Blink-182 Split With Record Label

After reuniting to make last year's Neighborhoods, Blink-182 have split from the band's record label Interscope, MTV reports. "Freedom!! Blink as of today, is now an independent Artist!!!!!"singer-guitarist Tom DeLonge tweeted yesterday with a photo of Mel Gibson in Braveheart. Blink-182 had been signed to Universal Music Group, Interscope's parent company, in some form since 1997.

"Yes indeed, we are no longer with Interscope. It's been a long, amazing journey with them, starting with Cargo records, then MCA, then Geffen and finally Interscope, but the time has come to move on," singer-bassist Mark Hoppus told MTV. "The reasons for us not working together are many and varied, but mostly we wish them luck in everything in their future, and thank those there who've worked so hard on Blink-182 throughout the years."

Hoppus said the band's plans include continuing the writing process "through the end of the year" and recording after their February tour of Australia.

"As far as labels, to be honest, we've been holding our breath waiting for final word from the attorneys that our contract with Interscope had ended. Now the future's a wide-open door," said Hoppus. "We're lucky to be in a position where, after 20 years in our band, we can be independent and open to all options. It's a very exciting time here. I feel like our band is in the best place it's been in a long time. I mean, just look at my hair!"