Blink-182 is an American rock band from Poway, California[8] that predominantly plays pop punk music. The band was formed in 1992 as "Blink" with members Tom DeLonge (vocals, guitar), Mark Hoppus (vocals, bass) and Scott Raynor (drums).[9] In 1998, midway through a U.S. tour, drummer Travis Barker replaced Raynor. DeLonge left the group in early 2005, initiating an indefinite hiatus. DeLonge went on to form Angels & Airwaves, while Hoppus and Barker continued playing music together in +44. On February 8, 2009, Blink-182 announced that they are continuing as a band, with the brief statement posted on their website saying "To put it simply, We're back. We mean, really back. Picking up where we left off and then some. In the studio writing and recording a new album," which followed minutes after the Grammy announcement. [10]
DeLonge cites punk rock bands Descendents and Screeching Weasel as influences,[11] although the band's songwriting and production are driven by a pop sensibility. Blink-182 is known for their simple melodies, teen angst and lyrical toilet humor, as well as by their hit singles "Dammit", "What's My Age Again?", "All the Small Things", "Adam's Song", "The Rock Show", "First Date", "Stay Together for the Kids", "Feeling This", "Always" and "I Miss You". When playing live, the band typically play their songs at a faster tempo and often replace certain lyrics with toilet humor and various gags. Hoppus often bounces around the stage when playing his bass, while DeLonge often remains in a static position while singing and playing his guitar. During performances the band often chat between themselves and the crowd, often casually insulting each other or telling jokes.
