Blink-182 longtime vocalist and guitarist Tom DeLonge has quit the band.
In an issued statement, drummer Travis Barker and bassist Mark Hoppus described DeLonge’s departure as sudden and unexpected. “We were all set to play this festival and record a new album and Tom kept putting it off without reason. A week before we were scheduled to go in to the studio we got an email from his manager explaining that he didn’t want to participate in any Blink-182 projects indefinitely, but would rather work on his other non-musical endeavors.”
“No hard feelings,” the band added, “but the show must go on for our fans.”
Update – 3:00pm CT: DeLonge is disputing news of his departure, writing on Instagram, “To all the fans, I never quit the band. I actually was on a phone call about a Blink-182 event for New York City at the time all these weird press releases started coming in… Apparently those releases were ‘sanctioned’ from the band. Are we dysfunctional – yes. But, Christ….. #Awkward #BabyBackRibs”
Update – 9:00pm CT: Barker and Hoppus have confirmed DeLonge is no longer a member of the band.
(Read: Blink-182’s 16 Most Absurd Lyrics)
Alkaline Trio frontman Matt Skiba has been tagged as DeLonge’s replacement for the band’s upcoming appearance at the Musink Tattoo and Music Festival, which is curated by Barker. Taking place March 20th – 22nd in Costa Mesa, California, the event will also feature Rancid, Bad Religion, OFF!, Yelawolf, and more.
While it’s not yet confirmed whether Skiba will be DeLonge’s permanent replacement in Blink-182, he will continue to record and tour with the Alkaline Trio.
DeLonge founded Blink-182 in 1992 alongside Hoppus and original drummer Scott Raynor and remained a fixture in the band throughout its initial 13 year run. In 2009, he reunited with Hoppus and Barker for a reunion tour and new studio album — 2011’s Neighborhoods. Presumably, DeLonge will now focus his musical efforts on Angels and Airwaves, which he formed during Blink-182’s initial breakup in 2005.
