An army of elder emos united at Glasgow’s OVO Hydro for two fantastic nights as pop-punk legends Blink-182 blew our minds! This long-awaited gig, rescheduled from last year, was well worth the 12-month wait, delivering an electrifying experience that fans will remember for a lifetime.
CC: 
Allan Maxwell via OVO Hydro
From the moment Mark Hoppus, Travis Barker, and Tom DeLonge stepped onto the stage, the anticipation in the air was palpable. They kicked off with “Feeling This,” an opener that immediately set the tone for the night. Initially, I wondered if starting with such a hit was risky, but the American pop-punkers knew exactly how to keep the energy high from the get-go.
The band didn’t just play; they performed. From Tom’s adorable pink cap to the playful banter between him and Mark, and of course, Travis’s infamous shirtless drumming, every moment was packed with personality. The production was top-notch, with three massive screens ensuring every fan had a great view, no matter where they were seated. The pyrotechnics, creative lighting, and an especially memorable laser beam show during “Going Away to College” elevated the experience even further.
The crowd’s energy at the start of the night felt a bit subdued, but considering the demographic of ‘Elder Emos,’ it was understandable. Still, there were pockets of moshers and even a few brave crowd surfers, bringing a nostalgic vibe of early 2000s punk shows. Special mention goes to the fans who tried to keep the mosh pits alive throughout the night!
CC: Allan Maxwell via OVO Hydro
A particularly touching moment came when Mark noticed a fan near the front holding up a sign that read, “I’ve just finished my chemo.” Mark, who has his own personal experience with cancer, dedicated the next song, “Down,” to that brave fan. It was a poignant reminder of the deeper connections that music can create. Tom also had his moment, interacting with a security guard during “Wendy Clear,” proving that the band’s sense of fun and spontaneity is still very much alive.
Their playful energy set the tone for a night that felt like one big party. As we were transported back to the early 2000s with hits like “Aliens Exist” (complete with inflatable UFOs), “The Rock Show,” and “Stay Together for the Kids,” the band also treated us to newer material from their latest album. “DANCE WITH ME” was a standout, with the crowd erupting in cheers and dancing along. Personal highlights included hearing “I Miss You” live, a song that brought back memories of MySpace days and the ‘good old days.’ The performance of “Always,” dedicated to the ladies in the crowd, also stood out, as did the creative segue from “Blitzkrieg Bop” by the Ramones into “First Date.”
Just when I thought the crowd was saving their energy, they proved me wrong during “All The Small Things,” which was undoubtedly one of the biggest crowd-pleasers of the night. And to cap it all off, the trio ended with “ONE MORE TIME,” a perfect closer that sent goosebumps through the crowd. The accompanying photo montage of the band’s history added an emotional touch that left everyone reflecting on Blink-182’s incredible journey. All in all, this gig did not disappoint. It was wholesome to look around the Hydro and see everyone singing along to the anthems we grew up on, with generations of fans coming together—from parents with their kids to couples who might’ve had their first dance to Blink-182. Whether it was your first time seeing them or your fifteenth, this show left us all wanting more… “one more time.”