Pop Break Live: Blink-182 with Lil’ Wayne, Neck Deep at The PNC Bank Arts Center in Holmdel, NJ
Photos by Alfred Mannarino | Words by Ryan DeMarco
It was a Tuesday night in Holmdel, and fans were ready for a rock Show that only 2019 could assemble. Yet there was question that loomed over the heads of the 15,000 people that packed the legendary PNC Bank Arts Center in Holmdel, New Jersey.
How exactly would the pairing of one of the greatest, most successful pop-rock bands of the last 20 years and an iconic Grammy-winning, multi-platinum hip hop artist turn out. The outcome? Pretty impressive actually.
Lil’ Wayne brought his signature swaggering, frenzied energy to the stage performing cuts from his extensive catalog ranging from his new album, Tha Carter V to his classic anthems like, ‘Lollipop.’ The artist (real name Dwayne Michael Carter Jr.) played his hour long set looking sharp as ever. (If you’re wondering, yes, he was cheerfully in character smoking a joint). With his entire ensemble on stage, Lil’ Wayne played to impress but made sure not leaving without expression a deep sign of gratitude for his fans going as far that he would be nothing without them. Classy.
Once Wayne’s set finish, Mark Hoppus, Matt Skiba, and Travis Barker stormed the arena for a bombastic 90 minute set. The band’s set included a number of cuts from their classic record, Enema of the State, which celebrated its 20th Anniversary this summer (and is the reason the trio hit the road).
While the classics were the crowd pleasers, the band also performed their latest single ‘Blame It On My Youth’, which is the first evidence from their upcoming September album.
This Tuesday show marked the platinum winning band’s second show in the state following their much-beloved headlining performance at the Vans Warped Tour 25th Anniversary Show in Atlantic City.
Hoppus, Skiba, and Barker were playful as always giving each other a chance the spotlight throughout the show. Of course, one of the absolute highlights was Barker performing a drum solo in a 360 degree rotating steel cage of tattoos, attitude, and no mercy. The crowd went nuts, needless to say, and rightfully so. It was a first I must say.
With age and experience reigning over the stage all night there was not a shred of exhaustion, fatigue or wear that plagued any performers on this night. Everyone turned in top notch acts and in the end left the crowd with something to talk about. It was a Tuesday night in Holmdel, New Jersey but the energy channeled the energy of a Saturday night in Paradise for fans.
Blink-182 Setlist:
Dumpweed
Don’t Leave Me
Aliens Exist
Going Away to College
What’s My Age Again?
Dysentery Gary
Adam’s Song
All the Small Things
The Party Song
Mutt
Wendy Clear
Anthem
Down (Mark and Matt Acoustic)
Wasting Time (Mark and Matt Acoustic)
Drum Solo
Bored to Death
Built This Pool
I Miss You
Blame It on My Youth
First Date
Family Reunion
Dammit
