DOWNEY - While summer for many means spending long days at the beach and relaxing with friends, for many students, the season is defined by the Summer music releases by some of their favorite bands.Summer is an essential and ideal time for students to take in entertainment, whether it is their favorite movies, music, or television programs. Many students eagerly await the music releases by their favorite bands, and one huge release that has many sitting on the edge of their seat is the release of Blink-182's new album that's still untitled. "After two years of recording, international tours, and mere greatness, Blink-182 is finally releasing their newest album," said Downey High School alum and Cal Poly Pomona student Sergio Perez. "It is set to come out around the month of September (according to their guitarist Tom Delonge), along with their 'Blinkumentary,' a film about the band's 2009 American Tour, their five year hiatus, and the recording of the new album." While many bands' ultimate goal is to resonate with their fans permanently, Blink 182 has not only long achieved that goal, but still continues to grow. "I've been a fan of Blink 182 for as long as I can remember," said Downey High School alum Cory Ramirez. "I love how they've been able to stay relevant for so long. When I was really young, probably like 10, I remember hearing them and immediately knowing that they would become one of my favorites. To this day, I'm a huge fan, and I am thoroughly excited for their upcoming tour and CD release." There are also fans that go to different extremes to show their loyalty. "I have been a fan of Blink since they came out with their Enema of the State album," said Perez. "My cousin actually turned me on to Blink, and I even have their logo tattooed on my inner bicep." Since Blink 182 is managing to stay relevant and still connect with their fans, they are heading on tour this year to reach out to all of the Blink fanatics they created. While Blink-182 has been around for quite some time, their loyal fans are still as enthused as ever to go see one of their favorites in concert. "The first and only time I saw them live was during their 2009 American Tour," said Perez. "Me and my girlfriend Ana Rivas went to see them at the Verizon Wireless Amphitheater in Irvine, and it was truly amazing. We just recently got tickets to see them in October. They will be playing at the Honda Center in Anaheim, and the Hollywood Bowl; we have tickets to see them at the Hollywood Bowl." Blink 182 has managed to stay a permanent fixture in the music scene since their rocky beginning in 1992, and they continue to keep their old fans while still creating new ones. They will not only be touring this year, but also releasing their studio album and documentary - only further solidifying their super star stature. "They're one of those bands that will be around forever - their music transcends generations," said Ramirez.

********** Published: June 16, 2011 - Volume 10 - Issue 9