Surprising Details About Blink-182 That Cast The Band In A Whole New Light
Blink-182 are one of the defining rock bands of their generation, with all three original members — Tom DeLonge, Mark Hoppus and Travis Barker — being beloved celebrities, too. But while their music has always been super fun, the band’s history is full of strife, in-fighting and even tragedy. In fact, the following list features some shocking entries that may just cast the band in a whole new light.
40. Hoppus met his future wife on “All The Small Things” shoot
Hoppus and his wife Skye Everly have been happily married since 2000. But did you know they first met during rehearsals for the iconic “All The Small Things” music video? At the time she was a talent executive for MTV, and initially turned him down. Or more accurately, she turned DeLonge down when he embarrassed Hoppus by asking her out on his buddy’s behalf. Cringe!
39. “What’s My Age Again?” had a different name
“What’s My Age Again?” is arguably Blink-182’s best ode to immaturity, in a career loaded with them. Originally the song was titled “Peter Pan Complex” — a reference to the iconic literary character who never wanted to grow up. But the record company got cold feet, believing the band’s audience wouldn’t get the reference.
38. Their first gig had only one person show up
Hoppus told Rock Sound TV about Blink-182’s first ever gig way back in 1992. He revealed, “We played this biker bar in south San Diego. It was the bartender, one patron, the three of us — we played one song, then the one guy said, ‘Can you please turn it down?’ so we turned it down.” After two more songs, the guy stopped them completely, saying, “Let’s call it. Have some Snapple, you guys earned it.” Ouch!
37. Barker had a Nightmare Before Christmas-themed wedding
Barker married former Miss USA Shanna Moakler in 2004, and their wedding day paid tribute to two of their favorite movies. The first was The Nightmare Before Christmas, with the drummer wearing the same pinstripe suit as Jack Skellington in the macabre animated classic. Then the couple walked down the aisle to the song “You’re So Cool” from the Quentin Tarantino-penned True Romance. Aww.
