What can you say about blink-182 in 2024 that hasn’t already been said, the band’s impact on modern rock since their formation way back in 1992 has been felt far and wide, inspiring a generation of young musicians to pick up instruments and carry the flag for punk-rock and beyond. Their discography is packed with absolute bangers alongside some of the most memorable music videos ever to grace our screens has left an indelible love for this band that goes way beyond the genre and reach that many would have expected.
Here we are 30 odd years later after bust-ups, reunions and many times around the globe in Belfast at The SSE, a sold-out SSE, smiles far and wide as the huddles masses have gathered to workshop once again at the alter of blink-182! Three dudes, one amazing soundtrack, it’s going to be #totesemotes
In support, we have fellow rockers The Story So Far recently released their fifth studio album I Want To Disappear via Pure Noise Records, and they arrive on Norn Irish shores ready to bring their very own brand of rock to the SSE. After having released their fifth studio album, following a six-year absence, these guys are keen to make their mark on the scene once again and supporting Blink 182 you’ll do just that.
Hailing from California, The Story So Far has spent over a decade carving out their place in the pop-punk scene, and tonight they proved exactly why they were chosen to support blink-182 on this massive 2024 tour. The moment they stepped on stage, the energy in the arena surged, and the crowd was ready to jump straight into the action.
The Story So Far wasted no time in getting the crowd moving. Parker Cannon’s vocals cut through the air with raw emotion, carrying that signature blend of melancholy and intensity that fans have come to love. He prowled the stage with an almost restless energy, gripping the mic stand as though every word he sang needed to be ripped from his soul. The band’s tight, punchy sound filled the arena with relentless guitar riffs and pounding drums, creating a wall of sound that echoed through the massive venue.
From the floor to the seats, the crowd was fully engaged. Hands were in the air, and mosh pits started to form within minutes. The energy was contagious—there was no warming up period, no easing into the set. The Story So Far knows how to bring it from the very first note, and they held nothing back.
The bands expansive catalogue had the entire crowd chanting along, their lyrics connecting deeply with the audience. The SSE Arena turned into a massive singalong, with fans shouting every word back at the band, their voices blending with Parker’s in a powerful, cathartic release. Even those who might have been more familiar with Blink’s catalogue found themselves caught up in the infectious energy that The Story So Far brought to the stage.
Visually, their performance was all about intensity. Though they didn’t have the massive LED displays or pyrotechnics that would follow in Blink’s set, The Story So Far made the most of their time by focusing on creating a visceral connection with the crowd. The stage lighting was moody, matching the emotional undertones of their music, casting the band in dramatic shadows and bursts of colour during their heavier moments. The visuals weren’t about spectacle—they were about amplifying the emotional impact of each song.
It was a reminder of why The Story So Far has built such a loyal following—there’s a deep emotional core to their music that resonates with anyone who’s ever felt lost, hurt, or misunderstood. For a moment, the arena felt like a shared space of collective catharsis, everyone caught in the emotions of the songwiting.
Throughout their set, the band remained tight, with their bass lines driving the rhythm forward and Ryan Torf’s drumming providing a powerful backbone. Guitarists Kevin Geyer and Will Levy delivered riff after riff with precision, creating the dynamic soundscapes that The Story So Far is known for. Even in an arena as large as the SSE, they managed to create an atmosphere that felt raw and intimate.
As they closed their set the energy in the room was electric. The Story So Far left the stage to deafening applause, having done exactly what a support act should do—ignite the crowd and leave them wanting more. They were the perfect lead-in to blink-182’s set, warming up the arena with a high-octane performance that showcased their ability to hold their own on such a massive stage. The Story So Far proved themselves as more than just a supporting act tonight. With a powerful, emotionally charged performance that had the SSE Arena singing and moshing along, they set the perfect tone for a night of pop-punk celebration. If there was ever any doubt that The Story So Far could own a stage this size, they shattered it tonight.
As the lights dimmed in Belfast’s SSE Arena tonight, a deafening roar erupted from the sold-out crowd. The anticipation was palpable, buzzing through the air like static electricity. blink-182, Mark, Tom, and Travis were about to hit the stage, and the entire arena felt like it was holding its breath. Three decades of history, heartache, and irreverent humour were about to explode into sound and light.
And then they appeared. Mark Hoppus, Tom DeLonge, and Travis Barker took their places on stage, illuminated by a burst of dazzling neon lights that painted the arena in a sea of pinks, blues, and greens. The energy in the room reached a fever pitch as the first notes of “Feelin This” reverberated through the venue. The crowd—thousands strong—screamed the lyrics in unison, as if we had all been waiting years for this very moment.
blink-182, after more than 30 years together, still play with the energy of a band in their prime. Mark’s signature grin flashed as he effortlessly bounced around the stage, locking eyes with fans and feeding off their excitement. Tom, back with his iconic nasal delivery, delivered every lyric with a nostalgic warmth that made us all feel like teenagers again. And Travis—what can be said that hasn’t already been said about the man who seems to have more arms than humanly possible? His drumming was relentless, a pulse that drove the entire night forward, pushing the crowd to its limits.
The setlist was a dream come true for fans spanning multiple generations. It had everyone from teens to 40-somethings belting out the chorusus with reckless abandon, while deep cuts like “I Miss You” and “Down” sent a jolt of adrenaline through the older fans, triggering memories of skateboards and mixtapes. The newer songs, like “Edging” and “Anthem Pt. 3,” slotted seamlessly into the set, showing just how well Blink has managed to evolve without losing their core essence. They’re still the kings of pop-punk, with that perfect blend of infectious hooks and witty, often juvenile, humor.
Visually, the show was a spectacle. The stage was a playground of LED screens, throwing up wild animations, nostalgic clips, and a constant stream of lights that danced in sync with the music. Flames burst out of the stage during the heavier moments, and confetti rained down during the anthemic singalongs. Every moment felt larger-than-life, but somehow still intimate, like blink was putting on this show just for you.
The crowd was everything you’d expect from a blink-182 show—completely unhinged in the best possible way. From the floor to the nosebleeds, everyone was on their feet, hands in the air, screaming every lyric. There were moments of chaos, with crowd surfers riding waves of hands toward the front, and mosh pits forming during the more raucous tracks. But there was also an overwhelming sense of community—a shared love for a band that has been the soundtrack to our lives for so long.
When the opening chords of “I Miss You” began, the arena lit up with phone lights, creating a sea of twinkling stars. It was a goosebump-inducing moment, as thousands of voices sang the haunting melody back to the band, lazers shooting out across the room, The emotion was raw, and you could feel how much the song still means to so many people, even after all these years.
The night closed off with “All The Small Things”, “Dammit,” and “One More Time” of course, and as the final chorus rang out the crowd erupted one last time. Confetti exploded into the air, fireworks lit up the stage, and Blink-182 took their bows to a standing ovation. They may be 30+ years into their career, but tonight proved that they’re as vital, energetic, and fun as ever. blink-182 has grown up with us, and yet, somehow, they’ve never grown old.
As we filed out of the SSE Arena, ears ringing and voices hoarse, there was a sense of collective gratitude. For one night, we got to relive the magic that blink-182 has brought to our lives for decades. And for that, we’ll always be grateful.
blink-182 in 2024 is everything you want them to be—loud, energetic, and completely unforgettable. Here’s to 30 more years of punk-rock glory!
Blink-182 TO RELEASE ONE MORE TIME… PART-2 ON FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 6
PRE-ORDER/PRE-SAVE HERE
Photography: Mark McGrogan
@flashartmark #flashartmark
