Blink-182 is an American rock band that was formed in Poway, California in 1992. The band consists of Mark Hoppus, Travis Barker, and Matt Skiba. Blink-182 has had a significant impact on the pop-punk and alternative rock genres, and their music has influenced many other bands over the years. In this article, we will explore some interesting facts about Blink-182.
The band's name is a reference to peeing
Blink-182's name was originally just "Blink," but the band had to change it after they were threatened with legal action by an Irish techno group that also went by the name Blink. They added the numbers 182 to their name because it was a reference to a scene from the movie "This Is Spinal Tap," where the band's amps go up to 11 instead of the usual 10. In the movie, they explain that the extra "one" makes it louder. Similarly, Blink-182 added the "182" to their name because they thought it made it sound more interesting.
The band members have a fear of flying
Mark Hoppus and Travis Barker both have a fear of flying. In fact, after a plane crash in 2008 that left Barker with second and third-degree burns on 65% of his body, he didn't fly for years. Instead, he took buses and cars to get to gigs. Matt Skiba, who replaced Tom DeLonge in 2015, also reportedly has a fear of flying. The band has said that this fear is why they prefer to tour by bus.
The band has a history of silly stunts
Blink-182 is known for their silly and sometimes immature antics. In the past, they have done things like streaking through music video shoots, smashing their instruments on stage, and running naked through hotel hallways. One of their most famous stunts was when they set up a fake UFO crash on stage during a concert in 1999. They later apologized to their fans for the stunt, saying that it was in poor taste.
Blink-182 has had several lineup changes
Blink-182 has had several lineup changes over the years. In 1998, original drummer Scott Raynor left the band and was replaced by Travis Barker. In 2015, founding member Tom DeLonge left the band, and was replaced by Matt Skiba. Despite these changes, the band has continued to release music and tour, and their loyal fan base has stuck with them.
The band's music has been used in many movies and TV shows
Blink-182's music has been used in many movies and TV shows over the years. Some of the most notable examples include their songs "All the Small Things" and "First Date" being featured in the movie "American Pie 2," and their song "What's My Age Again?" being used in the TV show "The Office." Their music has also been used in video games such as "Tony Hawk's Pro Skater" and "Guitar Hero."
In conclusion, Blink-182 is a band that has had a significant impact on the pop-punk and alternative rock genres. Their music is catchy and fun, and their silly antics and stunts have made them a favorite among fans. Despite lineup changes and personal struggles, the band has continued to release music and tour, and their music remains popular to this day.