Blink-182 bassist Mark Hoppus
The 8th Musink festival this weekend at the Orange County fairgrounds was a punk rock retreat: over 300 of the finest tattoo artists ready to ink eager patrons, a classic car show and a line up featuring Rancid, Blink-182 W/ Matt Skiba, and from Pasadena, The Interruptors.
Formed in 2011, this Ska four piece opened the show in the main Hangar, the additional space surely helped the sound, and left more room for the fans to mosh. The group is led by Aimee Allen, a front woman with presence and and a voice rougher than gravel. The other members are brothers Kevin, Justin and Jesse Bivona.
They have been compared to the distillers, the Clash and Rancid. Rancid lead singer and guitarist Tim Armstrong signed them to his label Hellcat. Many of the songs were from their self titled debut. Initially the fans slowly trickled in, a bit sluggish even. But when the band launched into, “Haven’t heard the last of me” and “Family” the crowd suddenly awoke and rushed the stage.
Josh Raphael, Riverside spent his time sitting back in a dentist chair getting the phrase, “ghetto kid” tattooed across his abdomen. “The festival was awesome, it has grown so huge,” said Raphael.
The moment everyone was waiting for occurred Sunday night when Matt Skiba made his debut as the new guitarist for Blink-182, replacing founding member, Tom Delonge. Skiba’s trial by fire was a resounding success. It was a bit difficult judging his singing for one, the entire crowd sang every syllable. During the set, teenagers drenched in sweat escaped from the mosh pit; as if they were rising from the rubble and ashes they started.
Musink partner and Blink drummer Travis Barker, is hopeful about the possibility of recording and touring with Skiba. The festival was more enjoyable than Coachella or the Warped tour.
