If you’re a fan of Blink-182, you’re probably a fan of Alkaline Trio. And I’m sure you know that when Blink-182 went on hiatus, and Tom stepped out to focus on other projects, Matt Skiba from Alkaline Trio stepped in, so that Mark and Travis could keep making music and touring. It’s what they do best! Now, no one can replace DeLonge, his voice is 50% of what Blink does, but when it comes to being an outstanding musician and standup guy, Matt Skiba tops the list.
Blink is one of the biggest bands on the planet, and don’t tell me that you don’t know every single word to “What’s My Age Again.” This band was a beacon of hope in a musical landscape growing up that was littered with squeaky clean pop-music. We craved something real, and different. If you were a teenager in this time, Mark, Tom, and Travis were your gateway drug to bands, like Alkaline Trio.
Yes, Matt sounded different from Tom, but Skiba saved Blink for us, the fans, and the fanatics that have “Blink-182” tattooed on their butt. We owe this man! I know it, you know it, and Tom Delonge knows it better than anyone. That’s why he wrote this note to Skiba, and it almost brought me to tears. Ok fine, I’m leaking from my eyeballs right now. You could call it a cry. Below is his note, and below that, new music from Blink-182, the band that Skiba held together.
This is our thank you to Skiba, for holding it down. Thank you to Blink-182, for being the band that brought me many euphoric moments pushed up against the barricade at shows, for bringing an awkward teen a sense of community, and introducing me to new bands. Now go get some edumacation and listen to Alkaline Trio’s older stuff. I recommend the song “Radio.” We owe that to Matt. -Ali
