Blink-182 gave their fans an unforgettable surprise at a recent benefit concert in Los Angeles when former guitarist and vocalist Matt Skiba joined them on stage. The band, known for its catchy punk anthems and irreverent stage presence, played a sold-out show at the Hollywood Palladium to raise funds for wildfire relief efforts.
But the night was far from just another charity event—it was a moment of musical nostalgia that no one saw coming.
An Unexpected Reunion for a Good Cause
The concert, held on February 13, 2025, was organized to generate aid for victims affected by the devastating wildfires that recently tore through Los Angeles. Blink-182 joined forces with multiple organizations, donating all net ticket proceeds to the Pasadena Humane Society, the California Fire Department, the LAFD Foundation, and the ARC Firefighter Fund.
Opening the show was Alkaline Trio, the Chicago-based punk band fronted by Matt Skiba, who was an integral part of Blink-182 for seven years. Some fans speculated that an on-stage reunion might happen, but no one could have guessed just how electric the moment would be.
Matt Skiba Joins Blink-182 Midway Through the Set
As Blink-182 progressed through their hit-packed setlist, Skiba suddenly appeared on stage to perform “Bored to Death”, a song he originally co-wrote for the band’s 2016 album California.
Bassist and vocalist Mark Hoppus introduced Skiba with a sarcastic twist, telling the audience,
“When we announced this show, we opened a contest for people who know how to play guitar. And so, I’d like to invite you to give a big round of applause for our contest winner!”
The crowd erupted in laughter and cheers as Skiba walked onto the stage, his guitar slung over his shoulder. The performance was seamless, and by the time the chorus hit, the entire venue was singing along.
At the end of the song, an emotional moment unfolded: Skiba embraced Hoppus and then exchanged a heartfelt hug with Blink-182 co-founder Tom DeLonge—the man he had temporarily replaced in the band from 2015 to 2022.
“Give it up for Matt mother-f****** Skiba!” Hoppus yelled into the mic.
The energy in the room was overwhelming, but the most surprising reaction came from DeLonge, who turned to the crowd and quipped,
“So much sexual tension.”
From Stadiums to a Small but Mighty Venue
Blink-182 is used to performing in massive arenas, having headlined SoFi Stadium in front of more than 50,000 fans just last year. But on this night, the intimate Hollywood Palladium, which holds 4,000 attendees, gave fans the rare chance to see the band up close in a nostalgic punk-rock setting.
“Normally, we play stadiums,” Hoppus told the cheering audience before joking, “Playing this f****** tiny little closet, it’s fun for us. It’s cute.”
Of Course, There Were Classic Blink-182 Jokes
Blink-182 has never been a band that takes itself too seriously, and this night was no exception. Even as they played an important benefit show, they kept the goofy banter flowing.
“We do this s*** for the firemen,” Hoppus said midway through the set.
“When I say something like, ‘Buttholes taste like coins,’ that’s for the firemen.”
The crowd roared in laughter as drummer Travis Barker smirked behind his drum kit.
Setlist Highlights: Old Favorites & Surprise Covers
The band didn’t hold back when it came to delivering a hit-packed setlist. Fans were treated to iconic songs like:
- “All the Small Things”
- “What’s My Age Again?”
- “One More Time” – a 2023 hit proving the band’s staying power
- “Dammit” – during which they unexpectedly mixed in a snippet of Chappell Roan’s “Pink Pony Club”
As the final notes of “Dammit” rang out, Hoppus took the microphone one last time to thank the fans.
“We love you, Los Angeles. Give it up for the firefighters and the first responders, and everybody who’s been working so hard to put this city back together. We love you all.”
What Does This Mean for Blink-182 and Matt Skiba?
While this onstage reunion was a delightful surprise, it doesn’t seem to signal any long-term changes in Blink-182’s lineup. Tom DeLonge, who officially returned to the band in 2022, remains firmly in place alongside Hoppus and Barker.
Since departing Blink-182, Matt Skiba has focused on his projects with Alkaline Trio, as well as solo work. There’s no confirmation of whether he will collaborate with the band again anytime soon, but this one-time performance was enough to leave a lasting impression.
A Night That Blink-182 Fans Won’t Forget
This benefit concert was more than just a fundraising effort—it became a historic Blink-182 moment. Fans who attended got the rare experience of seeing:
- The band perform in an intimate venue
- A long-awaited onscreen reunion with Matt Skiba
- Full-throttle banter that proves Blink-182 hasn’t lost its edge
For both longtime followers and new-generation fans, this show will go down as one of the most unforgettable Blink-182 performances in years.
Will There Be More Surprises from Blink-182?
With their reputation for unexpected reunions and unpredictable moments, it’s safe to say that no one ever truly knows what Blink-182 will do next.
Could there be more live collaborations between Matt Skiba and Blink-182 in the future? That remains to be seen—but after this show, fans certainly wouldn’t rule it out.