Neighborhoods Tour

Verified Timeline

Lore & Background

The tour followed a period of significant personal and professional turmoil for the band. After the death of longtime producer Jerry Finn and a near-fatal plane crash involving Travis Barker, the trio reunited in late 2008. Recording for *Neighborhoods* was disconnected and disjointed, with the band working separately in a pair of California studios, exchanging ideas via email. A lack of communication and creative momentum deepened existing tensions. The album's title reflected the band's different creative styles, like unique areas in a city. The tour brought the band back to stages worldwide, navigating a diminished rock market and shifting label support.

In Their Own Story

The band first appeared on stage together in nearly five years as presenters at the 51st Grammy Awards on February 8, 2009. Their official website stated: 'To put it simply, we're back. We mean, really back. Picking up where we left off and then some. In the studio writing and recording a new album. Preparing to tour the world yet again. Friendships reformed. 17 years deep in our legacy.' The reunion tour began in July 2009, during which the band reconnected musically and emotionally. Sessions for *Neighborhoods* were stalled by that tour. The album was released on September 27, 2011, debuting at No. 2 on the Billboard 200.

Reader's Guide

The band approached recording with cautious excitement. Mark Hoppus said: 'When Blink got back together, it was like we were huddled around a tiny flame, and no one wanted to breathe too hard and blow it out. [...] We weren't taking Blink for granted anymore. We were respectful of each other and careful to protect the spark we shared when we played.' The trio first began making demos of new material in 2009, completing four demos, with one near completion, 'Up All Night'. The band wanted to release it as a single then but realized it was too ambitious to complete before their reunion tour began in July. Sessions were stalled by the summer 2009 reunion tour. In June and July 2010, the band spent time at their rehearsal spot, intending to wrap up touring by September and stay in the studio for the rest of the year. The album sessions were to be partially documented in *The Blinkumentary*, which was scrapped in 2012.

Did You Know?

• The band's eight-year gap between their untitled album and *Neighborhoods* marks the longest between two albums from the band to date.
• During the hiatus, Tom DeLonge formed Angels & Airwaves, while Travis Barker and Mark Hoppus continued playing together in +44.
• The band's reunion was spurred by two tragedies: the death of producer Jerry Finn and a near-fatal plane crash involving Travis Barker.
• The recording process for *Neighborhoods* lasted over two years, with the band working separately in a pair of California studios and exchanging ideas via email.
• 'Up All Night' and 'After Midnight' were released as singles, with both attracting modest success on Billboard's Alternative Songs chart.