Angels and Airwaves; Hoppus and Barker pursue new band, +44.
2009. Blink-182 reunites, again.
2011. Blink-182 releases last full album “Neighborhoods”
2012: Blink-182 releases EP, “Dogs Eating Dogs,”
2015. DeLonge announces resignation from Blink-182 (finally?).
(Pictured: Hoppus on left, DeLonge on right, Barker in back)
Throughout all of the band’s ups and downs, it appears Hoppus and Barker have always stayed true to their roots amongst the many hiatuses, while DeLonge has wavered in loyalty. In a recent exclusive interview with Rolling Stone, Hoppus and Barker confess their feelings of disappointment and anger with DeLonge’s actions in years past. Hoppus says, “Look at each of our social media accounts and look who talks and promotes Blink-182, or is excited about Blink-182. Travis and I were ready to walk into a studio January 5th.”
The band has been in communications since 2012 in search of a new record label, but has been unsuccessful until recently. Upon finally acquiring a deal, DeLonge says he wants out. Barker fires back, “So everyone does hella amounts of work to get a record deal and now Tom isn't part of Blink-182. It's hard to cover for someone who is disrespectful and ungrateful. You don't even have the balls to call your bandmates and tell them you're not going to record, or do anything Blink-related. You have your manager do it.” That is pretty messed up, Tom.
So, with the band in shambles, what’s left for Blink-182? Hoppus and Barker are staying focused on the band’s upcoming gig at “Musink Festival”, while still expressing optimism about Blink’s future. Just as any Blink song would end, Hoppus closes his interview on a light note, giving fans a glimpse of hope. “I just wish Tom does whatever makes him happy and stops holding Blink-182 back from what we all agree that we're going to do: play shows, record music, continue this legacy, and have a good time doing it.”
For quotation credit and more information, see Rolling Stone article: "Blink-182's Hoppus, Barker Blast 'Ungrateful, Disingenuous' Tom DeLonge"
