Only for the money. Mark doesnt care what he plays as long as it’s blink and well Travis is making hip hop artist pop punk so tom has evolved as a musician mark and Travis not so much
@@emansfvera Yeah, but as an artist I question his recent collabs. Avril and MGK? Really? They pushed the envelope so hard back in the late 90s / early 00s. Now it’s just a monetary thing. Or maybe it’s the fact that he’s just a Kardashian now.
It’s so weird to see Tom serious and act normal. I think when you get really famous you create a character for yourself and anytime the camera is on you, you play that part because that’s what people expect from you because that’s who they know. But this is Tom being his actual self for once.
It feels like Tom really grew as a person over the years, artistically but also in a personal development sense, and he's clearly an intellectual person. So the way he behaves on stage with Blink seems really forced when you keep that in mind, like the guy's almost in his fifties now yet still makes jokes like he would back in the day as a kid, that we would laugh at back in the day as kids. But the thing is, we're not kids anymore, we've all grown up and life's taken place. So it's completely unnecessary for him to act like some goofy old character or a previous version of who he may have genuinely been when he was younger. Just being himself and being genuine is enough, authenticity is what's most important. I love AvA and Tom comes across differently in things revolving around that, so I just don't understand the seeming feeling of needing to put on a persona.
Tom and Mark act childish together because 1- Blink 182 is a juvenile concept with a lot of jokes, so they're playing a character, but they're aware of that. 2- They've known each other since they're teens. You always act childish with your old friends.
It's true, but that doesn't necessarily mean the person is in the wrong for not believing you. Your words sound so true because last year, on New Years Eve, me and my girl broke up over some silly texts I was sending a girl. And deep down in my heart I knew I didn't had anything with this chick and was devastated she started all this drama, but looking back I gave her many reasons to be jealous in the first place. So yeah, it was shitty to feel like I told her the truth and she didn't believe me, but she didn't believe me because of our past
here again after the release if their new album. When i first saw this interview years ago in highschool i was angry. I was so angry with Tom for leaving even after watching this interview. But, as i grew up i would come back to this interview on occasion and would understand more and more. We all grow up and we all change. Im glad they're back together. This new album takes me back to the good ole days where nothing mattered but blink 182. Lets all enjoy this together. ONE MORE TIME.....
Yup. When me and my friend made a band with another guy we met on the internet, it was rough and we got nowhere cause all the guy wanted to do was get wasted and he would never learn the songs cause he was lazy as hell. Getting 3-4 nice guys that enjoy the same stuff as you is one thing. Then you have to manage everything and keep those same guys with you, keep them interested and motivated to keep the band going. It's not easy at all lol
What i see in this video and what ive known in life is that there are two sides to the story. But nothing helps forgiveness like time really. They just needed time before they realize to miss what they once had. Now theyre back together and i cant wait for whats in store. blink for life babyyyy
Tom outgrew Blink-182. The band was restricting him as a musician and person. That’s my perspective on why he left anyway. It’s nice to see that he’s come back to his roots now though.
I wish they had grown with him. I think Angels and Airwaves was good, but if the other two guys were with him and moving in their own ways and all of that new energy were mixed together, we might have had a really interesting 2nd Act for blink 182
@@Westcoastrocksduh Because his songwriting was always way more advanced than Mark. Even back to the original Buddha/Cheshire Cat days. If you knew you had a real gift for something, but you were forced to constantly defer to two other people have their input or you felt like they were getting angry because you wanted to do it yourself, I can see why he wanted totally out to focus on his own things.
@@tb7667Oh this is hilarious thinking Tom is better than Mark at anything. Tom’s lyrics are so self-indulgent and he made the band all about him. Why they let him back in AGAIN, I’ll never know. He held them hostage until they agreed to his schedule. There was Mark and Travis and then there was Tom. He doesn’t control everyone.
Tom leaving Blink gave us the amazing music band like: +44, Boxcar Racer, Angels and Airwaves, The transplants and Blink with Matt. And now they are together again and I feel like everything happened for a good reason. Cuz I love all of those bands.
Families fight. Blink is nothing if not a family. We all bicker with our siblings and need space to reassess ourselves. Everyone is different, and some mature faster than others. Tom was at a different point in his life. They clearly still all love each other and they had their space, and now Tom is back. He just needs his space sometimes. He’s the brother who locks himself in his room sometimes because he just needs to be alone. It doesn’t mean he loves them any less, but he has to put himself and his mental health first. And i’m happy he had the time he needs and came back. He may leave again one day but it will be no different. The fans will always love him, and so will Travis and Mark. He always has a home here and he knows that i hope
His original departure from Blink was the best decision he ever made. He allowed himself to form AVA and grow as a songwriter. Mark threw his bitterness on sheets of paper and used it to write +44's album which is his best work outside of Blink.
