THACKERVILLE, OK -- Blink 182 was set to play two shows at WinStar World Casino back in May, but cancelled shortly after drummer Travis Barker had to undergo an emergency tonsilectomy. The shows were rescheduled for Sept. 13 and 14th, and for fans of the pop punk band, it was worth the wait.
After grabbing dinner at the Firehouse Buffet in the New York Gaming Plaza, we wove our way through the world's second-largest casino to the Global Events Center for the second night of the band's performance. For most of the shows we attend at WinStar, the crowd flows in gradually after the doors open and are in their seats prior to the show. Perhaps it was the younger crowd, which mostly arrived at the last minute, but we did encounter a much longer line than normal.
I've attended Blink 182 concerts in the past, and watching the crowds' antics is always half the fun. There was a lot of jumping up and down from hot girls and guys in flat-billed baseball hats. Several people around us fell when they were standing or attempting to stand on their seats, but as far as we could tell, the night ended without any major incidents.
From the moment Mark Hoppus, Tom DeLonge and Travis Barker took the stage, the crowd was on its feet and singing along with favorites such as Feeling This, Down, Man Overboard, All the Small Things and First Date. When they did pause for DeLonge to share his adult-oriented stories, Hoppus was quick to mention "be warned, there is no pay-off at the end of this story." At the urging of the crowd, DeLonge continued and the fans erupted in laughter on several occasions.
Barker shined in his drum solo, which kicked off the encore, and he had the crowd practically begging for more. When the house lights came up, all I heard from every one around us was how great the show was and how much fun they had.
Blink 182 does not come to DFW on this tour.
Upcoming shows at WinStar include Fiona Apple (Sept. 22), Blake Shelton (Sept. 28) and ZZ Top (Oct. 19). For further information and to purchase tickets, visit here.
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