Ongoing History of New Music – Catching Up with Blink 182

Host: Alan Cross
Date: March 11, 2026
Episode Theme:
Alan Cross returns to the story of Blink-182, updating listeners on the band’s remarkable journey since the last in-depth profile in 2017. This episode explores the transitions, trials, personal battles, reconciliations, and resilience that have defined Blink-182 in recent years, offering an updated, nuanced portrait of the band’s continued evolution in the worlds of punk, pop, and alternative rock.

Main Theme & Purpose

• A comprehensive catch-up on Blink-182, tracing their trajectory after the “California” album era.
• Focus on lineup changes, solo ventures, Travis Barker’s high-profile collaborations, Mark Hoppus’s personal struggles (especially his cancer diagnosis and recovery), and the ultimate reunion of the classic lineup.
• Reflections on maturity, friendship, and the band's enduring place in music – despite setbacks, drama, and even near-death experiences.

Episode Breakdown & Key Insights

1. Recapping the Story So Far

(Timestamp: [00:00]–[03:50])

• Blink-182’s rise, peak, and first major Ssplit: chronicled from their early days (formed 1992, San Diego), massive commercial breakthrough (“Enema of the State”, “Take Off Your Pants and Jacket”, self-titled 2003), and growing internal friction.
• First hiatus announced in 2005. Members embark on side projects (Angels and Airwaves, +44).
• Tragedy & Trauma: Travis Barker’s near-fatal 2008 plane crash and the death of their longtime producer Jerry Finn bring the band back together.
• Return with “Neighborhoods” (2011) doesn’t fully heal divisions. Tom DeLonge’s lack of engagement leads to his eventual departure and replacement by Matt Skiba.

Quote:

“There is a great run of albums...Then comes a period of uncertainty, friction...Things got to the point where they couldn’t continue and an indefinite hiatus was announced.”
— Alan Cross ([02:10])

2. The Matt Skiba Era & the ‘California’ Comeback

([03:51]–[07:00])

• Matt Skiba of Alkaline Trio steps in (2015), leading to the “California” album – a triumphant commercial resurgence (No. 1 in U.S., UK, Canada).
• Album signals a new chapter, but not the end of band drama.

Quote:

“Pretty good for a trio who had to swap in a new singer and guitarist to replace the original guy who had been with the band since its inception in 1992. But like I said, this is not the end of the story. In fact, far from it.”
— Alan Cross ([01:52])

3. Life Beyond Blink: Side Projects and Collaborations

([07:00]–[08:40])

• Tom DeLonge focuses on UFO research, launches To the Stars Academy, and writes both children’s and sci-fi books.
• Angels and Airwaves continues; solo releases including “Lifeforms” announced in an “out-of-this-world” way (music played by a hydrogen capsule launched into space).
• Travis Barker becomes a prolific collaborator/producer, appearing everywhere from hip-hop (Ty Dolla $ign, The Game) to pop (Machine Gun Kelly, Halsey, Willow Smith), while living a turbulent personal life (divorce, high-profile relationships, car accident).
• Mark Hoppus launches Simple Creatures, works on a clothing line, does DJ gigs, hosts a podcast ("After School Radio"), and does charity work.

4. ‘Nine’ Album & New Musical Directions

([08:41]–[14:00])

• After “California”, Blink 182 (with Skiba) records “Nine” (released September 20, 2019). Although technically their eighth studio album, it's called “Nine” due to Mark's idiosyncratic counting (including early “Buddha” album).
• The album marks a sonic shift: heavy hip-hop influences, more electronics.
• Notable contributions from Miley Cyrus, Pharrell Williams; lyrics reflect Mark’s depression and anxiety about world events.
• Release coincides with the onset of COVID-19, which derails touring plans. The single “Quarantine” (August 7, 2020) features only Mark and Travis, hinting at internal tensions.

Quote:

“My brain naturally goes in cycles to dark places and I have to actively combat that... I wake up and look at Twitter, I get angry and I start my day. It’s unhealthy...”
— Mark Hoppus (reported by Alan Cross, [11:31])

5. Mark Hoppus’s Cancer Battle & Band Reconciliation

([14:01]–[20:00])

• In June 2021, Mark is diagnosed with stage four large B-cell lymphoma.
• Intense, secretive treatment results in an accidental Instagram post from the chemo chair, making his illness public.
• Outpouring of support from fans and, crucially, Tom DeLonge and Travis Barker; the three reconnect as friends first, setting the stage for a reunion.
• Mark’s candidness about vulnerability, illness, and loneliness is a deeply personal moment in the band's story.

