Blink-182 made a triumphant return to Coachella, performing together for the first time in nine years and delighting fans with their energetic set. Tom DeLonge, Mark Hoppus, and Travis Barker captivated the massive crowd with their dynamic performance, which included hits such as "Family Reunion," "All the Small Things," "I Miss You," and "Feeling This," among others.
The band's surprise appearance at Coachella came shortly after their Latin America reunion tour was postponed due to Travis Barker's emergency finger surgery. The drummer had sustained a severe hand injury during practice, which led to widespread concern among fans.
Despite the initial uncertainty surrounding Travis' ability to perform, he and his bandmates delivered an impressive hour-long set, showing no signs of discomfort from his injury. Travis previously told Rolling Stone that his recovery was progressing quickly, allowing him to return to the stage sooner than anticipated.
In 2015, Tom DeLonge left Blink-182 to focus on his company, To the Stars...Academy of Arts & Sciences, which researches UFOs. Mark and Travis continued with the band, bringing in Matt Skiba of Alkaline Trio to join them. The new lineup released two albums together.
Early in 2021, it was revealed that Mark had been diagnosed with cancer. Following this announcement, he and Travis started reconnecting with Tom, using their visits as a way to rekindle their friendship. By the end of the year, Mark was given a clean bill of health, and Tom rejoined the band. They subsequently released a new song, "Edging," and began working on a new album.
The Coachella performance included a mix of classic hits and a mashup of TLC's "No Scrubs" with "Dammit." Blink-182's return to the stage was a testament to their resilience and commitment to their fans, as they overcame personal challenges and injuries to deliver an unforgettable performance.
Blink-182's successful performance at Coachella 2023 demonstrated their enduring appeal and ability to captivate audiences despite adversity. With Travis Barker's remarkable recovery and the band's rekindled friendship, fans can look forward to more exciting performances and new music in the future.