The Load-Out: Aug. 11, 2011 (Honda Civic Tour)

Ten years ago, the Honda Civic Tour kicked off its inaugural year. With a lineup consisting of, Blink-182, Sum-41 and Alkaline Trio, it was the first of a very successful 10 years of tours. This year, Honda brought back the tour with first-year headliners, Blink-182, along with My Chemical Romance, and an array of opening bands. On Sunday, Aug. 7, Alkaline Trio opened, and memories shot back to 2001.

Alkaline Trio just released their newest effort, Damnesia, which features their crowd favorites stripped down. The amphitheater was starting to fill up as Alkaline took the stage for a 35-minute set that consisted mostly of older songs. “Private Eye” and “97″ were hits with the crowd and the radio friendly “Mercy Me” was being hummed by everyone, even if you never knew the song prior. Fifteen years into their career, and there is no sign of them slowing down anytime soon. They mix punk-rock with “dark” lyric concepts, which makes them accessible to a variety of music lovers.

Everyone knows My Chemical Romance. Whether it was their teenage anthem, “I’m Not Okay,” their Queen-inspired concept album, The Black Parade, or their newest effort, Danger Days, My Chem has been a staple in the popular music scene for the past few years. A tour with Blink-182 was something that was definitely a long time coming.

Playing a good mix from their three albums, it was apparent that everyone there knew them by the way the crowd screamed every word. Songs like “Helena” and “Teenagers” allowed the crowd to erupt in energy, even though they were in their seats. Oversized bouncy balls were in the air and provided some entertainment as the audience passed them through the sky. “The Kids From Yesterday,” an ode to all My Chem’s diehard fans, was my personal favorite of their set. Closing with their hit single off of The Black Parade, “Famous Last Words,” they left the stage with the crowd at an enormous roar. My Chemical Romance continues to break the rules on each release, and I believe after that set, everyone searched for “Three Cheers” on their iPod.

Even though there was a rainstorm looming overhead, that didn’t stop the crowd from yelling “Blink!” at the top of their lungs before they took the stage to “Feeling This.” The band, now nearly 20 years on, sounded better then ever. Going right into “Up All Night,” a new track off their upcoming album, Neighborhoods, due out Sept. 27, it was clear that this was a new revamped Blink-182.

With a production that included video screens, mostly images that dealt with “Neighborhoods,” and a light show including lasers that they are one of the first to use, Blink may have had all the toys, but they were still Blink at heart. Their antics and jokes included the usual topics such as their moms, dads, poop, body parts, you know the usual stuff 30-year-olds talk about. However, that’s what makes them Blink-182. I don’t think their fans want them ever to grow up, and by the show of it, they won’t anytime soon.

The band played all their hits, including “The Rock Show,” “All the Small Things,” and “What’s My Age Again,” to name a few. Even the old songs had new life. Mark and Tom sounded great together and Travis, as usual, brought an ordinary pop song into an epic piece of music.

A lot of people have been boasting about the drum solo on this tour, but with the rain that was pouring down, they had to bag the extravagant part of it. Even so, Travis didn’t disappoint. Playing the solo without the flying through the air, the crowd was still in awe. It’s hard to describe in words what he does on the drums, so either go see him live or YouTube the solo.

Mark and Tom came out after the solo and the band kicked into two of their oldest hits, “Carousel” and “Dammit.” With the rain pouring down, it didn’t stop the thousands in attendance from going absolutely nuts. Not a soul left early despite the weather, and it was truly one of those concert experiences you will never forget. Closing the set with the curse word-infused “Family Reunion,” it sealed the deal; Blink-182 is back.

Along with the hits, they played three new songs, in addition to “Up All Night.” The new songs pick up where their self-titled record left off, and by the sound of these songs, this album is going to meld classic Blink with their latest influences.

If the Honda Civic Tour is coming near you, go check it out. Also when Sept. 27 comes, go pick up their new record Neighborhoods. Blink-182 is back and better then ever.