Ernie Ball: The Pursuit of Tone - Tom DeLonge "Stay Together for The Kids"

Ernie Ball: The Pursuit of Tone, an AT&T Original Series features acclaimed Blink-182 and Angels & Airwaves guitarists and singer-songwriter Tom DeLonge. In this clip Tom shares the story behind writing Blink-182's monstrous hit Stay Together for the Kids, the moment he witnessed his parents divorce and the emotive power of art.
Catch the exclusive documentary in its entirety premiering August 19th at 8pm et/pt exclusively on Audience Music (Directv ch.239 and U-Verse ch.1114)
To see more clips and past episodes visit www.ernierball.com/thepursuitoftone
Tom DeLonge plays Ernie Ball Skinny Top Heavy Bottom guitar strings.

[@oliverbroadbent6978]

1:23 hits “You grow up thinkin’ that your parents are more powerful than they are, they know a lot more than they do and as you get older you just start to learn that they’re just people too. They’re about as vulnerable and as uh destructible are you are.”

[@Fletcherinho]

The funny thing for me is that I know this in relation to my kids. They probably think I’m more knowledgeable than I am and doesn’t see me struggling with depression. But sometimes when I see my dad there is something in me that still look at him like when I was a kid. Not always but sometimes.

[@codyaustin8743]

He's spot on with that...

[@gaff51]

Incredible musician, I don't think he was ever really given full credit or adequately admired for how talented his song-writing skills are!

[@craigm2520]

I think because until Take Off Your Pants And Jacket many of there songs or their actions were more comedic people didn’t realize the growth the band had and Tom from Dude Ranch on. Heck even Carousel or some of their other early stuff is actually deeper lyrically on second pass

[@santoscarrillo2996]

He's alright good song though

[@EndlessCreation444]

@kevvcop hahahahaha you obviously don't know Tom then dickhead. Last thing he cares for, his passion is art right with his heart.

[@herchelleonwood7463]

@kevvcop your shallow.

[@JakeATHC]

Stay Together For The Fans

[@ph8818]

well said mate

[@classifiedcalli1731]

stfu.... such an epic band.. and them meeting in a random situation turning into "blink 182" is so special... fuck the fans. they all had their own issues, and insecurities, and made an AMAZING band overall..

[@fauzanpratama9816]

Yes. I hope too 😔

[@DeltaPi314]

Just let them go. The genre isn't even resonating with them anymore.

[@YGRAVITY]

Fuck yeah🤩🤘🏻

[@adambarnard5561]

Wow. This is actually really moving.

[@Slicknick.]

+Realityfails dude. Chill lol

[@TyphoidMarcus]

+nick80411 he doesn't remember

[@user-vc5rp7nf8f]

Yeah, interesting to hear the process and inspiration from such an iconic blink song

[@TyphoidMarcus]

+.m. if you watched uc2 you'd know this info already.

[@user-vc5rp7nf8f]

Realityfails Fuck you

[@unsungobscurity2844]

Words cannot explain enough how much I understand you when you mentioned when you were 18, I am going through it myself

[@ziggyzoo1997]

does someone need to talk?

[@TyphoidMarcus]

+Steven F. lmao

[@BlakeMullens]

Dude chill

[@damnson261]

I was 14, when I saw my house empty I just raged at my mom then run to a friend where I sleept for the night. The next day the home was sold :)

[@diegoestupinan8908]

i was 7 :'(

[@americanidiot478]

1:20 This bit about parents was a tearjerker for me. They really are as vulnerable and destructable as me or anyone else

[@TimRoseOfficial]

As far as I'm concerned, Tom was and is and always will be Blink 182. I am almost 40, and I was about 16 when I started listening to Blink, there are so many memories for me of them and I always felt like he got the short end of the stick. Tom, you got tons of people who love you and will never forget the impact you had on us from a long time ago.

