Is Matt Skiba still part of Blink 182? Will Alkaline Trio singer be part of 2023 tour now Tom DeLonge is back

Blink-182 have announced they are reuniting for a world tour in 2023. The rock band will be performing under their original lineup, with guitarist Tom DeLonge joining the group on stage for the first time since 2015.

Whilst many fans celebrated DeLonge’s return, others wanted to know what would happen to his replacement, Alkaline Trio’s Matt Skiba. The artist revealed to fans in July 2022 that he didn’t know if he was still a part of the group, telling them “your guess is as good as mine.”

So who is Matt Skiba and will he be part of the reunion? Here’s everything you need to know.

Who is Matt Skiba?

Matt Skiba is an American musician, singer and songwriter best known for being the lead vocalist for Alkaline Trio and the guitarist and co-lead vocalist for the band Blink-182. The 46-year-old was born in Chicago on 24 February 1976, he originally studied design at Chicago College, before dropping out to pursue music and form Alkaline Trio in 1996. The band would go on to enjoy relative success.

Skiba joined Blink-182 in 2015 and contributed to their 2016 album California which reached number one in the UK and USA and Nine which dropped in 2019.

The singer and guitarist is currently divorced, having previously been married to Monica Parker from 2005 to 2009.

When did he play for Blink-182?

Skiba joined Blink-182 to replace DeLonge as the guitarist and co-lead vocalist in 2015. Throughout his seven years playing for Blink he featured in two albums, California in 2016 which reached number one in the UK and USA and Nine which dropped in 2019.

Speaking to NME in July 2021 about joining the iconic rock band Skiba said: “The overwhelming amount of support and graciousness the fans have shown me overpowers any hate or sh*t-talking. It feels like our band – Mark, Travis, me and the fans. It’s not the same band without Tom but it has the same name, and I think there’s a good reason for that.”

What has he said about the Blink-182 reunion?

Skiba has not yet commented on the reunion and was not included in any of the promotional material sharing the launch. Blink-182 announced the world tour and reunion on social media with a tongue-in-cheek video which declared they are “coming”. The band also confirmed that they will be releasing a new album next year, which will be the first featuring DeLonge since 2011’s Neighborhoods.

Whilst fans have been celebrating the news that DeLonge has returned to Blink-182, many have realised that Skiba is noticeably absent and want to honour his contribution. One Twitter user @KrisProwse182 tweeted: “ In the excitement of Tom DeLonge being back in blink-182. Let’s not forget the important part Matt Skiba did filling the void and keeping blink rolling over the last few years. So much love for Skiba era Blink and both California and Nine as albums.”

Will he be part of Blink-182 world tour?

There has been no news from either Skiba or Blink-182 on whether he will be part of the world tour. Skiba was not included in the promotional video or launch, which hints that he will not be included in the lineup.

Back in July 2022 he expressed doubt as to whether he was still a member in a comment on social media. Reported by NME, when a fan asked him why there was “no Blink content” on his social media and why “the Blink guys don’t post pictures with Matt” Skiba replied: “Your guess is as good as mine. Regardless, I am very proud of and thankful for my time with Blink 182. We shall see…”

Skiba’s name also used to be included in the band’s Instagram bio, however following the reunion all of Blink’s posts have been removed, including the bio with Skiba’s name.