Blink-182 is an American pop punk band from San Diego, California, formed in
1992. The band formed as "Blink" with vocalist and guitarist Tom DeLonge,
vocalist and bassist Mark Hoppus and drummer Scott Raynor. In 1998,
midway through a U.S. tour, current drummer Travis Barker replaced Scott
Raynor. Blink-182 are recognized as a key pioneer of contemporary pop punk
music, influencing various acts over their career.
After releasing debut album Cheshire Cat (1994), the band achieved relative
success with Dude Ranch (1997), now having sold over a million copies.
However, the trio achieved even greater success with the multi-platinum
selling Enema of the State (1999). Their following two albums maintained their
popularity; Take Off Your Pants and Jacket (2001) and Blink-182 (2003)
before 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. After some tragic events involving
the band and its entourage, they reunited in February 2009 and a new album
is in the works.