Blink-182 Rocks Riot Fest 2025 with Descendents’ Stephen Egerton and Matt Skiba Reunion

Blink-182 ignited Riot Fest 2025 by teaming up with Descendents’ Stephen Egerton and reuniting with Alkaline Trio’s Matt Skiba in an unforgettable punk-rock celebration.

A Riot Fest to Remember in Chicago

If you were lucky enough to catch Riot Fest 2025 in Chicago’s Douglass Park, you witnessed something truly special. This year marked the 20th anniversary of the legendary punk festival, with iconic names like Green Day and Weezer sharing the headline spotlight over the weekend. But it was Blink-182’s Friday night set on September 19 that stole the show for many fans, delivering a night bursting with nostalgia and surprise collaborations.

Blink-182 lighting up the stage at Riot Fest 2025 in Chicago.

Descendents’ Stephen Egerton Joins for a Classic Cover

Blink-182 has always been a band that pays homage to their punk roots, and this night was no exception. Midway through their set, the band welcomed Descendents’ guitarist Stephen Egerton on stage for a cover of the punk classic ‘Hope’ from the Descendents’ 1982 album Milo Goes To College. The song had been a rare gem in Blink’s setlists, having not been played since 2003 until their 2025 shows. This reunion on stage brought a wave of excitement and felt like a full-circle moment for fans who grew up loving the early days of punk.

Curious to see the magic? Watch fan-captured footage of this electrifying performance here:

Matt Skiba’s Triumphant Return to the Blink Stage

The surprise kept coming when Blink-182 invited Alkaline Trio’s frontman Matt Skiba on stage. Skiba isn’t just any guest; he was an official member of Blink-182 from 2015 to 2022, stepping in after Tom DeLonge’s departure. Their collaboration felt like a warm reunion as they played ‘Bored To Death,’ the first track released with Skiba and a song that’s made several appearances live this year.

Check out their live performance together here:

Blink-182’s Explosive Setlist at Riot Fest 2025

For die-hard Blink fans, the setlist was a thrilling rollercoaster:

• The Rock Show
• First Date
• Josie
• Anthem Part Two
• Online Songs
• M+M’s
• Fuck Face
• Dumpweed
• Feeling This
• Down
• Turpentine
• Bored To Death (with Matt Skiba)
• Wishing Well
• Stay Together For The Kids
• Roller Coaster
• Dance With Me
• I Miss You
• More Than You Know
• Hope (with Stephen Egerton)
• What’s My Age Again?
• All The Small Things
• Dammit

This lineup was a perfect blend of vintage tracks and newer material, weaving together decades of punk history into a single, electrifying night.

Mark Hoppus Reflects on Life and Music

Mark Hoppus, Blink-182’s ever-charismatic bassist and vocalist, recently opened up about his journey through struggles and triumphs. In a heartfelt interview, he said, “I’m very thankful to be alive,” talking candidly about death, defiance, and the humor that has often carried the band’s spirit. His resilience adds a layer of depth to every song Blink performs live.

Catch Mark’s full reflection here:

Touring with Alkaline Trio: A Perfect Punk Pairing

Blink-182’s current ‘Missionary Impossible’ tour, which kicked off in late August and runs through early October, features Alkaline Trio as the opening act—a fitting partnership given Skiba’s history. The tour stops across the U.S. have been packed with energy and camaraderie, culminating in a final show in Palm Desert, California.

The Skiba and DeLonge Story: Respect and Reunions

Tom DeLonge’s departure in 2015 was a tough chapter for Blink-182 fans, but Matt Skiba stepped in with grace and talent, contributing to albums like California (2016) and Nine (2019). When DeLonge rejoined the band, Skiba gracefully bowed out but maintained a warm relationship with the group.

“Hi Matt, Tom DeLonge here. I wanted to take a minute and say thank you for all that you have done to keep the band thriving in my absence. I think you are enormously talented (I still love and listen to your band to this day).”

Skiba shared his feelings, saying he was “truly happy” for his former bandmates and maintained a positive outlook on his time with Blink. He also recalled the initial backlash from fans when he joined, saying it only lasted “until we started playing shows.” The fan support quickly overwhelmed any negativity, creating a strong bond between band and audience.

Descendents’ Continuing Legacy

Meanwhile, Descendents have been busy as well, touring the UK and Europe alongside Circle Jerks earlier in 2025, keeping the punk flame alive across the globe.

Closing Thoughts: A Punk Festival for the Ages

Riot Fest 2025 was a vibrant reminder of the enduring power of punk rock and community. Seeing Blink-182 share the stage with both Stephen Egerton and Matt Skiba was a nostalgic treat, blending the old with the new and celebrating the genre’s rich history. Whether you were moshing in the crowd or watching from your couch, it was a moment that echoed the rebellious spirit punk has championed for decades.

FAQ

• What special guests joined Blink-182 at Riot Fest 2025?
  Stephen Egerton from Descendents and Matt Skiba from Alkaline Trio joined Blink-182 on stage.
• Which Descendents song did Blink-182 cover at Riot Fest?
  They covered ‘Hope’ from Descendents’ 1982 album Milo Goes To College.
• What song did Matt Skiba perform with Blink-182?
  Matt Skiba joined to perform ‘Bored To Death’, the first Blink song he recorded with the band.
• Is Matt Skiba still a member of Blink-182?
  No, he was part of the band from 2015 to 2022 but reunited with them for special performances.
• What is Blink-182’s current tour called?
  Their ongoing tour is named the ‘Missionary Impossible’ tour, featuring Alkaline Trio as support.

If you’re a fan of this iconic punk-rock era, why not bring a piece of the magic home? Shop your favorite album cover posters at our store to celebrate the legendary bands and moments that shaped your soundtrack. Browse the collection here.