While You Were Away: Mark Hoppus Addresses Blink-182 Rumors, The Mars Volta Announce New LP, New Music From YUNGBLUD And More

It’s hot outside. So stay in and catch up with the latest music news with this week’s While You Were Away. This time we’re talking about new music from YUNGBLUD, whether Tom DeLonge is officially back in Blink-182, The Mars Volta’s first new album in 10 years, and more.

Is Tom DeLonge back in Blink-182? Mark Hoppus addresses the rumors

A seemingly innocuous post from Tom DeLonge caused a frenzy among Blink-182 fans. DeLonge recently updated his Instagram bio to read “I make music (blink182 and @angelsandairwaves).” This led many to believe he was back in the band. So are the rumors true? According to Mark Hoppus, no.

Hoppus recently addressed the rumors on Discord saying “There is no news to share. There is no announcement. Today is thirty years of blink-182!” He went on to say “If and when blink has any announcement about anything, you will hear it here or from the official blink-182 outlets. Not teased on a radio station like “tune in for a major announcement…Tom tagged Mark in a photo from two decades ago.”

The rumors may not be true, but we won’t give up hope for Tom rejoining the band in the future!

YUNGBLUD drops new track ‘The Emperor’

Ahead of the release of his self-titled album, YUNGBLUD has shared his new song “The Emperor,” which is the official anthem for ESPN’s 2022 college football season.

“It’s a massive honour to have my song The Emperor chosen as the anthem for ESPN’s college football season,” says YUNGBLUD. “I wrote this song when I was 17, it was just an outburst of unfiltered energy that I knew would have its moment one day. I played it live for years but never found the right time to release it until now. College football is such a massive part of American culture and all I ever want to do is bring energy to people, so I can’t wait for the song to bring that energy to the fans and the players at the games all season.”

Listen to the song below.

YUNGBLUD’s self-titled album comes out September 2nd via Locomotion/Polydor. Pre-order it here.

The Mars Volta announce new self-titled album, share ‘Vigil’

The Mars Volta have finally announced their first proper album in 10 years. Their new self-titled album will drop September 16th via Cloud Hill. In anticipation of its release, the band have shared new single “Vigil.” Listen to it below.

The 14-track LP will feature previously released songs “Blacklight Shine” and “Graveyard Love.” Pre-orders can be found here.

Additionally, The Mars Volta will embark on a fall North American tour in support of the upcoming album. The tour kicks off September 22nd in Dallas, Texas, and wraps up October 23rd in Los Angeles, California. Tickets are on sale now.

Panic! At the Disco, J Blavin, Anitta and more to perform at 2022 MTV VMAs

The 2022 MTV Video Music Awards are happening later this month. After sharing this year’s nominees a few weeks ago, this year’s performers have been announced.

Panic! At the Disco, Anitta, J Balvin with Ryan Castro, and Marshmello x Khalid will perform at this year’s event. Anitta will make her VMA debut, while this marks Panic! At the Disco’s return to the stage for the first time since 2018. Meanwhile, J Balvin will return to the stage to perform “Nivel de Perreo” with Castro.

The 2022 MTV VMAs will broadcast live from Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey on Sunday, August 28th at 8 PM ET/PT. Check out this year’s nominees and vote for your favorites here.

Tours on sale this week

Joe Walsh’s veteran benefit event VetsAid returns this year with a packed lineup. Dave Grohl, Nine Inch Nails, James Gang, The Breeders, and The Black Keys are set to perform at the event. VetsAid takes place at the Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio on November 13th. All proceeds will benefit veterans’ services charities. Tickets are on sale now.

Local H will celebrate the 20th anniversary of their album Here Comes the Zoo with a fall North American tour, which starts September 11th in Omaha, Nebraska and wraps up December 13th in Toronto. Tickets for select shows are on sale now.

Lorna Shore recently announced the “Pain Remains” headline tour where they’ll be joined by Aborted, Ingested, AngelMaker, and Ov Sulfur. The trek kicks off October 21st in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and wraps up November 20th in Montreal. Grab tickets here.

“The Trinity of Terror Tour” featuring Motionless in White, Ice Nine Kills, and Black Veil Brides will return for a third leg this fall. The new dates, which will see the three bands alternating closing sets each night, starts Halloween night in El Paso, Texas and runs through December. Tickets for new dates are on sale now.

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