Blink 182 - The Most Exciting Band On Earth?

Ranked #4,655 in Music, #130,183 overall

Blink 182 - The band, the break-up...the comeback!

Many of you looking at this lense will be fans of the band and therefore be familiar with their music, their personalities and crucially, the fact that in Feb 2005 announced an "indefinate hiatus" which is code for split in the music world and probably used to soften the blow to their fans. This would have not come as a massive shock to those who saw them live at gigs prior to their breakup - they lacked their playful energy and banter with Mark and Tom barely looking at each other during performances. Then pretty much out of the blue at the 2009 Grammys this happened...

"We used to play music together and we decided we're gonna play music together again. BLINK 182 IS BACK!"

Blink 182 - The Band...

Blink-182-Early-YearsBlink 182, one of the best known and most loved pop-punk bands of this generation started out as "Blink" in 1992 when Tom Delonge, singer and guitarist of Blink was introduced to Scott Raynor, the orginal drummer of the band after playing a one-man gig under the name "Big Oily Men". Mark's sister, Anne who was dating one of Tom's best friends was instrumental in helping the band's completion with a bassist, and Mark, Tom and Scott together began writing songs.

After selling out shows at SOMA, the premier gig venue located in their hometown of San Diego, Blink were eventually signed to their first record label, Cargo Records where they recorded and released Cheshire Cat (named after Tom's favourite character in Alice in Wonderland). Then came problems. It turned out that the name Blink was already being used by a band based in Dublin, Ireland who had formed in 1991, just a year earlier than our heros. Although at this point neither band was too bothered about the coincidence, to avoid confusion American Blink (being the latter of the two) agreed to add the 182 to the end of their's and the matter was settled swiftly. In case you are wondering, the '182' represents the number of times the 'F' word is said in Scarface!

Blink 182 - The Break-up...

Things turned a little sour during the break between the "Take Off Your Pants & Jacket" and self-titled "Blink 182" albums when out of 'complete boredom' as he describes it, Tom Delonge set up 'Boxcar Racer' a side project band for experimenting with sounds perhaps not suitable to be attributed to a Blink 182 record. The band consisted of longtime friend Dave Kennedy (later to join Tom again in Angels & Airwaves) and cruicially invited Travis to play drums leaving Mark out. It is said that Mark took this personally and the friendship between the two took a huge blow.

By the time the album "Blink 182" was released in 2004, all three of the bandmates were settled with wives and kids which was having a huge effect on their touring abilities and free time to contribute to the band. There were conflicts when the subject of long tours around the world to support the album release came up and the final nail in the coffin came when Tom exclaimed that his family was the new priority and this in effect led to the demise of the band in Feb 2005. An official statement issued around the time claimed the band were entering "An indefinate hiatus" and many fans (myself included) will remember the time and place they heard of this devastating news. Still, in 5 years time these emotions would be reversed when...

Blink 182 - The Comeback...

Mark Hoppus in the StudioAt the 2009 Grammy's, Travis Barker, Mark Hoppus and Tom Delonge walked on stage together for the first time in 5 years. Travis still in plaster cast from the infamous plane crash that killed several other people, annouced to the world "Blink one-eighty-two is back!"

Watch the Video here: Blink-182 Confirm Reunion On Grammy Stage

Since the Grammy's, Blink have toured throughout America and Europe at head-lining gigs and festivals and have now gone back into the studio to finish the eagerly anticipated new album that is expected to be released around April/May 2011 followed by more huge gigs and festivals around Europe including "T in the Park" (Scotland) and "Oxegen" (Ireland). Expect more to be announced in the new year. For More details, check out the Blink 182 Gig Guide further down.

Blink 182 are yet to release any autobiographical material but this is just as good...if not a little better!

A Must-Own for any Blink fan! - The perfect gift

I cannot recommend this book highly enough. Written by a guy who knows blink 182 better than themselves, this book documents in detail (along with rare photos) the life of the band from its humble beginnings as simply "Blink" to the modern day. Ever wondered the real reasons behind their breakup, why Scott Raynor was kicked out, or how they write their records? Includeing quotes from the band and those around them, interviews with everyone remotely related to the band, this book litterally covers everything and more yet it is so engaging even for those of you just remotely curious about one of the best pop-punk bands still around.

FIVE STARS (...easily)
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Blinkumentry

Ever wondered what happens when a band disintergrates only to reform 5 years later with much experience under their belt, much to the joy of millions of fans, announce a worldwide tour and new album and document it all in a video? Well now's your chance to find out! I give you the "Blinkumentry" trailer produced by Matt Randsome of HandsomeRandsome...if this doesn't have you bouncing off with walls with excitement...I'll f*ck a dog!
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AVA vs. (+44)

You decide...

