[originally published in the February 19 edition of The Hope International Tribune.]Catastrophe can often serve as a catalyst for reviving friendships. Some could argue fate intervened, while coincidence is argued by others. No matter the source, Blink-182 is back to reignite fans, musicians and the failing music industry.
“Please understand, this isn’t just goodbye; this is I can’t stand you.”—+44, “No, It Isn’t”
The last chapter ended abruptly in 2005 with a phone call from the manager. Tom DeLonge quit the band without a word to his bandmates, a move Mark Hoppus and Travis Barker did not expect, but were not surprised by. Tensions had grown between the trio regarding tour schedules and recording plans, largely from Tom’s lonely corner. The “indefinite hiatus,” as the label called it, would produce a plethora of projects, including the Mark/Travis band +44, DeLonge’s Angels and Airwaves, numerous production credits, clothing lines and even reality shows.
“I never thought I’d die alone, another six months and I’ll be unknown.”—Blink-182, “Adam’s Song”
Tragedy brought one member back onto televisions after three Blinkless years. Sept. 19 saw Travis survive a plane crash the killed four and injured one more. Barker escaped with his life, but suffered from second and third degree burns. Hoppus flew to his drummers’ side, while Tom expressed sorrow to his old friend through interviews.
“Will you come home and stop this pain tonight.” –Blink-182, “I Miss You”
HiMyNameIsMark.com saw its first update in months on Nov. 18. The long entry updated fans on +44’s status, Travis’ health, general life thoughts and a curious statement: “in the midst of everything else that has happened lately, Tom, Travis, and I have all spoken together. First through a number of phone calls, and then a couple of weeks ago we all hung out for a few hours. They’ve all been great, very positive conversations. We’re just reconnecting as friends after four years of not talking.”
“I wanna have the same last dream again.” –AVA, “The Adventure”
That same blog post contained the following: “If — and this is a big if — Blink-182 were ever to re-form, it would have to be the most amazing, ridiculous, mind-blowing show and tour ever. I feel like, as bitter as our breakup was, we stepped back at the top of our game, and we'd have to come back even stronger and better than before."
As anyone would predict, chaos arose. Neon-rock band Forever The Sickest Kids claimed they were part of the band’s reunion tour, which proved false. Hoppus told MTV on Jan. 14 that +44 was canceled in lieu of his solo project, just five days after saying “the future is wide open” while answering questions on a possible reunion.
February 5 brought the first credible claim. Early in the day it was announced that the Blink men would reunite to present an award at the Grammy’s. Then AVA guitarist David Kennedy said what we wanted to hear through a Modlife chat: Blink-182 is working on a new album. Sans an official announcement, we waited.
“Let’s try this one more time with feeling.” – Blink-182, “Don’t Leave Me”
The Grammy’s brought the answer. Appearing onstage together again, the three looked older and strangely awkward standing next to each other. Travis, arm in sling from the crash, approached the microphone and said, “We used to play music together, and we decided we’re going to play music together again.”
They’re back. The new website says “Summer 2009. Thanks and get ready…” Hold on to your seats, kiddies.
*New Content*
While Blink will easily sell out every single date of their new tour, they will not fix everything.
I went back to my music library and listened to a ton of their old material. That's when it hit me: I don't care for Blink-182 anymore. Granted, I was never their biggest fan to begin with, but minus the last CD, I just don't enjoy the immature, simplistic music and lyrics that compromise the band's entire catalog.
Certain songs will always stick with me. "Adam's Song" will always get plays, and "Feelin' This" may be my favorite Blink song. Other non-singles get heard every here and there, but for the most part, I'll leave their music to my friends.
Saving the music industry won't have anything to do with the bands. The old format of selling records simple is obsolete and no longer works. Don't look for Tom Delonge, Travis Barker and Mark Hoppus to solve that problem. However, there is one task I am assigning to the guys: get radio rock back.
My hope is that the return bring rock back to Top 40. I may criticize Blink's lyrics, but nothing is as bad as "blame it on the alc-al-al-al, the alchol." If the band gets back on the radio, other rock acts will start getting plays, hopefully taking back regular radio from R&B/Hip-Hop/Pop/Rap.
I may not be at a tour date, but I'm routing for them.
