Blink-182 announced Tuesday they are going on an "indefinite hiatus," possibly bringing to a close their decade-plus career of catchy but angsty radio hits, goofball videos, stand-up comedy stage banter and millions of albums sold worldwide.
"For over a decade, Blink-182 has toured, recorded and promoted nonstop all while trying to balance relationships with family and friends. To that end, the band has decided to go on an indefinite hiatus to spend some time enjoying the fruits of their labors with loved ones," a statement from the band's management read. "While there is no set plan for the band to begin working together again, no one knows what tomorrow may bring."
After Blink pulled out of this weekend's Music for Relief: Rebuilding South Asia concert in Anaheim, California (see "Linkin Park, Jay-Z, No Doubt Rock The House To Rebuild South Asia"), and posted only a vague explanation of the cancellation on Blink182.com, fans began to speculate that Blink had split up, posting rumors they'd heard from anonymous backstage sources or "friends of the band."
But it was Dave Navarro — who played the concert with his group Camp Freddy — who really threw gasoline on the fire when he posted the following on his blog, 6767.com: "As I mentioned, Ozzy pulled out due to a family situation, but the big shock came when Blink-182 pulled out. Evidently, they broke up yesterday. ... I know how it can get when it's just not working anymore. ... Anyway, best of luck to those guys."
Though Navarro would later rescind his comments (and change the initial post), the rumors persisted throughout the weekend and led to Tuesday's announcement. There is no word on whether or not the hiatus will affect any of the bandmembers' side projects, which include the bands Boxcar Racer and the Transplants as well as various business endeavors.
