In a shocking twist, Tom DeLonge has officially quit blink-182 as the band prepares to record a new album.
UPDATE: DeLonge denies reports of his departure, says "sanctioned" press release were not true.
Matt Skiba of the Alkaline Trio will fill in for DeLonge during blink's appearance at the Musink Music and Tattoo Festival. Here's the official statement from the band (via KROQ):
"We were all set to play this festival and record a new album and Tom kept putting it off without reason. A week before we were scheduled to go in to the studio we got an email from his manager explaining that he didn't want to participate in any Blink-182 projects indefinetly, but would rather work on his other non-musical endeavors." Travis Barker and Mark Hoppus plan to honor all Blink-182 commitments including the Musink Festival and are excited to have singer/guitarist Matt Skiba join them for this project. "No hard feelings, but the show must go on for our fans." Additionally, Skiba will continue to make new music and tour with the Alkaline Trio.
This is a huge surprise, given that DeLonge has been the point man for a new album, and has spoken extensively about the project. Last October, he said a new blink album would likely be dropping in Summer 2015. In November, he announced that the group had found the necessary funding for the project.
He even sounded off at the end of the year, saying the group didn't "have anything to prove" as it marched toward the studio.
It suffices to say, the new album will likely be postponed or cancelled as Barker and Hoppus either find a new frontman or discontinue using the blink name altogether.
The group reformed in 2009 after a four-year hiatus, but have only released one album -- 2011's Neighborhoods -- since. Check out "Up All Night" below:
