Blink-182 guitarist and lead singer, Tom DeLonge, has left the band. According to CBS Radio, DeLonge is on an “indefinite” leave.
Blink-182 band mates Travis Barker and Mark Hoppus released the following statement:
“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 indefinitely, but would rather work on his other non-musical endeavors.”
Barker and Hoppus are still set to play at the 8th annual Musink Music and Tattoo Festival in Costa Mesa, Calif. on March 22. They have recruited Alkaline Trio’s singer and guitarist, Matt Skiba, to replace DeLonge at the festival and in their current project.
No need for Alkaline Trio fans to worry, as Skiba promises he’ll continue to tour and record with his original band.
Additionally, Barker and Hoppus noted there are “no hard feelings, but the show must go on for our fans.”
The Associated Press is expected to receive an official statement from Blink-182’s publicist.