|
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.
Blink 182 Links
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. |