When blink split in 2005, two bands rose from the debris. Angels and Airwaves (AVA) was Tom Delonge's very different soft rock, melodic effort which went on to spawn 3 albums and still exist as a band today. Mark and Travis's offering was (+44) (names thusly because of their love of playing in the UK), with one album released around the same time as AVA's 'We Don't Need To Whisper' called 'When Your Heart Stops Beating' and is in essence a continuation of Blink 182's music.

Because of the obvious difference in styles, Blink fans were torn with some taking allegience to Mark and Tom, while others were captivated by Tom's over-the-top, theatrical songs fronted by his unique vocal style.

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The Return of Blink 182 on English soil!

As well as their eagerly anticipated new album, blink 182 are also busily preparing for their recently-announced tour...

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Blink 182 Gig Guide

Upcoming live appearances around the world...

Blink 182 Live (2009)Due to a hectic schedule involving filming, movie production, song writing and recording, among other things, Blink 182's live appearances are fairly sparse for 2010. Expect them to be coming to a venue near you upon completion of their new album in 2011!

All information is correct at time of writing. All dates/details are subject to change due to band commitments etc.

AUG
16-08-2010 - Blink 182 Summer 2010 Tour Aberdeen Exhibition Centre, Aberdeen, UK (7.00pm)
17-08-2010 - Blink 182 Summer 2010 Tour Scottish Exhibition & Conference Centre, Glasgow, UK (7.00pm)
19-08-2010 - Pukkelpop Festival Kiewit/Hasseit, Belgium
20-08-2010 - Lowlands Festival Holland
21-08-2010 - Area 4 Festival Oberhausen, GER
22-08-2010 - Highfield Festival Hohenfelden Resevoir, GER
24-08-2010 - Blink 182 Summer 2010 Tour Trab Arena, Hamberg, GER (8.00pm)
25-08-2010 - Blink 182 Summer 2010 Tour Chiemese, GER
27-08-2010 - Rock En Seine Paris, FRA
28-08-2010 - Leeds Festival Leeds, UK (TBA)
29-08-2010 - Reading Festival, Reading UK (TBA)
31-08-2010 - Blink 182 Summer 2010 Tour The O2, Dublin, IE (7.30pm)
SEPT
03-09-2010 - Two Days A Week Festival Weisen, Austria
04-09-2010 - I-Day Festival Arena Parco Nord, Bologna, IT (4.30pm)
24-09-2010 - KROQ Epicentre Twenty Ten Auto Club Speedway, Fontana, CA-USA (TBA)

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Blink 182 back catalogue

Get the albums, learn the words, sing them back to to band...

Blink's five greatest albums. Each a necessity for Blink fans. Highly recommended for pop-punk/rock fans...
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eBay

Rare Blink merch and collectables

eBay is a wonderous place for finding odds and ends you never knew existed. With such a massive fanbase the collection of Blink merch items is immense, some official, some not so genuine but always varied. I have featured some of the better items below so all you die-hard blink 182 fans get ready to open your wallets!
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Music from Blink's side projects

The boys' side projects are well worth a listen if you just can't get enough Blink in your life!

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Blink 182 Merchandise

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Replica Tom Delonge Signiture Electric Guitar

By Epiphone

Since 2004, including the Blink self-titled album, the Angels and Airwaves albums, as well as the new Blink album (to be released April/May 2011), Tom Delonge has used the "Tom Delonge Gibson Signature" guitar for recording the albums and playing live. It is perhaps the most famous guitar in pop-punk but will set you back around £1600-1700!

For those Tom Delong fans among us who want the look and the raw pop-punk sound of Delonge, the Epiphone ES-333 is the perfect choice. Buy from Amazon (below) now - I haven't found a better price yet!
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Did you know...

A few morsals of blink info that may surprise you...or not(!)

Blink-182-In-The-Studio
  • The "182" was added to the end in 1994 when it was discovered that a techno band in Ireland already had the name Blink. Why182? It is said to be the number of times the 'F' word is used in the movie Scarface!
  • The album "Cheshire Cat" is named after Tom's favourite character in 'Alice in Wonderland'
  • Feelin This? Spread the Love!

    • TeagueChubak Jan 7, 2012 @ 12:11 pm | delete
      Great lens about one of the most amazing bands!
    • Resjes Jul 27, 2011 @ 4:56 pm | delete
      Great lens!! The tour dates should be updated but other than that this was a very informative lens. :) I'm seeing Blink-182 next week, I'm so excited!
    • MicahCastro Jun 22, 2011 @ 1:36 pm | delete
      I really enjoyed reading this lens. I've been listening to blink for several years now, and I'm absolutely stoked for the release of their next album. Well don!
    • Athf Apr 30, 2011 @ 2:04 pm | delete
      Great lens
    • PrettyWorld Feb 10, 2011 @ 7:11 pm | delete
      Excellent lens, excellent band. I used to have a long daily commute and it was at a time when all the music seemed just awful. Then Blink 182 started getting airplay. I used to look forward to their songs as I drove.
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    Blink 182 Singles from "Cheshire Cat" & "Dude Ranch"

    blink-182 - M+M's
    by blink182VEVO | video info

    4,608 ratings | 2,087,345 views
    curated content from YouTube

    Blink 182 Singles from "Enema of the State"

