Quick wins for a faster PC:
Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Blink-182’s return to Perth in February 2024 followed years of separate paths, health fears and a reunion that nearly seemed impossible. PerthNow’s account traced the band’s uncertain future through Travis Barker’s fear of flying after a 2008 plane crash, Tom DeLonge’s 2015 departure and Mark Hoppus’s cancer diagnosis in 2021—the event DeLonge later described as bringing him back to music and touring.
Why Blink-182’s future became uncertain
In the mid-2000s, Blink-182’s members pursued separate projects during what PerthNow described as a needed hiatus. Hoppus formed Plus 44, while DeLonge focused on Angels & Airwaves. The split marked a change in priorities rather than a single moment that permanently ended the band.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
![blink-182[2 LP]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51q5fza8xhL._SL160_.jpg)
|
blink-182[2 LP] | $39.78 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
![Greatest Hits[2 LP]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/31BMIZAjGUL._SL160_.jpg)
|
Greatest Hits[2 LP] | $30.98 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
![Take Off Your Pants And Jacket [LP]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41vedyytzgL._SL160_.jpg)
|
Take Off Your Pants And Jacket [LP] | $26.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
![Neighborhoods [2 LP]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71V-YSpmgeL._SL160_.jpg)
|
Neighborhoods [2 LP] | $37.46 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
![Enema Of The State [LP]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51p3MgJrXEL._SL160_.jpg)
|
Enema Of The State [LP] | $29.99 | Buy on Amazon |
How Travis Barker’s plane-crash trauma affected Perth
Barker survived a plane crash in 2008. PerthNow reported that his lasting fear of flying kept him from Blink-182’s 2013 Perth appearance, which Hoppus and DeLonge played without him. That travel barrier was distinct from the later lineup changes: it affected Barker’s ability to join a particular trip, not DeLonge’s decision to leave the group.
Why Tom DeLonge left—and what changed
DeLonge left Blink-182 again in 2015, reportedly to concentrate on work outside music. Matt Skiba joined the band in his place, and the group released California in 2016 and NINE in 2019. In an explanation quoted by PerthNow from a 2019 interview, DeLonge said: “As an artist, I’d kind of conquered what I wanted to do with music, so I thought this is a great time to kind of do something else”.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →#1 Best Overall
- Recorded throughout 2003, Blink182 marks a departure from the band's earlier work, infusing experimental elements into their usual pop punk sound, inspired by lifestyle changes (the band members all became fathers before the album was released) and side projects
The band’s years with Skiba made clear that Blink-182 continued without DeLonge, but did not settle whether the original trio would play together again. Hoppus was asked about a possible return in a Radio X interview with Polly James and replied, as PerthNow reported: “I don’t know. Never say never.”
How Mark Hoppus’s illness brought the bandmates closer
Hoppus was diagnosed with stage-four cancer in 2021. PerthNow’s account presents the diagnosis as the turning point in DeLonge’s relationship with his former bandmates. DeLonge recalled telling his wife before Hoppus shared the news: “I don’t think I’m ever going to play music again, I don’t think I’m ever going to tour again”. He later told Zane Lowe, in remarks reproduced by PerthNow, that learning of Hoppus’s illness made music the only thing he wanted to do.
Rank #2
- blink-182's Greatest Hits is a collection of tracks from Cheshire Cat, Dude Ranch, Enema of the State, The Mark, Tom & Travis Show, Take Off Your Pants and Jacket, blink-182 and more
That is the reported personal catalyst for the reunion, not evidence that the earlier departures or travel difficulties had disappeared. After Hoppus’s recovery, the band announced a major tour in 2022, bringing the original trio back together.
What the reunion meant for Perth
PerthNow reported that Blink-182’s Australian shows sold out within ten days of going on sale in 2022. The article did not identify a ticketing service or provide an independently verifiable sales record, so the figure is best understood as the publication’s report.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsRank #3
- blink-182 released their fourth studio album, Take Off Your Pants and Jacket, on MCA Records in 2001
The Australian leg was scheduled to open at RAC Arena with two Perth performances on 8 and 9 February 2024, with Rise Against listed as support. Those dates are now past. The return was tied to the band’s ninth studio album, One More Time, and especially to its title track, which reflects the reunion’s themes of time, loss and another chance together.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.The long route back, in brief
- Mid-2000s: Hoppus and DeLonge pursued separate musical projects during the band’s hiatus.
- 2008: Barker survived a plane crash; fear of flying later kept him from the band’s 2013 Perth appearance.
- 2015–2019: DeLonge departed, Skiba joined, and Blink-182 released California and NINE.
- 2021: Hoppus’s cancer diagnosis prompted DeLonge to reconsider returning to music and touring.
- 2022–2024: The trio announced a major tour, with Perth scheduled as the Australian opening stop in February 2024.
These dates and interview excerpts are drawn from Zach Margolius’s PerthNow report, “Health scares, rifts and natural progression almost stopped punk band Blink-182 from ever returning to Perth,” published 7 February 2024. The quotations from Radio X and Zane Lowe are presented as PerthNow reproduced them.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- blink-182's third album, Enema of the State, was an enormous commercial success when it was released on MCA Records in 1999
Rank #4
- Neighborhoods is the sixth studio album from blink-182, originally released in 2011
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
