

Key was dating Anne Hoppus, sister of bassist Mark Hoppus, who had recently moved from Ridgecrest, California, to work at a record store and attend college. He also befriended Kerry Key, who was also interested in punk rock music. There, he performed at a Battle of the Bands competition, where he was introduced to drummer Scott Raynor. Guitarist Tom DeLonge was expelled from Poway High School for being drunk at a basketball game and was forced to attend another school, Rancho Bernardo High School, for one semester.

History Formation and initial years (1992–1994) īlink-182 was formed in August 1992 in Poway, California, a northern suburb of San Diego. Worldwide, the group has sold 50 million albums and moved 15.3 million copies in the U.S. From 2015 to 2022, the band included Alkaline Trio singer/guitarist Matt Skiba, with whom they recorded two albums, California (2016) and Nine (2019) and toured in support of both.īlink-182's straightforward approach and simple arrangements, which helped initiate pop-punk's mainstream rise, made them popular among generations of listeners. Founding drummer Scott Raynor recorded and toured with the group before being dismissed in 1998, with Barker taking his place from that point on. DeLonge left the group twice, both times a decade apart, before eventually returning. Hoppus is the only member to remain in the band throughout its entire history. Later efforts, including an untitled album (2003), marked stylistic shifts. Songs like " All the Small Things", " Dammit", " I Miss You", and " What's My Age Again?" became hit singles and MTV staples. Their biggest albums, Enema of the State (1999) and Take Off Your Pants and Jacket (2001), saw international success. Their current lineup consists of bassist/vocalist Mark Hoppus, guitarist/vocalist Tom DeLonge, and drummer Travis Barker.Īfter years of independent recording and touring, including stints on the Warped Tour, the group signed to MCA Records. Blink-182 (stylized as blink-182) is an American rock band formed in Poway, California, in 1992.
