Blink-182: Did You Know?
10 Fun Facts About Blink-182 You Didn’t Know!
Blink-182 is one of the most influential pop-punk bands of all time, famous for their irreverent humor and catchy hooks. But beyond the skate-punk anthems and toilet jokes, the band has a colorful history full of surprising moments. Here are some fun facts and stories you might not know about Blink-182!
1. They Weren’t Always Blink-182!
Blink-182 was originally just “Blink,” but they were forced to change their name due to a legal dispute with an Irish band also named Blink. To avoid a lawsuit, they tacked on the random number "182." Legend has it that "182" refers to the number of times Al Pacino’s character says the F-word in Scarface, but the band has never confirmed it.
2. Their First Tour Was in a Van Held Together With Tape
Before Blink-182 became global pop-punk stars, they were just three guys with a beat-up van. Their early tours were rough, with the van constantly breaking down, and the band members often had to duct tape it back together on the road. They once described it as “a van with no seats and no hope.”
3. Mark Hoppus Joined the Band Because of a Girl
Mark Hoppus, Blink-182’s bassist and co-lead vocalist, joined the band after being introduced to Tom DeLonge by Tom’s girlfriend’s sister. Hoppus was so excited about the opportunity to be in the band that he climbed a telephone pole and promptly fell off, breaking both his ankles in the process. The price of rock 'n' roll glory!
4. Tom DeLonge Was Kicked Out of High School
Tom DeLonge, the band's original guitarist and co-vocalist, wasn’t exactly the model student. He was expelled from high school for attending a basketball game drunk, which gave him plenty of time to focus on music and Blink-182. His rebellious spirit is a key part of the band’s sound and image.
5. Travis Barker’s First Gig With Blink-182 Was on 45 Minutes’ Notice
Travis Barker wasn’t the original drummer for Blink-182. Before joining the band in 1998, he was in another band called The Aquabats. When Blink’s then-drummer Scott Raynor left suddenly, Travis stepped in with just 45 minutes to learn their entire set. He nailed the performance, and the rest is history!
6. They Have an Album With a Title That Can’t Be Said on the Radio
Their third studio album, “Enema of the State”, is one of the most iconic albums in pop-punk history. But the album's working title was actually “Turn Your Head and Cough”—a nod to the uncomfortable doctor’s visit experience. Of course, the eventual title wasn’t much more radio-friendly!
7. Travis Barker Survived a Plane Crash
In 2008, Travis Barker survived a horrific plane crash that killed four people. Barker suffered third-degree burns on over 65% of his body and underwent multiple surgeries. This life-altering event had a profound impact on him, and it’s one of the reasons why he later became heavily involved in helping others overcome trauma.
8. The Band Broke Up Over a Helicopter
Blink-182’s infamous 2005 breakup was partly due to Tom DeLonge’s growing obsession with flying helicopters. At the time, Tom had become passionate about aviation, which led to tension between him and the rest of the band. This was just one of many reasons for their split, but it became a running joke among fans.
9. Their Music Video for "All the Small Things" is a Parody of Boy Bands
The music video for Blink-182’s smash hit "All the Small Things" is full of hilarious moments where the band parodies late '90s boy bands like Backstreet Boys and NSYNC. From slow-motion beach walks to ridiculous outfits, the video pokes fun at pop culture while still being iconic in its own right.
10. Tom DeLonge is a UFO Enthusiast
Tom DeLonge’s fascination with aliens is no secret. He’s been open about his belief in extraterrestrial life, and in 2015, he even founded To The Stars Academy of Arts & Science, an organization dedicated to researching UFOs and space phenomena. In 2020, the Pentagon even confirmed the authenticity of UFO videos that DeLonge’s organization had released!
Blink-182 isn’t just a band; they’re a pop-punk institution with a story full of bizarre twists, wild moments, and lots of laughs. Whether it's Tom’s UFO fascination or Travis’s resilience, these guys keep us entertained both on and off the stage.
Blink-182 is known for their playful lyrics, but they also have moments of emotional depth. One of their most meaningful song lines comes from the track "Adam's Song" from the Enema of the State album:
"I never thought I'd die alone / I laughed the loudest, who'd have known?"
This line captures the deep sense of isolation and sadness that many people feel, even when surrounded by others. The song deals with themes of depression, loneliness, and the struggle to find hope, standing out as one of the band’s most introspective and serious pieces amidst their usual upbeat tracks. It has resonated with fans over the years, providing comfort to those who relate to its raw emotion.
What’s your favorite Blink-182 memory or song?