The +44 album is good, but Angels & Airwaves is better. I think Mark and Tom were both peaking as songwriters right then and it's a shame they weren't together for it.
Looking back on everything, and interviews such as this, I think it’s clear that Tom was being fairly honest here. It’s likely though that Tom developed ideas or inclinations about side projects, and was going to pursue that whether he fully realized it or not. So it’s also fair to say he maybe wasn’t as self aware of that as he could have been, which also creates tension. But Mark and Travis clearly weren’t open to a continual evolution of Blink. Had they understood Tom needed his time off, and had they been open to side projects while simultaneously extracting those experiences and bringing it back to Blink whenever they reconvened, a lot of fallout and bad blood could have been sidestepped.
Tom had other ideas that didn’t fit blink. Travis and Mark were pretty much like, nah you can’t have time off for that because this blink thing is kinda gigantic rn and we will make a lot of money if we just continue playing shows and making albums here and there. So Tom chose his ambitious endeavors over that, is what I’m presuming.
@@KristoferProphet I agree. There was probably some of that going on as well, unfortunately. You also kind of can't blame Mark or Travis if that was the case, because it's incredibly difficult to put a good thing 'on hold' when it's at its peak.
@@KristoferProphet Yeah. And the thing is, to be a creator; to be this creative artist; you have to be positioned to be able to create or it isn't fun. Tom isn't a robot; he wants his music to be organic and authentic of what he feels he wants to make. I honestly don't think Angels is completely but different; more effects; more of music about journey and discovery. Angels allow him to really make music that he wants to make creatively. I appreciate him as an artist for doing that. Blink; in Toms mind; you can only make so much without it all being the same; the music as to grow and change.
I hope that now they are on the third time around that Mark and Travis will let him bring experimental ideas into blink but I also hope that Tom will also collaborate with them on ideas they have.
@@3Hits4Felix I mean … when they were writing self titled, they let Travis leave recording and writing for his son’s birth, AND to tour with the transplants. But … it’s not okay for Tom to make time for family or exercise his creativity? All I’m saying is that it was fine for trav, but mark was too insecure when it applied to Tom, in my eyes anyway
I feel like when Tom left Blink, they reverted to the type and style of songs they made when they were 20. That was great when they were 20, but I don't feel the same way about it now. I really feel like Tom was driving most of the change and growth in the band, because he was evolving and he was changing and maturing as a creative. I think Tom is one of those people who need to be dynamic and creative all the time or they will die, like that's the most important part of what drives him. Mark and Travis just want to be musicians in Blink.
Totally agree. I remember at the time kinda hating Tom because of how the breakup was portrayed in the media...but now 15 years later it's pretty obvious that Tom was kinda right about everything
@@trogman43988yeah, I remember not liking Tom when he started AVA. Now, I see his side. He’s responsible for a large portion of the band’s sound. Hell, the untitled record is basically BCR’s second record with Mark doing some backing vocals. Not to mention the sheer amount of good music he’s made outside of Blink. Mark has made one decent record (+44) and the two horrible Skiba records with all the guest writers trying to make up for Tom. Travis and Mark were dicks too, especially after the second break up. They were real drama queens and it was obvious why Tom left. However, i’m glad where everything’s at and I’m hyped for the new record.
All boils down to just creative differences it seems. We aren't there so we don't know if anyone's in the wrong. But Tom wanted to explore newer and more introspective themes with a new sound and vocal style. Mark wanted Blink to have the signature pop punk sound it made itself iconic with. They had a good thing going and he loved it it seems. Mark did always say they don't see themselves as serious musicians and that Blink is more of a fun first, music second band. Maybe that's changed over time for all of them, but Tom very clearly felt that change given his musical expirimentation and tonal shift. Travis even wanted to explore some more hip hop-esque sounds. All of these clash and we'd wind up lacking unification were it to continue. Hard to follow up something like Family Reunion with Secret Crowds. So they split and honestly, in retrospect, it should've happened sooner. You can hear a lot of AVA-esque music in Neighborhoods and a few prior tracks. It felt like Tom really wanted to pursue his own endeavors. I think all of them did wonderfully in their own projects and man, I'm just happy they're on what seems like good terms now and they're back to having fun again.
Here after they just released, back together, the single greatest blink-182 record EVER. "One More Time..." is an absolute MASTERPIECE. 10/10 Perfection. What a time to be re-alive...:)
@@shugarbagePeople just want poppy grug-brained garbage. Neighborhoods was universally hated by most of the Blink fanbase cause it was too smart and mature for them. To see the success of this new record just because Tom is doing a terrible impression of his 25 year old voice bums me tf out lol.
I don't think it's their greatest record. It is however a seriously impressive comeback album. Turpentine and More Than You Know are up there with the absolute best Blink songs. Dance With Me is catchy as hell too.
