Tom DeLonge Decides To Leave Blink-182 ‘Indefinitely’ [Update]

UPDATE: Tom DeLonge has issued a statement after news hit that he had left Blink-182. As of right now he’s denying that he’s left the group, despite band members Mark and Travis’ initial joint statement.

“To all the fans, I never quit the band. I actually was on a phone call about a blink 182 event for New York City at the time all these weird press releases started coming in… Apparently those releases were ‘sanctioned’ from the band. Are we dysfunctional- yes. But, Christ….. #Awkward #BabyBackRibs”

Tom DeLonge, the longtime co-singer, writer and guitarist for Blink-182 has decided to leave the rock group. According to KROQ, DeLonge’s decision was abrupt and he decided to notify band members Travis Barker and Mark Hoppus formally.

Instead of putting the band on hiatus, Mark and Travis have decided to invite Alkaline Trio’s guitarist and singer Matt Skiba to join them for live performances, specifically Travis Barker’s Musink Festival, which will take place in Orange County, California on March 22.

Barker and Hoppus issued a joint statement about Tom DeLonge’s departure from the punk rock trio.

“We were all set to play this festival and record a new album and Tom kept putting it off without reason.”

The two continued, “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.”

Although this decision could leave feathers ruffled, Barker and Hoppus said, “No hard feelings, but the show must go on for our fans.”

As of right now, it’s unknown if Skiba will stay with Blink-182 to record their album, but the members insist that he will still record and tour with his band Alkaline Trio.

It’s not known what DeLonge plans to focus on. While Blink-182 were on a hiatus, Tom put his energy into his other band Angels & Airwaves. He hasn’t commented on Twitter about the split from Blink-182, but he has been promoting Angels & Airwaves, which leads us to believe that he really wants to focus on his other band.

After the news was released about Tom DeLonge’s departure, Mark Hoppus posted a short message on Twitter.

blink-182 w Matt Skiba playing Musink. Pre-sale goes up Friday at 10am! pic.twitter.com/p5TP3pWSLn

— |/|@r|{ )(0%ü$ (@markhoppus) January 26, 2015

blink-182 life. For life. — |/|@r|{ )(0%ü$ (@markhoppus) January 26, 2015

[Image via yakub88 / Shutterstock.com]