The Blink-182 issue that unfolded January 26 is heating up, and despite earlier conflicting statements, it seems Tom DeLonge is really out of the band.
The latest in the conflicting messages between DeLonge and the remaining two members of the band, Travis Barker and Mark Hoppus, comes in the form of a lengthy Facebook message courtesy of the former guitarist/vocalist.
"I've tried to make things work. I've tried to help move this band down 50 different paths using my people, or other people, and people we don't even know. I tried to put forth ideas about how we can grow and challenge ourselves to become a better band," DeLonge said.
According to him, he's "not sitting around waiting for someone else to do the work."
DeLonge also aired his thoughts on recording their latest EP. "I was in the studio for two months and they came in for around 11 days." The guitarist also said that the band had self-sabotaged.
Barker and Hoppus' problem with DeLonge seem to stem from his other engagements. Us Weekly reports that the two received an email from DeLonge's manager saying that DeLonge "indefinitely" did not want to participate in any more projects for the band.
While recording for Blink-182, DeLonge was also involved with a media company and a record for his other band, "Angels & Airwaves." However, his plans were stopped. "Imagine my frustration when I was handed a 60-age Blink contract saying I couldn't release an 'Angels' album for 9 months and that the 'Blink' album had to be recorded in 6 months, which was impossible for me. Doing so would breach several artist contracts."
"From their view I was controlling everything," DeLonge added. DeLonge also mentioned in his post that he "started this band" in his garage.
In an interview with Rolling Stone on January 27, Hoppus and Barker maintain their story and that this situation is similar to what broke the band up in 2004. Barker also mentioned that they were "finally honest." Barker also called DeLonge "disrespectful and ungrateful."
DeLonge went to say that the two were "defensive and divisive."
Unaware about what was happening when the press release stating him leaving the band first came up, DeLonge even posted on Facebook that he didn't quit. Celebuzz says DeLonge was on the phone about a New York City event for the band when the press release was posted.
Blink-182 will be performing at the 8th annual Musink tattoo convention and music festival, with Matt Skiba of Alkaline Trio filling in.
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