@@billygladman9644 it always will be a band in the songs it was and always will be the band blink 182 that was recorded might not be a band now but every song was a band cheers
I've never understood why the rest of Blink wasn't more understanding about band members wanting to pursue side projects. Blink is great, but it's very much a box and generally quite pop orientated. It's not necessarily a place for growth or deep expression (although they have some). By the time Tom needed space, the band had already made their money. They could always come back to it. Instead they really chased Tom away.
They were in the middle of making that money. That was the problem. They were at their peak, and Tom up and decided that he wanted to chase something else. Which is cool. Everything happened the way that it was supposed to, but that's the story.
It’s all about growing up. Believe it or not we all go through this in life. Rather we need part ways from our family, or your best friends. Only you know what you need to do. That’s why friends and family should always respect your wish and wishes you for the best. And always stay close in touch to one another.
So, Im from Houston and around 98 or 99 I waited on Ken Caminiti at an Ihop, he came in with what looked to be a trainer and they sat down and both ordered 22 egg whites fried and glasses of water, true story.
If your two best friends/band mates made a side band without telling you with basically the same sound how would you feel? BCR should have just been another Blink album. I mean Mark is the one who brought more mature themes to the band first with Adam's Song so I doubt he would have had any issue making a complete album that way.
So many conflicting accounts surrounding all of this. In Mark's version they were called to a band meeting by their manager. Mark and Travis walked in and there's Tom sitting there next to their manager and Tom refused to look at them or speak to them while their manager told them Tom was leaving unless he could have 6 months off. Truthfully I think Tom got a taste for solo work during BCR (which is perhaps why Mark had an issue with it, he knew Tom may enjoy it too much) and that lit a fire to do more in a style away from Blink. Don't forget Tom was also addicted to painkillers during this entire period and wasn't thinking rationally (by his own admission), so he may well have thought he knew better and saw things very differently to Mark and to a lesser extent, Travis.
That doesn't conflict with what Tom said here though. Tom was talking about the last band meeting before Tom decided to leave, which ended with Tom telling his manager he can't do it anymore. Presumably, Mark's story describes conversations they had after Tom's story ends here. I don't see any contradiction.
When this happened I was 15 and I was so hurt and angry that Tom had left the band. I just felt so betrayed and felt like an era of my life had ended. I’m now in my 30s totally understand why he had to go.
The best music they made was when they were apart. The BCR and +44 albums are very good albums. Tom gained so much more skill by working with AVA as well. You can easily tell that Blinks Neighborhoods album was basically a Boxcar 44 combo.
Bro. You ain’t lying. I think they felt a need to prove themselves apart from each other? And they’re fucking bomb. Together they’re just fucking unstoppable! They literally each can have their own fucking band. Lmao. ROLL TIDE ROLL!
I give props to any group of dudes ( or girls) in a band ( especially ones that get that big) that have to spend that much time around each other constantly touring and doing press etc , all while trying to express themselves musically and creatively.
Loving these comments. People don't understand how fast, and how little it takes, to have your life flip upside down. Never be the same again. Less than a second. It can cause mass disassociate, confusion, lack of empathy, or too much. You can lose, or remove all your friends in 1 sentence. It can, and happens all the time to seemingly normal people. It happens OFTEN to the same people who are "not" normal. What I see with Mark is a complete switch in his thinking, and he's surrounded by people who he was like, but he changed. When your hold back because you don't want the possibility of destroying what you already have, it can cause resentment. That's what I hear in this video. I bet he didn't even know what he wanted because he spent how many years touring for teenagers? If your demographic is a specific age range, how do you get older when the rest want to stay the same?
unpopular opinion: the split in 2005 might be the best thing to happen. Tom evolved as an musician and Mark wrote the goddamn best lyrics in +44. One of my favorite albums to this day... should have made another one!
Yea +44 was phenomenal. So was Box Car Racer. The boys’ relationships are their business (except for the part they’re public about obviously), but it’s obvious to fans that big things happened between them all during this period, and it what at least partially the catalyst for some great art. Whatever happened, my opinion is that you’re right, it needed to happen.
Awesome review man. Im glad there is someone out there who has an objective opinion still. This album is just okay, and not great, and I think most of the people calling it amazing are just excited for the reunion. And I thought ypur comment about cohesion and the record being very jumbled was exactly correct.
Law of attraction at best right? I mean you think something that isn't true Tom just wanted new material for Blink, and because of the belief of him "cheating" on the band, he eventually did just that because they drove him away
I agree. Tom likely had ideas or inclinations and might’ve always been wanting to do side projects. If Mark and Travis would’ve been open to letting Blink evolve naturally/letting Tom have time off, there might not have been fallout and bad blood.
