What's My Age Again? Blink-182 Brings Timeless Punk-Pop Talent To Hard Rock Live In Hollywood, Florida

By Erin Lee

Image by Erin Lee

Alkaline Trio and blink-182 kicked off their tour at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Hollywood, Florida last night.  Alkaline Trio blazed through a tight 12 song set, debuting new songs and playing old favorites. It was an energetic, high powered warm up for blink: everything an opening act should be.

Appearing in a pre-recorded segment, world renowned announcer Michael Buffer introduced each member of the band, utilizing a mix of made-up tidbits and real-life stats.

A live shot of each member "preparing for the main event" appeared on the big screens from behind a curtain. 

Buffer announced blink-182 in his famous style and the curtain dropped to reveal a colorful set filled with graffiti. 

The band immediately went into high gear, playing two songs from 2000's Take Off Your Pants and Jacket: "The Rock Show," and "First Date." Singer and bassist Mark Hoppus made it clear early on we'd be treated to some b-sides and rarities. 

The crowd roared its approval for "Josie," an early career favorite that hadn't been played in years.

Leading into "Online Songs," Hoppus stated he hoped they wouldn't screw it up, asking vocalist and guitarist Tom DeLonge: "When was the last time we played this? Over 20 years ago."

Moments like that are one of my favorite things about seeing blink-182 live: they are always shaking things up and doing the unexpected. 

There are some things you can always expect, however: beautiful vocal harmonies between Hoppus and DeLonge. 

Lots of lewd jokes and potty humor. 

Mind blowing Travis Barker drum solos.

Watching him pound the kit with the precision of a surgeon, dial it up a notch for "FUCK FACE," and come back down to earth with restraint for slower songs like "Down" is a real treat. 

The audience was given some real gems last night, including two rarely performed tracks from 2011's Neighborhoods: "Natives" and "Wishing Well."

Hoppus quipped: "Let's sing a song about heartbreak and despair" before playing "Stay Together for the Kids."

Tracks from the band's most recent effort One More Time were interspersed throughout, injecting a fresh new blink sound into the set. 

MORE THAN YOU KNOW and TURPENTINE sounded fantastic live, my first time hearing the latter in person. 

They rounded out the evening with some of their most recognizable hits: "What's My Age Again?" "All The Small Things," and Dammit with a fun little "Ice Ice Baby" verse thrown in by Mark.

Since the album came out, each show now ends with "ONE MORE TIME," an emotional song chronicling the ups and downs the band has experienced collectively and as individuals. A true testament to the bond these three guys have over decades. Another spectacular night with blink-182 in the books!

Images by Erin Lee: