blink-182 Bring Chaos, Comedy, and Classic Hits to When We Were Young Festival

October 18th in Las Vegas was a day packed with pop-punk history, and blink-182 proved why they are still one of the genre’s most electrifying acts at the When We Were Young Festival. As one of the two headliners, the band delivered an hour-and-a-half set that combined all the hits, non-stop energy, and irreverent humor fans have come to expect, sending the crowd into a near-constant frenzy from start to finish.

From the opening chords, the audience went absolutely wild. Thousands of fans sang along to every anthem, fists pumping, voices echoing across the festival grounds. Mark Hoppus, Tom DeLonge, and Travis Barker each commanded the stage with undeniable charisma, demonstrating why their music has endured for decades. Barker’s drumming was explosive and precise, while Hoppus and DeLonge traded vocals seamlessly, capturing both the angst and the fun that has defined blink-182’s sound since the early 2000s.

The set was a perfect balance of nostalgia and irreverent charm. Between songs, the band’s signature dirty, self-deprecating humor had the crowd laughing as much as they were singing. These moments of banter added a playful, human element to the performance, making the audience feel like they were part of the joke while keeping the energy sky-high. Despite the jokes and chaos, the music itself was tight, polished, and as exhilarating as ever. Every guitar riff, drum fill, and bass line landed with precision, proving that blink-182 still sound fantastic live, decades into their career.

Of course, the hits were the real highlight. Fans erupted at every familiar chorus, jumping, waving, and singing along as if no time had passed at all. Even those experiencing their music live for the first time were swept up in the infectious energy, demonstrating the timeless appeal of the band’s catalog. The hour-and-a-half set felt like both a trip down memory lane and a celebration of the present moment, creating one of the most electric experiences of the festival.

When We Were Young Festival was already an unforgettable day of music, but blink-182’s headlining performance elevated it to another level. Their combination of high-octane rock, nostalgic hits, and hilarious, off-the-cuff banter made for a set that was energetic, memorable, and thoroughly entertaining. It was a reminder that blink-182 aren’t just a band — they’re a cultural touchstone, still capable of igniting crowds and creating moments that fans will remember for years to come.

Review by: Austin Sher, Photos by: Sophia Juliette & Justin Agoncillo/When We Were Young