Even the greatest bands of all time have their differences or issues, some resolve them but a lot of them don’t. Think for an example if the members of the Beatles got a long, or if Slash & Axl could have worked their stuff out, maybe the Oasis brothers worked out their differences. So much more great music would’ve been written. Imagine Velvet Revolvers Fall to pieces being sung by Axl, I loved Scott Weiland but Axl’s vocal range would’ve taken that amazing song to a whole another level. It’s a shame really, but everyone has their own issues and not everyone is going to get along all the time
… right! Saving humanity with an extra terrestrial aerospace company. That’s also an entertainment and education company. While he talks about high-level discussions, he has had with people he won’t give the names of, and he is doing such important work that he is now back on a world tour with a punk band. Sounds plausible
Look folks , It's pretty clear that Mark and Travis got pissed at Tom because Blink 182 was a Cash Cow , and not just a Garage Band Trio anymore trying to make it . Lively hoods were on the line . This situation sounds like the other guys thought if Tom left who would write the Blink Hits . If Tom was Successful somewhere else it would overshadow what they did as nothing . This is a similar situation on why Jason Newsted left Metallica , Sting left The Police , or Sammy Hagar left Van Halen
Not really. Tom basically would only perk up when they were united when there was talk of money. Because he blows through his money quickly. So who exactly is treating what as a cash cow? By 2005, they were famous and wealthy enough that all three of them never needed to work again.
I think that Mark and Travis realize now that they probably got to heated and blew the Box car situation out of proportion. I think Tom knows now that not telling Mark about Box car racer from the beginning was wrong and not being able to do everything the second time he was in Blink.
At the time, I didn't understand why Tom would want to leave but it makes more sense as you get older. Tom has a real songwriting gift and I can see why it would frustrate him to feel he has to constantly defer to Mark and Travis who either aren't as talented creatively or don't take it as seriously as he does. The Dogs eating Dogs EP was some of their best ever stuff and it seemed like Tom was probably responsible for 80% of it.
Not just songwriting. Tom also branched out of music and was earning good money outside of making music. Blink is a demanding gig, it's like a full time Job and Tom can't prioritize it anymore.
mark and travis are creative, i think toms ideas just didnt mesh with what they wanted to do. tom wanted to do more sad, dark or personal stuff that wasnt on brand with blink or at least with marks idea of blink. imo travis' touch saves every band hes in.
The strange thing about a lot of the stuff is, some of the recollections are not even close to being similar to one another. Not even a different interpretation, literally different events seem to have happened as far as Tom is concerned and as far as Mark and Travis are concerned. It’s just weird. Anyways, That was a long time ago now.
I think their solo bands speak for themselves. Angels was a new direction forward. +44 was a cheap imitation of blink. We all know who the creative one is in the band at this point.
I saw them at WWWY this past Sunday, and to be honest. There was something off about their dynamic from when I saw them back in June in Phoenix. I have a feeling some things have not patched up, that not even a sickness or airplanes falling out the sky can fix. I hope I’m wrong
when tom made his first return and they made neighborhoods you could really feel that the band matured. sure, it sounded a lot like angels and airwaves at times, but overall it’s one of the better blink-albums and very underrated. after he left again, you could really hear the band devolving again musically. not that the two albums with matt skiba are bad, but musically they have been a big step backwards compared to neighborhoods and self-titled from 2003. especially today it is sad to see travis just collaborating with so many lame copy-cats like MGK who just desperately try to emulate the pop-punk at the turn of the millennium (and failing miserably), instead of focusing to evolve with blink🤷🏼♂️.
Tom got a taste of having complete creative control with Boxcar Racer, and I feel like he had a lot of trouble going back to blink after that - whether creatively or because of his ego. He should have never had Travis drum on the project and kept it completely separate from blink because it obviously was a point of contention between Tom and Mark.
…and it’s quite RARE for boy-bands to remain together a long time and/or get back together later…usually as the teenie-boppers get older, their interests change, thus no more fans for the band to play for.
Travis's kids and Tom's kids are pretty similar in age. I wonder if Travis had more people to watch his kids and didn't feel as bad leaving his kids when compared to Tom or what. I don't blame Tom for wanting to make sure his family is taken care of. That's not something you can hold against someone.
There's a perfect explanation for all of it. Life got too good for them. All they had to do was keep doing shows. When people reach their goals, they always want more. For 2 of them, that meant more tours, more albums, w/e. For Tom, "more" meant spending more time with his family. We all want more. It all comes down to weakness though. What does a marine in Iraq do during a deployment when they want to see their family? They don't quit. They can't quit. They have to stay strong. These guys were being worshipped, making millions, so they did what humans do. Found something they wanted but couldn't have. I have seen this happen to so many famous people. They make it big, they get the fame, millions of dollars, then it no longer matters. They want something else. To see family, take a break, change the creative direction of the band, always something more. Then years later they realize what they threw away and often reunite with the band, but you know it'll never be the same as if they stayed.