blink-182 performs ‘One More Time’ at San Diego’s Petco Park

Blink-182’s sold-out homecoming concert at Petco Park on Sunday, June 30th was a wild ride for 40,000 fans. The night was packed with nostalgia, with original members blending their signature humor, raunchiness, and a surprising amount of heartfelt moments as part of their One More Time Tour. It was excellent to see the San Diego trio back together in promotion of their latest album — their first since 2011. Near-death experiences, like Travis Barker‘s fiery plane crash in 2008 and Mark Hoppus’ battle with Stage 4 lymphoma in 2021, coupled with Tom DeLonge’s extended absence couldn’t keep this band apart.

The setlist was a great mix of new tracks and classic hits.

Blink kicked things off with high-energy performances of “Feeling This” and “Rock Show”, instantly igniting the crowd. While they performed a lot from their new album, they also played fan-favorite sing-alongs like “What’s My Age Again?”, “Dammit”, and “All The Small Things”. More sentimental tunes — like “Miss You” and “One More Time” — added an emotional layer to the night, creating intimate moments for the band of brothers amidst the chaos.

The concert was nothing short of spectacular. The stage design featured blink’s iconic smiley face logo, a floating platform for Barker’s drum set that lifted him 20 feet in the air, and an impressive pyrotechnic and firework display. Barker’s drumming was a highlight, especially when he went off on an insane solo while suspended high above, leaving the audience in awe. The light show was perfectly synchronized with the music, too.

Of course, the band kept everyone laughing with their antics, dirty jokes, and playful banter.

At one point, Hoppus joked about their early days, reminiscing about how they once dreamed of selling out local venues… like SOMA. DeLonge’s cheeky remarks and quips about oral sex and fart jokes kept the crowd in stitches. Seriously, what’s his age, again??

Opening acts included England’s Hot Milk and San Diego’s own Pierce The Veil, who both did a fantastic job warming up the crowd. Pierce The Veil’s energetic set, especially their performances of “Pass the Nirvana” and “King for a Day”, as well as a great cover of Radiohead’s “Karma Police”, had everyone pumped and ready for the main event.

Blink ended with a bang — literally and figuratively.

A powerful rendition of “Dammit” — surprisingly infused with snippets of Taylor Swift’s “We’re Never Ever Getting Back Together” — was followed by fireworks lighting up the sky. The show-closing “One More Time” was a perfect end, blending poignant insights with blink-182‘s potty-mouthed teenage sensibilities (which remain intact, even as adults). Overall, it was an extraordinary show, highlighting why blink-182 remains such a beloved band.

Photography by Olivia Valdes

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