Blink-182: Tom DeLonge denies quitting band to 'search for UFOs'

Former Blink-182 guitarist-vocalist Tom DeLonge has made headlines in recent months not for his music but for his adventure novel Sekret Machines, his theories on aliens and space travel, and his claim that he’s working with high-level government officials in the Department of Defense. After a new report came out, citing that DeLonge left the band to “search for UFOs,” he posted to Facebook, denying that allegation.

“Quitting the band to search for UFOs? Hahhaha WTF is wrong with you media,” he wrote. “I’m actually talking to Travis [Barker, Blink-182’s drummer] about us right now… Never did quit, remember? But- Am I currently working with people in the Government? YES. Including leadership from DOD, Intelligence and Executive Branch? YES. Just wait for the Documentary before considering ridiculous headlines. Haha.”

He was indeed talking to Barker Tuesday night, when the two tweeted back and forth.

DeLonge’s latest comments echo what he told EW earlier this year. “I never willfully left Blink-182,” he said in an interview. “The first time I quit the band and started Angels and Airwaves as an art project, the band was meant to be a musical component of large themes and ideas that I wanted to communicate on different mediums. [Production company] To the Stars was created somewhere along those first few years. But I never had the idea to start a company and leave the band. That was never my intention.” He also said, “I wish them all the best.”

DeLonge left Blink-182 (for the second time) in 2015, and after rumors swirled about his departure, he wrote a lengthy Facebook note to fans detailing vague reasons for leaving the band. The post ended with, “Never planned on quitting, just find it hard as hell to commit.”

The band had a bit of back-and-forth in the media — “It’s hard to cover for someone who’s disrespectful and ungrateful,” Barker told Rolling Stone — but now, Blink-182 is about to release their 11th album California on July 8 with a new lineup. (Matt Skiba of Alkaline Trio took over DeLonge’s place on guitar.)