Tom DeLonge
- Attended Poway High School in Poway, California
- Attended Rancho Bernardo High School, San Diego County, California
Thomas Matthew DeLonge Jr., known professionally as Tom DeLonge, is an American musician celebrated for his role as the co-founder, co-lead vocalist, and guitarist of the iconic rock band Blink-182. DeLonge's distinctive nasal singing voice and energetic guitar work have made him a prominent figure in the pop-punk genre. He has also achieved recognition as the frontman of Angels & Airwaves, a band he formed in 2005 following his first departure from Blink-182. With a career spanning over three decades, DeLonge's contributions to music and popular culture have left an indelible mark.
Born on December 13, 1975, in Poway, California, DeLonge was introduced to music at an early age when he received his first guitar. As a teenager, he began writing punk rock songs, and while in high school, he teamed up with bassist Mark Hoppus and drummer Scott Raynor to form Blink-182. The band quickly garnered attention in the local music scene, leading to their signing with Cargo Music and the release of their debut album, Cheshire Cat, in 1995. Their sophomore effort, Dude Ranch, released in 1997 under MCA Records, featured the hit single "Dammit," further propelling them into the mainstream.
In 1998, drummer Travis Barker joined the band, and this lineup would become synonymous with Blink-182's sound. Their third album, Enema of the State, released in 1999, catapulted the band to international fame, selling over 15 million copies worldwide and achieving quadruple-platinum status in the U.S. The album featured three major hits, including "What's My Age Again?" and "All the Small Things." Following this success, Blink-182 released Take Off Your Pants and Jacket in 2001, which debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200, solidifying their status as pop-punk pioneers.
In 2002, DeLonge and Barker explored a different musical direction with their side project, Box Car Racer, which released a self-titled album. However, this venture was short-lived, and the duo returned to Blink-182 for their self-titled fifth album, released in 2003. This album marked a shift in the band's tone and showcased a more mature sound. Internal tensions, particularly driven by DeLonge's creative differences, ultimately led to the band's breakup in 2005. During this hiatus, he founded Angels & Airwaves, which he described as an "art project" encompassing music, film, and literature. The band has since released five albums, with themes often centered around hope and the human experience.
After reuniting in 2009, Blink-182 released their comeback album, Neighborhoods, in 2011. However, DeLonge's departure from the band occurred again in 2015, leading to further speculation about his future in music. In 2022, he made a triumphant return to Blink-182, rejoining Hoppus and Barker, and fans eagerly anticipated new material from the group.
Beyond his music career, DeLonge has ventured into various entrepreneurial pursuits. He founded Macbeth Footwear, which focuses on vegan and organic clothing, and Modlife, a technology company aimed at helping artists monetize their work. He also created To The Stars, an organization dedicated to exploring fringe science and UFO phenomena. In addition to his musical endeavors, DeLonge scored and produced the sci-fi film Love in 2011 and authored the children's book The Lonely Astronaut on Christmas Eve in 2013, showcasing his diverse talents.
Through his innovative approach to music and a passion for storytelling, Tom DeLonge has established himself as a multifaceted artist whose influence continues to resonate in the rock music landscape and beyond. His commitment to both his musical and creative projects reflects a dedication to exploring new artistic horizons while remaining a beloved figure within the punk rock community.