History of Blink-182 in Timeline
Blink-182, formed in 1992 in Poway, California, is an American rock band known for their pop-punk sound, blending catchy pop melodies with fast-paced punk rock. The band's best-known lineup consists of Mark Hoppus (bass, vocals), Tom DeLonge (guitar, vocals), and Travis Barker (drums). Their lyrics often center on themes of relationships, adolescent frustration, and the challenges of maturity. Emerging from the Southern California skate punk scene, Blink-182 built their reputation on energetic live performances and irreverent humor. While their music has evolved over the years, their core style remains rooted in pop-punk.
1981: New wave emerges
Around 1981, major US record companies began promoting "new wave" music, a sanitized and commercialized version of punk.
August 2, 1992: Hoppus and DeLonge Meet
Mark Hoppus and Tom DeLonge were introduced by Hoppus's sister, Anne, on August 2, 1992, marking the beginning of their musical collaboration. They connected instantly, playing music in DeLonge's garage.
August 1992: Band Formation
Blink-182, initially named Blink, formed in August 1992 in Poway, California, after Tom DeLonge's expulsion from Poway High School led him to meet Scott Raynor.
1992: Blink-182 Formation
Blink-182, an American rock band known for their pop-punk sound, was formed in Poway, California in 1992. The band's initial lineup consisted of bassist/vocalist Mark Hoppus, guitarist/vocalist Tom DeLonge, and drummer Travis Barker.
May 1993: Flyswatter Demo Recording
In May 1993, Blink-182 recorded their first demo tape, "Flyswatter", in Scott Raynor's bedroom. The demo included original songs and punk covers.
1994: Buddha Demo and Raynor's Return
In 1994, Blink-182 recorded their "Buddha" demo, considered their first legitimate release. Scott Raynor returned to the band after briefly moving to Reno, Nevada.
February 1995: Cheshire Cat Release and Name Change
Blink-182 released their debut album "Cheshire Cat" in February 1995. They were also forced to add "182" to their name due to another band already using the name Blink.
1995: "Cheshire Cat" Released
Blink-182 released their debut album, "Cheshire Cat," in 1995, showcasing their fast-paced, double-time punk rock style with original drummer Scott Raynor.
1995: Cheshire Cat Release
Blink-182 released their debut studio album, "Cheshire Cat", in 1995.
1995: Growing Popularity and First Album Recording
Blink-182's popularity grew in 1995 as they played numerous shows and recorded their first album. Raynor moved back in with Hoppus to facilitate band activities.
1995: First National Tour and Early Success
In 1995, Blink-182 embarked on their first national tour promoting the surf video "Good Times" with bands like Unwritten Law and Sprung Monkey. They acquired a tour van and even toured Australia with financial help from Pennywise.
March 1996: Major Label Signing and Recording Dude Ranch
By March 1996, Blink-182's rising popularity led to a bidding war among major labels, ultimately signing with MCA. They faced criticism from the punk community for this decision. They recorded their second album, "Dude Ranch," in late 1996.
1996: Gaining Recognition and Warped Tour
In 1996, Blink-182 gained attention from major labels, toured extensively including Warped Tour, and performed in Canada, Japan, and Australia. Their humorous stage presence built their reputation, particularly in Australia.
1996: Blink-182 Partners with UMG
In 1996, Blink-182 partnered with music conglomerate UMG, leading to accusations of selling out from the underground punk scene.
1997: "Dude Ranch" Released
Blink-182 released their second album, "Dude Ranch," in 1997, further developing their fast-paced punk sound with Scott Raynor on drums.
1997: Dude Ranch Release
Blink-182 released their second studio album, "Dude Ranch", in 1997.
1997: Dude Ranch Release and Warped Tour
In 1997, Blink-182 released "Dude Ranch" and participated in the Warped Tour. The single "Dammit" gained significant airplay.
1998: Scott Raynor's Departure
Scott Raynor, the original drummer for Blink-182, was dismissed from the band in 1998 and replaced by Travis Barker.
1998: Travis Barker Joins Blink-182
In 1998, Travis Barker joined Blink-182 as their new drummer, bringing a diverse range of rhythmic influences to the band's sound.
1998: Gold Record, Departure of Scott Raynor, and Travis Barker Joins
"Dude Ranch" went gold in 1998. Due to personal issues and heavy drinking, Scott Raynor was fired. Travis Barker, drummer for The Aquabats, replaced Raynor and quickly learned the setlist, becoming a full-time member.
