Pure Music Love

Blink-182's Tom DeLonge Moved as Padres Crowd Sings Hit

Tom DeLonge of Blink-182 was visibly moved when 43,000 San Diego Padres fans sang 'All the Small Things' during a playoff game. The moment highlighted the band's deep ties to San Diego.

Blink-182

Photo: Journalist 2nd Class Denny Lester, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons. Cropped and printed in one ink.

San Diego Padres fans delivered an unforgettable moment for Blink-182’s Tom DeLonge on October 6, 2026, when 43,000 voices united to sing the band’s 1999 hit All the Small Things during a playoff game at Petco Park. The emotional scene unfolded in the eighth inning as the hometown team held a slim lead, turning a stadium tradition into a personal milestone for the pop-punk icon and lifelong Padres supporter.

A Stadium Tradition Turns Personal

For years, the Padres have played All the Small Things when the team leads in the eighth inning—a ritual that blends San Diego’s love for baseball with its musical roots. Blink-182, formed in nearby Poway in 1992, has long been part of the city’s cultural fabric. But this time, the moment hit differently. Broadcast cameras captured DeLonge, seated near the field, wiping away tears as the crowd belted out the anthemic chorus. The Fox Sports announcers echoed the sentiment, calling it a “musician’s World Series” moment—one where an artist’s work resonates on a massive, unscripted stage.

DeLonge, never one to shy away from his fandom, leaned into the energy. He spun a yellow rally towel, shouted the song’s iconic line—“Work sucks! I know”—and flashed the metal horns sign, playing to the crowd and the cameras. It was a rare fusion of sports and music fandom, with DeLonge at the center of both.

Why This Moment Matters

For Blink-182 fans, the scene was a reminder of the band’s enduring legacy. All the Small Things, from their 1999 album Enema of the State, became a defining track of the pop-punk era, peaking at No. 6 on the Billboard Hot 100. While the band has cycled through lineups and hiatuses over the decades, their music remains a touchstone for millennials who grew up with their irreverent, high-energy sound. DeLonge’s emotional reaction underscored how deeply personal music can feel when it’s embraced by a community—especially one as passionate as San Diego’s baseball faithful.

The Padres, who last reached the World Series in 1998, have found creative ways to rally their fans. Using All the Small Things as a hype anthem is just one example. DeLonge has reciprocated the love, previously leading sing-alongs from the field and collaborating with his brand, To the Stars, on exclusive Padres merchandise. His presence at the game—rooting for a team that’s never won a championship—added another layer to the night’s drama.

What’s Next for Blink-182?

As of October 2026, Blink-182 is between albums and not actively touring. However, the band has a busy 2027 planned, with a European summer tour that includes stops at major festivals like Rock for People, Rock im Park, and Rock am Ring. For now, though, DeLonge’s focus seems split between music and baseball. The Padres’ playoff run continues, with Game 4 scheduled for October 7 at Petco Park—another chance for the team (and their famous fan) to make history.

For those inspired by the moment, here’s how to catch Blink-182 live in 2027: - Rock for People (Czech Republic) - Rock im Park (Germany) - Rock am Ring (Germany)

Until then, fans can relive the magic of All the Small Things in its natural habitat: a San Diego baseball game, where music and sports collide in the best possible way.

Questions fans are asking

Why did the San Diego Padres play Blink-182’s *All the Small Things*?
The Padres play *All the Small Things* during home games when the team leads in the eighth inning. It’s become a stadium tradition, blending San Diego’s love for baseball with its musical heritage, especially since Blink-182 formed in nearby Poway.
Has Tom DeLonge performed at Padres games before?
Yes, DeLonge has embraced his role as a Padres superfan. He’s led sing-alongs of *All the Small Things* from the field, thrown first pitches, and even released exclusive Padres-themed merchandise through his brand, *To the Stars*.
When is Blink-182 touring next?
Blink-182 has no shows scheduled for the rest of 2026 but will embark on a European tour in summer 2027, including performances at Rock for People, Rock im Park, and Rock am Ring festivals.

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