Tom DeLonge and Blink-182’s gentle nod to former member Matt Skiba

O Blink 182finally, officially started the tour that marks the return of the vocalist and guitarist tom delonge. The inaugural presentations would be in Latin America, with a visit to the Lollapalooza Brazilbut an injury to the drummer’s finger Travis Barker forced the band, complete by bassist and singer Mark Hoppusto postpone local commitments to 2024.

Two “surprise” performances took place at the coachella weeks ago, but the tour did start with a show in St. Paul, Minnesota, in the United States, on the 4th. As expected, the repertoire has been composed of several classics and even some more obscure songs from the albums recorded with DeLonge.

However, a gentle nod was given to Matt Skiba, who replaced Tom during his absence (between 2015 and 2022), with the inclusion of two songs from his period. They are: “Cynical” and “Bored to Death”, tracks present on the album California (2016), the first with Matt in the lineup.

Both songs were kept for the following performances, held in Chicago and Detroit, respectively last Sunday (7) and Tuesday (9). That is: everything indicates that they will remain present throughout the tour.

Check out videos and the full repertoire below.

1. Anthem Part Two
2. The Rock Show
3. family reunion
4. man overboard
5. Feeling This
6. Reckless Abandon
7. Dysentery Gary
8. up all night
9. Dumpweed
10. EDGING
11. aliens exist
12. Cynical
13. Don’t Leave Me
14. Happy Holidays, You Bastard
15. Stay Together for the Kids
16. Always
17. Down
18. Bored To Death
19. I Miss You
20. Adam’s Song
21. Ghost On The Dancefloor
22. What’s My Age Again?
23. First Date
24. All The Small Things
25. Dammit

Blink-182, Tom DeLonge and Matt Skiba

In 2015, Tom DeLonge announced his departure from Blink-182 to dedicate himself to his other passion, ufology. Matt Skiba, known for his work with the Alkaline Triowas announced instead, recording the albums California It is Nine (2019), in addition to a third record that is not expected to be released.

It was Skiba, including, who indicated his possible resignation from Blink in 2022, in a comment on Instagram. When the news was finally confirmed, the musician celebrated the members of his now ex-band (via Igor Miranda website).

“Congratulations to partners Mark Hoppus, Tom DeLonge and Travis Barker on Blink-182’s triumphal comeback/reunion and the release of the single [‘Edging’]! I’m sure there’s a joke about releases and happy endings that I’m missing out on, but I’m grateful for my time in Blink and I’m so happy you’re a band and a family again. THANKS TO THE BAND AND ALL THE BLINK FANS FOR HAVING ME. You guys were delicious! M.”

Also through the networks, Tom DeLonge recognized the efforts of Matt Skiba and said that Blink-182 would not be in the current position if it were not for the work of his replacement. He declared:

“Hi Matt, Tom DeLonge here. I wanted to take this opportunity and say thank you for everything you’ve done to keep the band alive and thriving during my absence. I think you’re super talented (I still love listening to your band to this day). You’ve always been so kind to me, not just to the press, but to everybody. I noticed. Emotions between the three of us in Blink have always been complicated, but Mark’s cancer has put everything in perspective. But to be honest, the band wouldn’t be here today if it weren’t for your ability to step in and save the day. So from my heart to yours, thank you so much for being a member of our band.”