Blink-182 just kicked off their tour with a massive surprise! They dug deep into their archives, pulling out tracks like ‘Roller Coaster’ and ‘Online Songs’ for the first time in over 20 years. Even ‘Josie’ is back! What other deep cuts do you hope to hear on this epic reunion tour?
Blink-182 recently ignited their “Missionary Impossible Tour” with an electrifying performance that saw the iconic pop-punk trio unearthing a treasure trove of rare tracks, some played live for the first time in over two decades. This highly anticipated tour opener showcased the band’s willingness to delve deep into their extensive catalog, much to the delight of long-time fans of blink-182 and pop punk music.
The Hollywood, Florida concert on Thursday evening became a landmark event for enthusiasts, as blink-182 delivered surprising renditions from their seminal album, ‘Take Off Your Pants and Jacket’. Among the highlights were “Roller Coaster” and “Online Songs,” both tracks from the 2001 release, which hadn’t graced a live concerts setlist since their original tour supporting that record.
The band’s performance transcended mere nostalgia, offering a fresh take on these beloved rarities. The inclusion of songs like “Roller Coaster” demonstrated the band’s deep appreciation for their storied history, thrilling concert-goers who had waited years, even decades, to experience these particular cuts live once more from the pop punk music legends.
Adding another layer of excitement, the classic track “Josie” made a triumphant return to the setlist, marking its first appearance since 2018. More significantly, it was the first time guitarist Tom DeLonge performed “Josie” with the band since his return in 2022, reigniting the classic lineup’s dynamic on stage, alongside Mark Hoppus and Travis Barker.
The deep dives continued with “Wishing Well,” a track from their 2011 album, ‘Neighborhoods’. This song, last played in 2016, also saw Tom DeLonge rejoining his bandmates to perform it for the first time since 2014, underscoring the renewed synergy within the reunited trio and their dedication to exploring all facets of their discography.
Perhaps one of the most unexpected treats of the evening was blink-182‘s decision to revive a cover of “Hope” by the legendary SoCal pop-punk progenitors, Descendents. This particular cover had not been performed by the band in over two decades, showcasing their reverence for their musical roots and influencing artists during live concerts.
The rejoining of Tom DeLonge with Mark Hoppus and Travis Barker has breathed new life into blink-182, culminating in their 2023 album, ‘One More Time…’, which was their first studio effort with DeLonge since 2011. This tour, featuring a blend of new material and long-lost gems, firmly establishes the band’s enduring legacy and continued relevance in the pop punk music landscape.