1999: Enema of the State Release
Blink-182 released their third studio album, "Enema of the State", in 1999, marking a significant point in their commercial success.
1999: Enema of the State Release and Global Success
In 1999, Blink-182 released "Enema of the State," which became a massive global success. Hit singles like "What's My Age Again?", "All the Small Things," and "Adam's Song" propelled them to international stardom. This also began their long standing relationship with producer Jerry Finn.
1999: Rise to Fame and Shifting Public Image
In 1999, Blink-182's success with "Enema of the State" led to larger venues, increased media attention, and a shift in their public image. Their juvenile antics and comedic branding garnered both fans and criticism.
2001: Take Off Your Pants and Jacket Release
Blink-182 released their fourth studio album, "Take Off Your Pants and Jacket", in 2001, further solidifying their commercial success.
2001: Take Off Your Pants and Jacket Release and Pop Disaster Tour
In 2001, Blink-182 released "Take Off Your Pants and Jacket", their first punk rock album to hit number one in the US. They co-headlined the Pop Disaster Tour with Green Day.
2001: FTC Report Condemns Blink-182
In 2001, a Federal Trade Commission report criticized the entertainment industry for marketing explicit lyrics to young people, specifically mentioning Blink-182.
2002: Side Projects and Internal Tensions
In 2002, DeLonge's side project, Box Car Racer, created tension within the band, especially with Hoppus. Barker also pursued a side project with Transplants. The band felt pressure to produce another album quickly.
November 2003: Untitled Album Release and Musical Shift
In November 2003, Blink-182 released their untitled fifth studio album, showcasing a more mature and experimental sound. All three members were now fathers and had more life experience informing their work. The album was released under Geffen Records.
2003: Untitled Album Release
Blink-182 released their untitled album in 2003, marking a shift in their musical style.
2003: Blink-182's Mainstream Appeal Discussed
In 2003, discussions around Blink-182's mainstream appeal emerged, with commentary on their radio-friendly sound and strategic songwriting choices.
February 2005: Blink-182 Announces Indefinite Hiatus
In February 2005, Blink-182 announced an indefinite hiatus, effectively breaking up the band. The split stemmed from internal disagreements about the band's future and creative direction, particularly concerning touring and DeLonge's desire for a break.
2005: Blink-182's Initial Split
Blink-182 initially split in 2005.
2008: Tragedy and Reunion
In 2008, several events led to the eventual reunion of Blink-182. The death of producer Jerry Finn, followed by Travis Barker's involvement in a plane crash and the subsequent death of Adam Goldstein, prompted the band members to reconcile and discuss getting back together.
February 2009: Blink-182 Reunites at the Grammy Awards
Blink-182 officially announced their reunion in February 2009 while presenting at the Grammy Awards.
October 2009: North American Reunion Tour Concludes
Blink-182 concluded their successful North American reunion tour in October 2009. Barker, due to his fear of flying, travelled by bus and ocean liner.
2009: Alternative Press Cover Story
In 2009, Alternative Press published a cover story on Blink-182, in which Scott Heisel compared their influence on contemporary punk to that of the Beatles.
September 2010: European Tour Ends
The band finished their European tour in September 2010, marking another step in their post-reunion journey.
September 2011: Neighborhoods Released
In September 2011, Blink-182 released their sixth studio album, Neighborhoods, which peaked at number two on the Billboard 200. The recording process was challenging due to the band members' separate recording locations and other commitments.
2011: Honda Civic Tour and 20th Anniversary Tour
Blink-182 headlined the Honda Civic Tour in 2011 and embarked on a 20th Anniversary Tour the following year, further solidifying their reunion. Brooks Wackerman filled in for Barker on drums for some shows due to Barker's fear of flying.
2011: Neighborhoods Release
Blink-182 released their sixth studio album, "Neighborhoods", in 2011.
2011: "Neighborhoods" Explores Darker Themes
In 2011, Blink-182 released "Neighborhoods," an album exploring more mature and darker themes such as depression and loss.
2011: New York Times Recognizes Blink-182's Influence
In 2011, Jon Caramanica of The New York Times declared Blink-182 the most influential punk band of the 1990s.
2012: Dogs Eating Dogs Release
Blink-182 released their EP, "Dogs Eating Dogs", in 2012.
2013: DeLonge Reflects on Band's Foundation
In 2013, Tom DeLonge reflected on Blink-182's formation and the influence of Southern California's suburban punk scene.