[@michaelgrahamwongacutemadness]

I thought mark was gonna die i figured that would’ve been the end but obviously tom coming back is a return to form somewhat

[@JMPK23]

​@@michaelgrahamwongacutemadness Mark living streaming him texting Tom and smiling was so fucking wholesome ❤

[@Met182]

Could watch Tom talk about his songs all day. Looking forward to the full show.

[@dare2121]

Sometimes as a kid you're just like: "Well at least there'll be less fighting". Then, as you get older, you start to realize what divorce really is and miss the good times and holidays together and the gravity of it gets stronger with age. Thanks for making this song, captured everything.

[@HouseDaddyHouse]

When Tom Delonge talks...you listen.

[@punkgrl325]

@kevvcop Why? Dude made the best of his situation, never gave up, and became a success as a result. The literal American Dream.

[@williamskopong4413]

Very well said 🤘🏻

[@xColinMalarkeyx]

I met Blink when their self titled album came out. It was at a Best Buy in Orange County. I gave Tom a drawing I did with UFO’s entering the atmosphere portrayed from a beach front with a news paper waving in the wind saying, “they’re here!” We we’re as fans specifically told to not engage with them etc. which was cool I understood. Tom has been such a inspiration for me as a guitar player for many years. I shook his hand and gave him the picture I drew and as I was walking away I turned around last min and asked, “I know it’s weird dude but I know I’ll never have this encounter again can I have a hug?” In the most Tom way he smirked and got up from his seat and gave me a hug. So fucking awesome. I will never forget that

[@alienkid]

Stay together for the fans

[@danebramage04]

+1

[@Ericmanifesto]

+alienkid your comment needs to go viral af!

[@danebramage04]

Indeed it does. With that being said, them split up allows us to get twice as much content. All of them are amazing. California sounds epic.

[@Ericmanifesto]

Dane Whittington i agree with you california is dope.....but being a blink fan since i was a kid i and many others im sure cant help but miss blink with tom.

[@danebramage04]

+Quez yeah man, not sure if you've ever heard their live album "mark tom and travis show"...but if you haven't you should buy it on Amazon. It definitely captured their perfect connection together on stage. Only album not available digitally. It's on KZbin though! check it out! I'm happy to say I saw them on their last tour before splitting.

[@iksarmada7197]

Only Tom can make an Acoustic Guitar Sound Electric lol,all jokes aside the kids miss ya Tom and the Blink family will never be the same without you.

[@Hydeose]

It's an electric acoustic...

[@Hydeose]

It is, I was talking about the soft riff part of the song.

[@bobbydrex5268]

Thats also not the acoustic playing during that part just so you know

[@bigashec]

You do know that u can make a acoustic sound like a distorted electric guitar, right? Allot of amps convert acoustics into electrics.

[@bobbydrex5268]

Yes of course I know that but I can also tell the difference between that and the actual song

[@bitronicc1887]

Who else here has played this song on guitar at least once every year since its release?

[@KilosMUSIC]

First blink song I learned on my guitar when I was 12, still one of my Favourite songs to play

[@nightsoldier7462]

I first listened to Stay Together For The Kids about a year before my parents split up. And now, it holds a much greater meaning in my heart.

[@jaypolitowski3013]

I love how we all share the same emotion and similar story with this song... the entire 3 minutes and 53 seconds of the song is just our adolescence lashing out during the chorus and our sad side in the verses and bridge towards the end of the song, and of course the rockin chorus without the vocals for the first half, just pure headbang and anger turned into something beautiful through instrumentation. So good to know there are millions of others who feel the same way as I do while blasting this song, no matter how many times you play it, it still has the same meaning and u go through the same emotions every single listen. I hope you all fix whatever problems you are going through, parents getting divorced is truly sucky man, many of us have been there, it is truly heartbreaking to see 2 people who seem invincible to u as a kid, drift apart, fight, and eventually separate, it does a lot to the young mind.... I love all of you and will never stop emotional overdosing on this awesome ass song, love playing it on guitar too, very fun riffs.

