Only the San Diego-bred band Blink-182 could pull off performing for fans in their birthday suits and still have a strong fan following. The band members Mark Hoppus, vocals/ bass; Tom Delonge, vocals/ guitar; and Travis Barker, drummer, known for their childlike character and lewdness, continue to ride the success wave and show no signs of growing up or slowing down. Their popular Enema Of The State garnered many hits for the band, including, "What's My Age Again," "Going Away To College," and "All the Small Things," but also had the intention to educate. According to Hoppus, "In order to maintain good health, your body must be able to eliminate food and bodily waste." "For abnormal function," Barker explains, "colon hydrotherapy--or enemas, as they are commonly known--are recommended."
Aside from helping to cure pesky health problems, Blink-182 performs pop-punk in a manner that sets them apart from most of-the- wall bands. In 1997, with Dude Ranch, they quickly caught on with carefree young adults, whose support sent the album to gold in the U.S. But their fanbase is not limited only to the States, as the record has gone gold in Canada and is certified platinum in Australia. The single "Dammit (Growing Up)" off this album earned top spins at many key radio stations, becoming the No. Two most-played record on KROQ/L.A., No. Two on KITS/San Francisco, and No. Two on CIMX/Detroit, to name a few.
A heavy tour schedule during 1998 allowed Blink-182 to preview its anal-centricity at the appropriately titled "Poo-Poo Pee-Pee Tour" and the "Race Around Uranus" shows featuring other prominent bands.
The anticipated Enema Of The State was recorded in early 1999 with production aid from Jerry Finn, whose previous credits include Green Day, Rancid, and Pennywise. The album serves up catchy pop-punk tunes with "What's My Age Again" and "All the Small Things." These songs allow the band and fans to rebel against the manners and maturity with which their parents tried to raise them. To the band's credit, the record also delves into deeper, more mature matters with "Adam's Song." U.S. sales are now four times platinum for Enema, with worldwide sales of six million copies. The CD has been in the Billboard Top 200 since its release, and the many hits off the album have dominated MTV, alternative rock and Top 40 radio. The pretty boys have also graced the cover of Teen People, Rolling Stone, and Alternative Press, among others.
If you happen to attend one of Blink-182's under-dressed but entertainingly over-the-top performances, be forewarned that they usually encourage flashing.
Written by Austin Smith
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