Blink-182 Electrifies Petco Park

Hot Milk

Within the final days of June, Blink-182 delivered an unforgettable performance that cemented them as the must-see event of the summer. San Diego’s Petco Park is a colossal venue, one that draws attention at every corner. It’s impossible to determine where to look first on entry, as the number of seats touch the sky. Thousands of all ages, wearing Blink-182 merchandise, lined the streets for the One More Time tour.

“One More Time,” is the name of the band’s ninth studio album, released in 2023. The tour takes on the same name, not only showcasing pieces from said album, but includes thirty shows spread across North America. It will conclude by Nov. of this year. In the face of personal tragedies, and temporary hiatuses, the bond between the trio has persevered. If their recently sold-out show at Petco Park is anything to go by, then fans of Blink-182 will get to witness their renewed chemistry on full display, every single time.

Hot Milk

Hot Milk, a pop-rock band based in Manchester, England, was the first band to open for the performance. Their band members included Hannah Mee, James Shaw, Tom Paton, and Harry Deller. As they sang, “I Just Wanna Know What Happens When I’m Dead,” Mee’s bombastic attitude bled into her every action.

“San Diego, you feel good!” Mee roared, as she rushed about, wanting to hype up the growing audience. All of the musicians used every bit of their energy, pouring it into each song, including “Bad Influence.” Mee shouted praise toward the audience, mentioning how good they looked, on how they were glowing. Before singing “Over Your Dead Body,” Mee dedicated the song to someone she used to live with who stole her shoes, oozing frustration and ferocity. This segwayed directly into “Party On My Deathbed.”

“We’ve come out a long way to share a beautiful night with you,” Mee shared. She graciously thanked Blink-182 for having them, and expressed how much she looked forward to watching the show. “Glass Spiders,” was a song from their setlist that meant a lot to her, one that amplified their angst. They prided themselves on having a lot of feelings, and once finished, wished San Diego “the best bloody night!”

Pierce the Veil

American rock band, Pierce The Veil, was the second group to open the show. They successfully excited the crowd further. Their band members consisted of Vic Fuentes, Tony Perry, Jamie Preciado, and Lionel Robinson. Beginning with “Death Of An Executioner,” they quickly proposed a question to the audience. “What’s so good about picking up the pieces?” This neatly transitioned into their piece “Caraphernelia.”

Similarly to Hot Milk, they felt like a wild ride that one’s already jumped onto, and there’s no way back to the station. Fans were already singing to their songs before Fuentes could speak up and ask them too. The people were almost crawling over each other’s seats to get a better view of what was happening. Fuentes, asked that everyone please raise their hands up high. Afterwards, they sang RadioHead’s “Karma Police.”

Pierce the Veil

Fuentes, too, expressed how honored Pierce The Veil was to be there tonight, that it felt good to be back in their hometown of San Diego. A number of their friends and family were watching the performance, and just about everyone they loved was within the building. Anyone who showed up with a loved one, were encouraged to give them a hug. Fuentes dedicated “Emergency Contact” to his wife and daughter.

Once the sun had set, they concluded with “Pass the Nirvana,” and “King for A Day.” Amazingly, they tossed their guitars into the sky, even swinging them over their heads whilst gripping their guitar straps.

Before there was any indication that Blink-182 was on their way, a vast cloud of smoke grew on stage. Deep blue lights bounced off it overheard, transforming the scene into something almost extraterrestrial. Suddenly, the stadium’s lights were snuffed out, followed by the deep, imposing sound of a bell. Hearts palpated, as one of the projection screens revealed the band making their way onstage against the dark.

Blink 182

Anyone, should they glance over their shoulder, would be lost in the great sea of cellphone lights. The uncontainable excitement, the preparation for what was to come, could not be conveyed through words. After one last barrage of flashing lights, Blink-182 arrived, beginning their show with “Feeling This.”

Everyone yelled the lyrics aloud, as though they had been enjoying the band’s work for an entire lifetime. These established musicians were Mark Hoppus on bass, Tom DeLonge on guitar, and Travis Barker on drums. Praise was bountiful from the furthest reaches of the stadium, even when it had only just begun.

Blink 182

Particle effects were periodically used to enhance the performance. During “The Rock Show,” flares and fireworks were shot into the sky. Then, for “Aliens Exist,” smoke shot off at select points of the piece. By the time they prepared to sing “Man Overboard,” the band reminded everyone that they were from Poway.

Hoppus and DeLonge boasted about the band’s distinctive shows, radiating with a well-earned charisma. Anyone would have devoured what these three were offering, straight out of their hands. Barker himself continued to demonstrate why he’s one of the greatest drummers alive today, just though being asked to conjure up a solo on the spot. The show had everything, even the supposed appearance of Jesus Christ.

Blink 182

A variety of creative visuals were projected behind the band while they sang, including a screeching red skull used for “Bored To Death,” which moved into “Edging.” Blink-182, is without a doubt, a group worth seeing with friends, family, or a partner. To know that an experience like this has a price tag, is astonishing enough. To learn more about the “One More Time” tour, visit https://www.blink182.com/.

Blink-182 electrifies audience at Petco Park