[@LucasMarkHardy]

Looking forward to watching the full doc and getting some insight. Beyond all the drama... this dude has written some amazing songs.

[@TyphoidMarcus]

he said the same crap years ago but you're a post break up fan, so you don't remember

[@LucasMarkHardy]

Relax, it's a two minute clip from a full documentary. I must be a time traveler too; as I seem to remember listening to blink records long before their hiatus! Mad.

[@josesintilde7549]

Agree with you. Tom is such and underrated song writer, i mean... not only this song, the whole Box Car Racer album is brilliant, song of the self titled record like Violence, Stockholm Syndrome and Asthenia. He deserves a lot more credit than just dick jokes or fucking dogs in the ass.

[@TyphoidMarcus]

+Lucas Hardy no you haven't. you're a post break up fan, and that's ok

[@LucasMarkHardy]

Ugh, busted. I've only been listening since Misery Business.

[@busteddon]

saw this on Coachella today and I knew I had to come back to this ❤

[@diddyhayes]

When you know, you know 🤛

[@busteddon]

@@diddyhayes 🤜🏻

[@mannypakas2019]

From all the goofy moments to hearing you talk like this, man, this is life my dude, we're growing up.

[@booitsnick]

The relationship I have with this song is spot on

[@melisa-vd9hp]

A month after my 18th birthday, my mom cheated on my dad, my home is falling apart, and this song really captures not only the sadness but the anger as well

[@JMPK23]

The best you can do is try to understand. Try not to hate her your while life. Tom even said, parents are just people too.

[@callumfriend2523]

Never really given the credit he deserves as a musician and writer!

[@tjsimpson6292]

Always been my favorite Blink song.

[@KevinAdamFlores]

And that is why this song always resonated with me and is still my one of my favorites.

[@tombystander]

My single all time favorite riff is the opening to this song. Thank u for it

[@macko4042]

This is a really fitting story for this song... This is a really great promo clip... I loved this band...

[@chrissbenitez]

really looking forward to watch it all !! thumbs up for Tom and Blink

[@SagHill_255]

Love you Tom. I grew up listening to blink and it's been a helluva ride. Thanks for the memories and music. Trying to type this without crying.

[@dylanwest723]

I love him unconditionally

[@erwinbraga5965]

Was 18..2nd year nursing school..mom had cancer.. and my father left her..worst days of my life..turned to music instead of quitting.. you are an inspiration tom.. Now 33..im a registered nurse in the OR..moms healthy..lifes good..and i just recently known about this .thanks tom!

[@robertgordon9668]

Beautiful

[@lars2241]

I miss you, Tom! Blink isn't the same without you!

[@blackparade7088]

I'm 18, my dad moved out in february after months of fights and sadness, he took all of his things and went away... The day of my parents' 30th anniversary he finally decided to sign the papers of their separation... Everything Tom said really touched me, now I cannot unseen the similarities... I just feel helpless and hopeless in this situation... None of my few friends understands the situation so Tom is the only person I "know" who is actually helping me through this hard times...

[@rndmdchbg]

This is therapeutic

[@grnppj5641]

I love this Tom

[@WhosAbnormal]

You said it best brother ❤

[@SergeantKool1227]

Feel u man, thanks Tom

[@user-vc5rp7nf8f]

great documentary

[@domjoseph2007]

I love tom

[@joaorupp3343]

TOM I LOVE YOU!!

