Summer Concerts 2009: blink-182

Thankfully, the cloud of gloom lifted this past summer as blink-182 ended their break, making a stop at the Darien Lake Performing Arts Center near Buffalo, N.Y. For once, indefinite hiatus didn't mean broken up for good, and the hilarious trio reunited.

Panic! at the Disco, one of the opening bands, had gone through their own band drama as well. Both the guitarist and bassist left the band due to musical differences, but the remaining pair recruited members from different bands to fill in for the tour. Despite their makeshift composition, Panic! delivered catchy tunes and illustrious stage presence.

Fall Out Boy, the second opener, also delivered on-stage performance, an aspect of their tours that had been recently criticized by critics and fans alike. They upped the energy and really shined during their cover of Journey's "Don't Stop Believin'," where they invited Brendon Urie (lead singer of Panic!) to sing vocals.

Though it can be argued that the opening acts attracted a much younger crowd than was expected, blink-182 didn't tone down their hilarity or jokes. They played songs off their most recent album, as well as classic hits. Adding in a spectacular drum solo by Travis Barker, blink-182 delivered a stunning performance that made the audience forget they had ever broken up.