Last week was a biggie for the Blink-182 boys.
They announced the return of guitarist Tom DeLonge, revealed they’re headed to NZ in 2024, released a new song ‘Edging’ and announced a forthcoming album.
Fans were stoked to hear the news of the reunion, but with DeLonge back in the band, it left the question: What’s gonna happen to Matt Skiba? Skiba’s been the Blink-182 guitarist since DeLonge left back in 2015, contributing to the band’s last two studio LP’s and performing live with them.
But with DeLonge back in the band, Skiba is out, which was announced via a letter that DeLonge gave to him personally, and shared to Instagram last week.
The letter reads:
“Hi Matt -
“Tom DeLonge here. I wanted to take a minute and say thank you for all that you have done to keep the band alive and thriving in my absence. I think you are enormously talented (I still love to listen to your band to this day).
“You have always been so kind to me, not only in the press, but also to others. I really noticed. Emotions between the three of us in blink have always been complicated, but Mark's cancer really put things in perspective. But to be honest, the band would not even be here today if it were not for your ability to jump in and save the day.
“So from my heart to yours, thank you for being a member of our band.”
On the day of the release of the band's new song 'Edging,' (October 14), Skiba replied with an equally wholesome message for DeLonge, Hoppus and Barker. He wrote on Instagram:
“CONGRATULATIONS to the homies @markhoppus @tomdelonge and @travisbarker on their triumphant @blink182 return/reunion and the release of their new single today!!!!
“I’m sure there’s a joke in here about releases and happy endings I’m missing but I am truly grateful for my time with blink and I am truly happy you guys are a band and a family again. 💕
“THANKS TO THE BAND AND ALL THE BLINK FANS FOR HAVING ME. You were delicious! ❤️M. #fromchicagowithlove”
Even though Skiba’s exit from the band is bittersweet, it’s epic to see the respect both him and Skiba have for eachother.
Keen to head along to Blink-182 live in NZ? Head to our Facebook post to be in to win a double pass, and find out all the ticketing and event details here.