[@Anthony_Corbellini]

I feel so bad for Tom, keep up the good work buddy

[@mig6953]

This one hit me hard

[@thekrakets328]

Siempre seras el mejor Tom! ❤❤👌👌👊👊🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@robclements8673]

I love you Tom and I miss you in blink it isn't the same anymore :(

[@analogway12]

This is very motivational for me Nice Tom :)

[@SKATER720PRO567]

I seriously think if Tom stayed in Blink-182, the band would be different. California probably wouldn't be called California, and all the songs would be titled differently. Also I think if they had a new album The Invisible Parade and suburban kings and new world would totally be on there. People are saying that he's making Blink-182 sound like AVA. But The Invisible Parade, New World, and Suburban Kings just proves that Tom still has a Blink-182 sounding style. I really like California, but when I compare old blink-182 Tom DeLonge lyrics and California lyrics It kinda makes me disappointed about California. Tom really is an amazing song writer. And I wish he would just join back and write some new songs. I'm really wanting to hear some new Blink-182-Tom lyrics. Tom, Stay Together For The Fans

[@WahannuKalingga]

Golden Showers in the Golden State? Circle-Jerk-Pit?

[@SKATER720PRO567]

Yea those too

[@jlav9594]

I miss you in Blink 182. I miss how Blink's songs made me feel. I miss the comfort of the three guys who helped mold my musical interest for all my future...

[@pabloespinoza9046]

Why am I crying to this?

[@x0scimy0x]

I really hope the whole documentary will be uploaded online, I don't have access to watch it on TV :/

[@cretchboc]

Well said

[@bbarrera4108]

i missed this teaser when it was released, seems a lot shorter than 2:30, it just flows like water, cant wait for the whole thing

[@paulharris6938]

1:56 boxcar racer guitar 😜

[@torbar]

Good eye!

[@jacksonscott690]

TOM HAS RETURNED

[@brooklynelsie34]

Well said Tom.

[@mattscarpace2424]

Angels and Airwaves with Blink 182 tour needs to happen. #respect

[@anthonypowell13]

Fuck yes!!! I agree 6661%

[@NeverLandRanchKid]

I like Tom and Love Blink 182!

[@kalebnolan8343]

Man I’m getting ready for bed and now I’m sad as shit, thanks Tom’s parents

[@blinkers182]

Nice!We miss Tom...

[@oliverharrison1313]

To this day, i can't listen to this song in it's entirety. I think of my parents divorce, and immediately start balling.

[@stevenseagull8494]

When you're sad because Stay Together For The Kids will never sound the same without Tom

[@danielamaya138]

Skiba FTW

[@TyphoidMarcus]

+Daniel Amaya true that

[@TyphoidMarcus]

+The Answer no one cares what a post break up fan thinks.

[@danielamaya138]

+Realityfails lol yes

[@danielamaya138]

+Realityfails so true

[@MrSmith-sy4oq]

punk rock is the thing that saved me

[@ADucksOpinion]

Its crazy to think about.. Me and my baby mama broke up before our kid was even 3.. When shes 18 she will have lived most her life with her mom and dad not together.. It really breaks my heart but i guess its better now then 20 years down the line and it kills her inside..

[@ADucksOpinion]

shut up.. you got no fucking clue.. i never called her that till after all the bulshit happen.

[@sabgarcia1]

Can I buy this somewhere, sometime. I cant even get At&t. I want to see the whole thing.

[@nonyobussiness3440]

Tom Delonge is really deep.

[@Mheath13]

A Thousand Times It's Not Enough... Anybody still here?

[@darryljames6403]

You are not alone

[@Mheath13]

@@darryljames6403 Got my tickets for the 2023 concert coming up, you? they are pricey. This song is something special to me, us...

[@himynamelscolin]

I was the same age when it happened to me...neat!

[@ih8myfriends]

Make a video about John Letskus from No/Más

[@dpbucknall1992]

When will this be televised

[@ernieballinc]

Catch the exclusive documentary in its entirety premiering August 19th at 8pm et/pt exclusively on Audience Music (Directv ch.239 and U-Verse ch.1114).

[@Nackduck]

Is it also watchable in Germany? Would love to see this! :)

[@Starrdog]

what about the people that only pay for internet? :(

[@TheEthug]

And fuck you... this is why i play Elixirs. Also they sound better and last longer...

