Producer Otis Barthoulameu (known to many simply as “O”) was one of the first people to really believe in the trio and produced their debut album Cheshire Cat. On Friday (February 17), Mark Hoppus penned an emotional message revealing that O had passed away.
“Very saddened to hear of the passing of our dear friend O. O was the first person to believe in blink when we were just some skate rats playing in front of ten people in the basement of a club in San Diego,” he wrote. “He helped get us signed to our first record deal. He was a friend and mentor. And not just for us. For so many musicians, athletes, and photographers in the Southern California underground scene. He documented skateboard culture, played in countless bands, and was just…always there. A legend.”
“I was writing about him last night and woke up to learn he’s gone. A huge loss,” Hoppus continued. “Here he is at the board during our recording of Cheshire Cat, which coincidentally came out 28 years ago today. Thank you, O. You changed all our lives.”
Sunn O))) Announce UK and European Tour, Share New 15 Minute Track “Butch’s Guns”
Drone metal standard bearers Sunn O))) have released a new track, “Butch’s Guns,” and expanded their 2026 touring schedule with newly announced UK and European

Arch Enemy Reveal New Vocalist Lauren Hart, Drop “To the Last Breath,” Announce Summer 2026 European Tour
Arch Enemy have officially entered their next chapter. The Swedish melodic death metal lifers have introduced Lauren Hart (formerly of Once Human) as their new

Codefendants Unleash “Lonely Life” Video Starring Jakob Nowell Ahead of LIFERS
Codefendants have released the official video for “Lonely Life,” the second single from their upcoming sophomore album LIFERS, out April 3. The trio — Fat

William Shatner Announces Heavy Metal Album Featuring Covers of Black Sabbath, Judas Priest, and Iron Maiden
William Shatner is stepping into heavy metal. The 94 year old actor and recording artist has announced a forthcoming metal album featuring covers of Black

The Eagles Extend “The Long Goodbye” With Three Massive Stadium Shows
The Eagles are not done saying goodbye. The band has announced “The Long Goodbye, Act III,” a three-date stadium run set for May 2026 in

Metallica AT THE SPHERE LAS VEGAS – The Band Announces “Life Burns Faster” Sphere Residency
Metallica are taking their live experiment to the most technologically ambitious stage on the planet. After months of speculation, the band has officially announced Life