October 11, 2014: DeLonge's Final Performance (2014)
Tom DeLonge played his final show with Blink-182 at the Wine Amplified Festival in Las Vegas on October 11, 2014.
2014: Dysfunction and DeLonge's Temporary Departure
During 2014, tensions within the band persisted. Barker's memoir later revealed DeLonge's fluctuating commitment to the band during this period, including an abrupt departure and subsequent return.
2014: DeLonge Comments on Mainstream Success
In 2014, Tom DeLonge commented on Blink-182's mainstream appeal, highlighting the band's intention to connect with a wider audience.
January 2015: Planned Album and DeLonge's Departure
In January 2015, Blink-182 planned to start writing their seventh studio album, but the project faced delays. DeLonge's manager informed the band of his indefinite departure, leading to legal battles and his eventual replacement.
March 2015: Matt Skiba Joins Blink-182
Matt Skiba filled in for DeLonge for three shows in March 2015, eventually becoming an official member.
2015: Tom DeLonge's First Departure
Tom DeLonge departed from Blink-182 for the first time in 2015. Matt Skiba of Alkaline Trio joined the band.
July 2016: California Released
California, Blink-182's seventh studio album with Matt Skiba, was released in July 2016, becoming their second number-one album on the Billboard 200.
October 2016: North American Tour Ends
Blink-182 wrapped up their North American tour supporting the California album in October 2016.
2016: California Release
Blink-182 released their seventh studio album, "California", in 2016, featuring Matt Skiba on guitar and vocals.
2016: "California" Released
Blink-182 released "California" in 2016, an album focusing on themes of universality, miscommunication, and loss of identity.
July 2017: European Tour and Deluxe Edition Release
In July 2017, Blink-182 toured Europe and released a deluxe edition of California.
2019: Nine Release
Blink-182 released their eighth studio album, "Nine", in 2019, also featuring Matt Skiba.
2019: Blink-182 Releases "Nine"
In 2019, Blink-182 released their eighth studio album, "Nine," through Columbia Records. The album incorporated hip hop influences and electronic elements into their pop punk style, and featured collaborations with various producers and songwriters.
2019: "All the Small Things" Becomes Avalanche Theme Song
In 2019, Blink-182's song "All the Small Things" was adopted as the theme song for the NHL's Colorado Avalanche.
January 18, 2020: Blink-182's Last Performance with Matt Skiba
On January 18, 2020, Blink-182 played their final show with Matt Skiba at iHeartRadio's ALTer EGO in Los Angeles. This pre-pandemic gig marked the end of an era for the band with Skiba.
2021: Blink-182: A Generational Touchstone
In his 2021 book Major Labels, Kelefa Sanneh called Blink-182 a "generational touchstone," praising their lasting sound and humor.
2021: Mark Hoppus's Cancer Diagnosis
In 2021, Mark Hoppus was diagnosed with lymphoma and underwent chemotherapy. This challenging time played a role in the reconciliation between Hoppus and former bandmate Tom DeLonge.
October 2022: DeLonge's Return Announced
Blink-182 officially announced Tom DeLonge's return to the band in October 2022, along with plans for a world tour and a new single, "Edging."
2022: Tom DeLonge's Return to Blink-182
In 2022, Tom DeLonge rejoined Blink-182, marking the beginning of a new chapter for the band. This followed a period of reconciliation and renewed focus among the band members. Matt Skiba amicably stepped aside.
2022: Tom DeLonge's Return
Tom DeLonge rejoined Blink-182 in 2022 after a seven-year hiatus.
April 2023: Coachella Performance
In April 2023, Blink-182 made a surprise appearance at Coachella, marking their first performance with Tom DeLonge in nine years.
October 2023: Release of "One More Time..."
Blink-182 released their ninth studio album, "One More Time...," in October 2023. It became their third number-one album on the Billboard 200.
October 20, 2023: One More Time... Release
Blink-182 released their ninth studio album, "One More Time...", on October 20, 2023.
August 2024: DeLonge Discusses Future Plans
In August 2024, Tom DeLonge stated that Blink-182 would remain a priority despite plans for a break after their tour, indicating a commitment to the band's future.
September 6, 2024: Release of "One More Time... Part-2"
A deluxe edition of "One More Time...," titled "One More Time... Part-2," was released on September 6, 2024.
2024: Successful World Tour and First Stadium Shows
During 2024, Blink-182 embarked on a highly successful world tour, including their first stadium shows. The tour included dates in North America, Europe, Australia, and South America.