[@dpbucknall1992]

Thanks for replying, I'm from the UK, will it be available on iTunes store?

[@alexnelson3656]

Would love to know the pedal/pedals used on this song

[@DevinGuthrie]

1:54 Describes his relationship to Blink 182.

[@stevenmata1063]

They need to get Mark hoppus on here next

[@caseystewart6259]

I see you brother

[@DPC1987]

where can I watch the full film in England?

[@KapteinSaftblander]

It's out August 19th.

[@SteventheThorn]

Man. Very poignant. Can't wait for this special.

[@tomhessey1156]

Anyone know what guitar he is using here?

[@tomhartmann8643]

where's that?

[@ubernate860]

"It was MMOOIIIIYYY 18th Birthday..."

[@robin_ssl]

tom just want to be a leader in group...

[@anderfootball74]

Stay Together For The Paycheck

[@Manfredzik1]

Bring this to Polish TV

[@enviousleaf123]

Tom wrote Stay Together for the KIds. Mark wrote "Adams Song". Kinda craay

[@nnd3p]

Reuni when?

[@MrSmith-sy4oq]

still I'm emo and I'm always trying to not committ suicide bit it gets to me some times

[@flashgordon2528]

Blink knows how it is lol

[@danfreire1420]

I actually thought this song was about Mark..which I guess he def had input going through the same thing

[@timsillars6050]

Is there any way I can watch this in the UK?

[@Black60Dragon]

Yeah, just go to the UK and take your phone or laptop

[@speedyretreat]

Holy crap. That is the best response to anything ever.

[@timsillars6050]

Guys pls :(

[@JoelMaldonadowashere]

youtube will have after it airs. Someone always posts.

[@moe45673]

Tom's got a good message here, but he's wrong about one thing. ALL music, even classical, is not about the music but about emotion. Any piece that resonates is because you feel the voice of the artist. Any piece that doesn't is either because you can't relate to it or because there is no soul and its purely put together for some other reason. Just look at Johnny Cash's cover of Hurt and how that blew up more than the original ever did.

[@Blinkersub]

Quien quiera ver este video en español puede pasarse por mi canal…tenemos tacos y más videos de blink-182, Angels And Airwaves y Sum 41, bienvenidos blinkers

[@glennthunderer1685]

It's funny because i used to have the same view on my parents when i was a kid and now that i'm an adult myself i see that my parents are just people too who neither have a fucking clue whats going most of the time

[@TyphoidMarcus]

wow very touching, its like I heard this before? oh wait UC2 and STM keep milking those post break up fans.

[@nandasetyawan3095]

tom not in blink again?

[@junachanel9229]

Tom delonge begitu berbeda dengan musisi lain nya

[@jaydiemusik]

Imagine being born on the Day your Parents got married and divorced

[@j.b.n.1492]

Pursuit of Tone? But he found the tone around Dude Ranch. Just sayin

[@tonynurrahman3467]

No.

[@mitchellwildenbeest6775]

After watching this it really bothers me that Mark has the nerve to call his an 'emo song' when playing it live with Matt and down playing it. Blink is dead, Tom is alive.

[@kizwiz6]

Hardly doubt Mark meant that maliciously. Most of his lyrics nowadays can be defined as such. The entire +44 record was darker than Stay Together for the Kids - so was other blink songs like _Adam's Song_ and that's pre-Self Titled.

[@jdm18244]

Isn't it weird when you see the guy who is a founder of a band is explaining his story with his band where he is not longer available as a member of that band ? , i'm not hating Tom, i just feel so weird

[@aththollauahmadaldium4484]

yes he did, skiba doesn't really know how the band was founded

[@MrSmith-sy4oq]

until I found out about blink

[@denywiyoko1021]

Why tom look like chris pratt?

[@JohnWilliams-eh2et]

Just cutting up some onions, nothing to see here, move along