    + Man overboard (from "Mark, Tom & Travis Show")
    blink-182 - What's My Age Again?
    by blink182VEVO | video info

    38,675 ratings | 16,493,076 views
    curated content from YouTube

    Blink 182 Singles from "Take Off Your Pants And Jacket"

    blink-182 - The Rock Show
    by blink182VEVO | video info

    29,474 ratings | 17,002,101 views
    curated content from YouTube

    Blink 182 Singles from "Blink 182"

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    The Music of Blink 182

    Track Artist Album  
    What's My Age Again? Blink-182 Enema of the State
    Aliens Exist Blink-182 Enema of the State
    Stay Together for the Kids Blink-182 Take Off Your Pants and Jacket
    All of This Blink-182 blink-182
    The Party Song Blink-182 Enema of the State
    Adam's Song Blink-182 Enema of the State
    Anthem Blink-182 Enema of the State
    Dumpweed Blink-182 Enema of the State
    Going Away to College Blink-182 Enema of the State
    First Date Blink-182 Take Off Your Pants and Jacket
    Anthem Part Two Blink-182 Take Off Your Pants and Jacket
    The Rock Show Blink-182 Take Off Your Pants and Jacket
    Feeling This Blink-182 blink-182
    Always Blink-182 blink-182
    I Miss You Blink-182 blink-182
    Down Blink-182 blink-182
    I'm Lost Without You Blink-182 blink-182
    Violence Blink-182 blink-182
    Stockholm Syndrome Blink-182 blink-182
    Obvious Blink-182 blink-182
    Asthenia Blink-182 blink-182
    GO Blink-182 blink-182
    Here's Your Letter Blink-182 blink-182
    All the Small Things Blink-182 Blink-182: Greatest Hits
    I Miss You Blink-182 Blink-182: Greatest Hits

    Blink 182 Quiz Answers

    Feeling This?

    1. Robert Smith of "The Cure"
    2. Mark Hoppus produced their albums
    3. English Teacher
    4. Scott Raynor
    5. Famous Stars and Straps
    6. San Diego
    7. Always
    8. Purple
    9. The Bee Gees
    10. A Bull

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    Blink-Links

    Blink 182 are no strangers to work, with online projects, TV shows, e-Commerce sites, musical collaborations and clothing lines to mention a few which is why it is no wonder why their presence on the internet is so vast. Below is a collection of links you may find interesting
    Blink 182 - Official Website
    It does what it says on the tin. Although not being updated in a while, this is the official website for blink 182 and holds information about tours, news within the blink camp, links to band blongs, discography etc. Expect this to be a hive of activity in the months leading up to the album release.
    Blink 182 on MySpace
    Everyone knows what myspace is right? If not, dig yourself out of your cave and check it out.
    Blink 182 on Wikipedia
    A concise look at blink 182's past and background, with interesting facts ahoy! A good starting place if you are just getting into the band or are curious to find out more.
    Loserkids.com
    Loserkids is an American online clothing store originally set up and owned by Tom and Mark of the band which focuses on extreme sports style clothing and accessories.
    himynameismark.com
    This is Mark Hoppus' official blog. From here you will get the latest news and general comedic nonsense from the man himself and is well worth looking into now and then.
    Modlife.com
    Modlife is the brainchild of Tom Delonge, a platform for fans to connect with their favourite bands. A small subscription enables you access to pay-per-view live streamed shows, sound-check parties and exclusive videos among other things so you really are submersed in the action. A must for die-hard AVA fans. Angelsandairwaves.com has perminantly moved to this address in case you were wondering.

    Blink 182 Quiz

    So you think you know Blink 182?

    Blink-182-Photoshoot1. Blink had their first and only collaboration to date on the self-titled album. Who was the artist and what band are they famous for fronting?
    2. How are Motion City Soundtrack linked to the band?
    3. Mark Hoppus was studying to be what, before deciding to concentrate full time on the band?
    4. Name Blink's drummer who was kicked out in place of Travis
    5. What is the name of Travis' clothing line?
    6. Blink formed in 1992 in which city in California?
    7. "I've been here before a few times..." is a line take from which song?
    8. Mark's hair is what colour in the "Josie" video?
    9. The three main characters in the "First Date" video are based on who?
    10. What animal is on the "Dude Ranch" album cover?

    Answers at the bottom...

    So you think you know Blink 182 huh?

    by

    dismantlerepair

    Blink 182, in my mind, the most original and entertaining band in the past decade recently patched up their differences and announced a worldwide tou... more »

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