BLINK 182 LIVE!!! | PNC ARENA
Coverage by Editor in Chief Chris Sturk
We covered the legendary pop punk band Blink 182 during their tour stop in Raleigh at the PNC Arena. Blink is a staple in the world of pop punk and one can arguably say that they really were the first ones to bring pop punk to the forefront of popularity in the late 90’s and early 2000’s. They were globally dominant with huge hit songs like “What’s my age again”, “All the small things”, “Dammit”, “Miss You”, “First Date”, “Rock Show” and the list goes on and on. The band has been around since 1992 and I first saw them perform in 1995, then in 1998 and a few times after that. The band has broken up on a few occasions and each band member has done other projects such as, “+44”, Angels and Airwaves”, “Box Car Racer” and “The Transplants”. The band has had a few member changes over the years with the biggest change being in 2005 when Tom DeLonge left Blink to pursue “Angels and Airwaves” full time. The band has gotten back together a few times over the years, but things really changed after bassist Mark Hoppus was diagnosed with Cancer. During this time Tom, Mark and Travis came together once again and hashed out any issues they had in the past and worked to reconnect their lifelong friendships. The band announced they were back together, put out a new album and are now currently on tour!
The band performed at the PNC Arena in Raleigh to a sold-out crowd. The stage was set up in a circle which was placed at the center of the arena. I remember seeing them so many years ago playing in a small club and now to see them playing to a sold-out arena several years after their breakup was a sight to behold. I have always liked Blink 182 and the music they make and to see them live again was really a special moment for me. The band had wild pyrotechnics shooting off during certain parts of songs and both Mark and Tom sounded great. Travis was incredible on the drums, and I honestly have no idea how he keeps that energy going, when you see him perform live it will blow your mind how energized he is behind the drum set. The entire arena went wild and sang along with every song performed as the band played all their biggest hits. Blink 182 will always hold a special place in my heart, and I am so glad to see them performing again after all these years. Don’t miss out on this tour!
Chris Sturk
