If there’s one thing that Blink-182’s One More Time tour promises, it’s an intoxicating blend of nostalgia, humor, and heart-pounding punk energy. After all these years, the pop-punk trio—Mark Hoppus, Tom DeLonge, and Travis Barker—still knows how to ignite a crowd, and they proved it once again with their much-anticipated tour that spanned across North America. Fans have been eagerly awaiting the return of this iconic lineup, and it’s safe to say that Blink-182 exceeded expectations. So, grab your studded bracelets and revisit your teenage angst as we dive into the spectacle that is the One More Time tour.
A Spectacle of Lights, Nostalgia, and Classic Blink Antics
The tour kicks off with pure adrenaline as the band explodes onto the stage, lights flashing, pyrotechnics bursting, and Travis Barker in the middle of it all, slamming on his drum kit as though the world’s ending. The opening number, “Feeling This,” sets the tone for the evening—a fan-favorite anthem that perfectly embodies Blink’s early 2000s rebellion. As the familiar strobe lights flood the arena, fans are instantly swept up in the emotion and excitement.
DeLonge and Hoppus take center stage, trading quips and banter that are every bit as juvenile and absurd as you’d expect. Classic Blink. DeLonge makes jokes that could easily be mistaken for high school lunchroom humor, while Hoppus cheekily blames the audience for “their parents’ divorces.” This irreverence is part of the enduring charm of Blink-182. They’ve never taken themselves too seriously, and fans wouldn’t have it any other way.
Setlist: A Perfect Blend of Old, New, and Nostalgic
The magic of the One More Time tour is how it perfectly bridges the gap between the band’s nostalgic past and their present evolution. Fans are treated to old-school hits like “What’s My Age Again?,” “All the Small Things,” and “First Date,” which sound just as electrifying today as they did when the band first took the pop-punk world by storm. The audience chants every word, making it impossible not to get swept up in the nostalgia.
The band also makes space for their more recent material, performing tracks from their latest album, One More Time (2023), which dives into more introspective themes without sacrificing their signature energy. Songs like “Anthem Part 3” and “Edging” stand out as crowd pleasers, especially with Barker’s ferocious drumming driving the performance to new heights. And, yes, Barker does his signature elevated drum solo, proving once again why he’s considered one of the best drummers in rock.
Tom DeLonge: The Prodigal Son Returns
Tom DeLonge’s return to the band adds another layer of emotion to the tour. Fans were thrilled to hear his unmistakable nasally voice singing songs like “I Miss You” and “Aliens Exist.” It’s like he never left. His chemistry with Hoppus feels genuine, playful, and heartfelt, as though no time had passed since their early days of making bathroom humor on stage.
DeLonge also tackles tracks from Blink’s interim albums, including Matt Skiba-era songs like “Bored to Death” and “Cynical.” While these songs weren’t originally his, DeLonge makes them his own, offering a fresh but nostalgic take on material that fans have come to love. It’s an emotional reminder that while the band has gone through its share of turbulence, their core identity has remained intact.
Travis Barker: A Drumming Juggernaut
Of course, no Blink-182 concert review is complete without fawning over Travis Barker. His drumming isn’t just the heartbeat of the band—it’s the hurricane-force wind propelling them forward. At one point, Barker is elevated high above the stage on a platform, surrounded by flames and confetti, as he pounds through a jaw-dropping solo. Fans are left in awe, simultaneously mesmerized by his speed and precision.
And let’s not forget the now-famous moment where Barker’s wife, Kourtney Kardashian, revealed her pregnancy to him mid-show. A nod to Blink’s iconic humor, the couple recreated a scene from their “All the Small Things” music video. It was a touching yet hilarious moment, encapsulating the tour’s blend of heartfelt emotion and youthful irreverence.
Visuals and Production: Eye-Candy for the Arena
The visuals for the One More Time tour were nothing short of stunning. From vibrant lasers to sparkling fireworks, the production created an atmosphere that made it feel like the stage was alive with Blink-182’s chaotic energy. The iconic Blink smiley face logo illuminated the stage, a beacon for every fan in the arena, while confetti cannons and pyrotechnics ensured there wasn’t a dull moment.
But one of the standout features of the show was the fan interaction. In true Blink-182 fashion, the band involved the crowd in their jokes, even pelting fans with confetti shaped like sperm—a throwback to their crass humor. DeLonge even took a moment to play rock-paper-scissors with a fan in the pit, and at another point, he handed his guitar to a fan holding a sign that read, “Tom, can I have one of your guitars?” It’s these personal touches that make a Blink-182 concert feel like a wild party rather than just a performance.
Crowd and Atmosphere: Pop-Punk Lives On
One thing that cannot be overstated is the unwavering enthusiasm of Blink-182’s fans. From teenagers experiencing the band live for the first time to thirty-somethings reliving their youth, the crowd was an eclectic mix of ages and backgrounds. The energy was palpable, with fans forming mosh pits, jumping, and singing along to every word as though no time had passed since Blink’s heyday.
During “Dammit,” one of the closing songs, Blink kept the crowd on their toes by throwing in surprise covers, like TLC’s “No Scrubs” or Chappell Roan’s “Pink Pony Club.” This mix of irreverence and spontaneity left fans screaming for more, capping off an evening of pure, unadulterated pop-punk bliss.
Conclusion: Blink-182 Still Has It (And Then Some)
The One More Time tour proves beyond a doubt that Blink-182 still has the magic that made them pop-punk legends in the first place. With a setlist that spans their entire career, a dynamic stage presence, and enough humor and heart to remind fans why they fell in love with the band, this tour is a must-see. Blink-182 may have grown older, but they haven’t grown up—and their fans wouldn’t want it any other way.
So, whether you’re a die-hard fan from the Enema of the State era or someone just discovering their music, the One More Time tour offers something for everyone. It’s chaotic, it’s heartfelt, and above all, it’s classic Blink-182.
FAQs
- Is the “One More Time” tour worth attending? Absolutely. Whether you’re a long-time fan or new to the band, the One More Time tour delivers a high-energy, nostalgia-filled experience.
- How long is the Blink-182 concert? Blink-182’s set typically runs about 90 minutes, but the entire event can last over two hours with opening acts and encores.
- What songs are in the setlist for the “One More Time” tour? Expect a mix of classics like “All the Small Things,” “What’s My Age Again?” alongside newer songs from their 2023 album One More Time.
- Who are the opening acts for the tour? Bands like Pierce the Veil, Turnstile, and Destroy Boys have joined Blink on select dates, adding even more excitement to the lineup.
- What is the crowd like at a Blink-182 concert? Blink-182 draws an eclectic crowd ranging from nostalgic adults to younger fans, with everyone sharing the same high-energy vibe throughout the show.
