After nearly 20 years, Blink-182 will have a new look.
Guitarist Tom DeLonge has apparently left the band, and has been swiftly replaced, at least temporarily, by Alkaline Trio singer/guitarist Matt Skiba.
Remaining members Mark Hoppus and Travis Barker released a statement through their publicist, which you can read below via KROQ, stating that Skiba will join the band for their set at SoCal’s Musink fest in March.
Matt Skiba of the Alkaline Trio will join Blink-182 in replacement of Tom DeLonge at the 8th annual Musink Music and Tattoo Festival.
“We were all set to play this festival and record a new album and Tom kept putting it off without reason. A week before we were scheduled to go in to the studio we got an email from his manager explaining that he didn’t want to participate in any Blink-182 projects indefinetly, but would rather work on his other non-musical endeavors.”
Travis Barker and Mark Hoppus plan to honor all Blink-182 commitments including the Musink Festival and are excited to have singer/guitarist Matt Skiba join them for this project. “No hard feelings, but the show must go on for our fans.”
Additionally, Skiba will continue to make new music and tour with the Alkaline Trio.
The addition of Skiba could be permanent, so stay tuned. Meanwhile, Alkaline Trio will play four straight sold-out shows at Brighton Music Hall in Allston, May 13 to 16.
Here’s the trio in simpler, happier times…