BY TER STAFF

Moments ago, Blink-182 stepped off stage in front of a sold-out crowd at Chicago’s Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre in Tinley Park, IL. Performing in support of their new 2016 LP, California, tonight’s show was already the 31st date on their massive 40+ date North American tour. And Blink didn’t come alone either, joining the Californians tonight were Florida natives A Day to Remember and Stillwater, Oklahoma’s All-American Rejects. With a stellar lineup of rock bands and a sold-out crowd, the night was set up to be one to remember from the very beginning.

Performing first, after a DJ set from DJ Spider to get the crowd warmed up, the All-American Rejects blessed the Chicago crowd. A household name in alternative rock, ever since the success of their 2003 self-titled debut, the Tyson Ritter-led band had more than enough hits to choose from tonight. Highlights of their set included performances of their hits, like ‘Dirty Little Secret’ and ‘It Ends Tonight’ as well as their new 2016 single, ‘DGAF’. And we DGAF if anyone tells you otherwise, the All-American Rejects rocked out in Tinley Park tonight.

Next up were Bad Vibrations rockers, A Day to Remember, set to give a night to remember to the Windy City. Although the guys came out with high amounts of energy from the very beginning, there is no doubt that the last half of their performance tonight was a stand out moment of the entire night, with memorable performances of ‘Paranoia’, ‘If It Means a Lot to You’ and their closing performance of ‘The Plot to Bomb the Panhandle’. To say the ATDR bomb exploded with energy tonight would be more than an understatement. 

After about a half hour for the stage crew to set up for the night’s headlining performance, it was time for the men of the night to hit the stage. Opening with their 2003 record, ‘Feeling This’, off their 5th and self-titled LP, their set instantly got off to the best start possible. Next, Blink (which now consists of founders Mark Hoppus and Travis Barker, as well as Matt Skiba) performed their 1999 mega hit track, ‘What’s My Age Again?’, followed by the hilarious and entertaining ‘Family Reunion’, full of a half-minute of swearing (exclusively), begging the question, “what is their age again?”

Throughout the night, Blink-182 performed a vast selection of records from their 20+ year career and their 7 albums, including a number of songs from their newest LP, California. Highlights of Blink-182’s 24-track set, include performances from their classic 2001 LP, Take Off Your Pants and Jacket, and their memorable encore which consisted of a can’t miss performance of ‘All The Small Things’. Rock music and nostalgia where at an all-time high tonight, and Blink reminded fans of their huge career of hits, their lovable sense of humor, and most importantly that they aren’t going anywhere anytime soon. We can’t speak to when their next LP or tour will come, but Blink-182 can still rock.

Check out our photos from tonight’s performance below and check out the tour’s remaining dates here.

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