Quote:

“For the past three months, I’ve been undergoing chemotherapy for cancer. I have cancer, it sucks, and I’m scared. And at the moment, I’m blessed with incredible doctors and family and friends to get me through this.”
— Mark Hoppus ([16:15])

Quote:

“There is nothing like almost dying to repair damaged relationships.”
— Alan Cross ([17:05])

6. Classic Lineup Reunion & Triumphant Return

([20:00]–[21:43])

• Tom DeLonge’s official return is announced October 2022 (Matt Skiba steps aside graciously).
• Reunion celebrated with a surprise Coachella headlining set (April 2023) – first show in nine years for the original trio.

Quote:

“The cancer brought back friendships that I hadn’t had in years. It healed my friendship with Tom. From day one, he was like, what do you need? I’m there.”
— Mark Hoppus ([20:52])

7. One More Time: New Album, New Era

([21:43]–[23:08])

• The album “One More Time” (released October 20, 2023) is shaped by Mark’s recovery, renewed friendship, and the band’s maturity – but, as Alan notes, “not too much...this is, after all, Blink-182.”
• Travis Barker serves as producer; recording is largely a secret to ensure the reunion’s stability.
• Album debuts at No. 1 in the U.S., and top 5/10 in multiple countries. Physical sales (notably, 11 vinyl versions) propel chart success.
• The track “You Don’t Know What You’ve Got” is inspired directly by Mark’s cancer journey.

Quote:

“When it was done, there were 17 tracks on the album, two bonus tracks and then another further eight bonus tracks. And yes, there was a cancer song.”
— Alan Cross ([23:04])

8. Return to the Road & Ongoing Resilience

([23:21]–[24:50])

• Major world tour: ‘Hard Rock Tour’ (May 2023–Nov 2024) and ‘Missionary Impossible Tour’ (2025), including rare deep cuts and the biggest box office numbers of any rock tour that year.
• Despite minor setbacks (illness, hurricane), the band's live presence and energy are undimmed.
• As of 2026, Blink show no signs of slowing or stopping; Alan Cross notes the “wild, touching...and sometimes scary” Blink-182 story is still being written.

Quote:

“How much longer can they go on? Well, given their resilience, never count them out.”
— Alan Cross ([25:14])

Notable Quotes and Memorable Moments

| Quote | Speaker | Timestamp | |-------|---------|-----------| | “There is nothing like almost dying to repair damaged relationships.” | Alan Cross | 17:05 | | “The cancer brought back friendships that I hadn’t had in years. It healed my friendship with Tom.” | Mark Hoppus | 20:52 | | “When Tom DeLonge heard about Mark, he was right there... it wasn’t some big meaning about Blink-182. It was more about brothers meeting and saying, how do we support Mark?” | Tom DeLonge | 16:57 | | “How much longer can they go on? Well, given their resilience, never count them out.” | Alan Cross | 25:14 | | “For the past three months, I’ve been undergoing chemotherapy for cancer. I have cancer, it sucks, and I’m scared.” | Mark Hoppus | 16:15 |

Important Segments & Timestamps

| Segment | Timestamp | |-----------------------------------------------------|-------------| | Recap: The journey from 1992 to mid-2010s | 00:00–03:50 | | California Album Revival (Matt Skiba Era) | 03:51–07:00 | | Tom DeLonge’s UFO phase and solo efforts | 07:00–08:50 | | Travis & Mark: Collaborations and projects | 08:51–10:00 | | ‘Nine’ Album – darkness & reinvention | 10:00–14:00 | | Mark Hoppus’s cancer diagnosis and aftermath | 14:01–19:45 | | Reconciliation, Tom’s return, Coachella performance | 19:46–21:43 | | The ‘One More Time’ album, meaning, and reception | 21:43–23:08 | | Touring and looking to the future | 23:09–25:14 |

Episode Takeaways

• Resilience and Reinvention: Blink-182 have weathered lineup changes, industry upheaval, personal tragedies, and serious illness, yet continue to adapt and thrive.
• Personal Growth: The maturity of their recent work and public openness about vulnerability (especially Mark Hoppus’s cancer) has enhanced the band’s reputation and deepened fan connection.
• Friendship Over Fame: Ultimately, Blink-182’s story is about the power of friendship, forgiveness, and second (or third) chances.

For further backstory, Alan Cross recommends the original three-part series on Blink-182 (episodes 773–775) available on the podcast feed.