The pop punk veterans brought energy, humour and all out classics to Reading Festival in their highly anticipated return to the festival.
Opening up with Feeling This from their 2003 self-titled album, Blink’s set was full of hit after hit.
Quickly followed by The Rock Show and Man Overboard, the American punk rockers then played Aliens Exist from their 1999 breakthrough album Enema of the State.
After some time to interact with the crowd, lead guitarist/singer Tom DeLonge and bassist/singer traded light hearted insults on stage before delivering their next song.
Having last headlined the festival in 2010, Blink have been through a huge transition since their last visit to Berkshire.
DeLonge made his second exit from the band in 2015 which led to Alkaline Trio vocalist Matt Skiba joining the band. He filled the void of Delonge in the band for until 2022, releasing two studio albums during that time.
Hoppus revealed in 2021 that he had been diagnosed with a rare form of cancer and had received treatment, Having overcome the illness, it was then brought to public knowledge that the original trio had met to discuss previous personal issues and decided to reform the band in 2022.
They released their ninth studio album One More Time and showcased some of their best moments from that album with Dance With Me, More Than You Know and Anthem Part 3.
The back end of Blink’s set was back loaded with some of their most well known songs with Always, What’s My Age Again?, First Date and All the Small Things – all of which had the crowd singing along.
The California three-piece then signed off their set with the emotional One More Time from their latest album, with the heartfelt lyrics describing their three decade stint as a band and the rollercoaster of emotions that had come along with it.
It’s safe to say that their first appearance at Reading Festival in well over a decade was a huge success with the band returning to form.
Delonge’s unique vocal style was complemented by Hoppus’ vocals and driving bass with the band being tied together by Travis Barker’s exceptional drumming.
