It was great to catch up with Lee Jennings from the band The Funeral Portrait. I met Lee and the band for the first time at a ghost hunt at Eloise Asylum last week. Yes, we had quite an experience. Click on the story here, in case you missed it. It's pretty wild.
We start off the conversation by talking about that crazy night. "That was crazy, especially since it happened toward the end of the tour. We had already done some of the fun stuff, but that scream was next level. After hitting those tools together, we heard that scream, and when the guide radioed the other group, they didn’t hear anything. That’s when it hit me—this could be something serious." Lee told me he hadn't experienced anything like that before. "Not really. I tend to avoid real-life creepy situations. I love the fake horror stuff, like haunted houses at Universal Studios, but the real haunted experiences are too intense for me."
Lee Jennings From The Funeral Portrait
This interview took place right after their first arena show in Nashville. "Yes, we played at Bridgestone Arena, and it was incredible. There’s something special about indoor shows—the lighting, the atmosphere, and the feeling of being all together in one space. It was magical."
New Funeral Portrait Album - Suffocate City
We also discuss the upcoming TFP album, Suffocate City, which drops on Friday, September 13th. Lee talks about the numerous guests on the album, including Eva from Detroit's own Even Under Fire, Spencer Charnas from Ice Nine Kills, and more. "We’ve got some great guests on the record. Bert from The Used is on "You're So Ugly When You Cry," which was a dream come true for me. Spencer from Ice Nine Kills is on "Suffocate City," and Eva from Eva Under Fire is on a new version of our song "Voodoo Doll." Danny Worsnop from Asking Alexandria is also on the record, contributing to "Dark Thoughts." We’re excited about how it all came together."
When I asked Lee to describe the overall vibe of the band and this record, he told me, " This record feels like home for us—it’s what we’ve been trying to do all along. There’s a little bit of everything on this album, with songs that are deeply personal to me. It’s about finding yourself, dealing with relationships, and overcoming struggles. If you’ve been a fan for ten years, or if you’re just discovering us, this album is The Funeral Portrait at its core."
Thanks to Lee for taking the time to talk with me. I wish him and the band nothing but the best! You can listen to the audio-only version of this interview on my Talkin' Rock with Meltdown podcast.
Blink-182 Lights Up Detroit: High-Energy Hits and Exclusive Photo Gallery from Little Caesars Arena
The band blink-182 rocked Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on August 12, 2024.
The trio, consisting of Mark Hoppus, Travis Barker, and Tom DeLong, brought the "ONE MORE TIME" Tour named after their latest album of the same name, to Detroit.
The night kicked off with blink-182's "Feeling This" from their 2003 album "Blink-182." This is such a great song that helped set the tone for the rest of the show. The band followed up with "The Rock Show" from the 2001 album, "Take off Your Pants and Jacket." Then followed up "Man Overboard" from their 2000 album "The Mark, Tom, and Travis Show (The Enema Strikes Back!)," and "Aliens Exist" from "Enima of The State" and followed up with "DANCE WITH ME" off their 2023 album "ONE MORE TIME."
They followed up by mixing new and classic songs to bring an unbelievable performance to the crowd at LCA.
It was a great blend of classic hits and newer stuff, along with covers of two songs from Hoppus and Barker's side project +44 and DeLonge and Barker's side project Boxcar Racer.
Seeing the band return to Detroit after last year's show was great. Let's hope they return soon.
Check out all the photos and the show setlist.
A big shout out to Robert Bruce Photography for providing all the photos from the concert.
Setlist:
Mark Hoppus and Tom DeLonge Reunite on Stage at Blink-182’s Detroit Concert
Robert Bruce PhotographyMark Hoppus and Tom DeLonge share the stage during Blink-182’s energetic performance at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on August 12, 2024.
Mark Hoppus Rocks the Stage at Blink-182’s Detroit Show
Robert Bruce PhotographyMark Hoppus captivates the crowd with his signature bass lines during Blink-182’s performance at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on August 12, 2024.
Travis Barker Energizes the Crowd at Blink-182’s Detroit Concert
Robert Bruce PhotographyTravis Barker delivers an electrifying drum performance during Blink-182's concert at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on August 12, 2024.
Blink-182 Enthusiasts Gather for a Night of Pop-Punk Magic at Little Caesars Arena
Robert Bruce PhotographyBlink-182 fans gather with anticipation at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on August 12, 2024, for a night filled with pop-punk nostalgia.
Mark Hoppus Takes Center Stage at Blink-182’s Detroit Concert
Robert Bruce PhotographyMark Hoppus, bathed in purple light, delivers an energetic performance during Blink-182’s concert at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on August 12, 2024.
Blink-182 Thrills Detroit with a High-Energy Performance
Robert Bruce PhotographyMark Hoppus and Travis Barker electrify the crowd during Blink-182’s concert at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on August 12, 2024.
Tom DeLonge Delivers a Powerful Performance at Blink-182’s Detroit Concert
Robert Bruce PhotographyTom DeLonge captivates the audience with his signature sound during Blink-182’s concert at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on August 12, 2024.
Travis Barker’s Epic Drumming Performance at Blink-182’s Detroit Show
Robert Bruce PhotographyTravis Barker commands the stage with an intense drumming performance during Blink-182’s concert at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on August 12, 2024.
Mark Hoppus Takes the Spotlight at Blink-182’s Detroit Concert
Robert Bruce PhotographyMark Hoppus captivates the audience as he performs under the spotlight during Blink-182’s concert at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on August 12, 2024.
Tom DeLonge and Travis Barker Share a Moment on Stage at Blink-182’s Detroit Concert
Robert Bruce PhotographyTom DeLonge and Travis Barker deliver a dynamic performance together during Blink-182’s concert at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on August 12, 2024.
Travis Barker’s Intense Drumming Shines at Blink-182’s Detroit Concert
Robert Bruce PhotographyTravis Barker showcases his incredible drumming skills during Blink-182’s concert at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on August 12, 2024.
Tom DeLonge Rocks Out at Blink-182's Detroit Concert
Robert Bruce PhotographyTom DeLonge, guitarist and vocalist for Blink-182, delivers a powerful performance during the band's Detroit show at Little Caesars Arena on August 12, 2024. His energy and passion captivated the audience throughout the night.
Mark Hoppus and Travis Barker in Sync at Blink-182's Detroit Show
Robert Bruce PhotographyBlink-182's Mark Hoppus (left) and Travis Barker (right) perform together during their electrifying concert at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on August 12, 2024. The duo's chemistry and energy brought the crowd to life.
Travis Barker Elevates the Energy at Blink-182’s Detroit Concert
Robert Bruce PhotographyTravis Barker unleashes his signature drumming style, elevating the energy during Blink-182’s concert at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on August 12, 2024.
Blink-182 Electrifies Detroit Crowd with Unstoppable Energy
Robert Bruce PhotographyTom DeLonge and Travis Barker of Blink-182 deliver a high-octane performance at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on August 12, 2024. The night was filled with electrifying moments, including intense smoke effects that added to the band's powerful stage presence.
Travis Barker's Drum Solo Shakes Detroit
Robert Bruce PhotographyBlink-182’s Travis Barker raises his drumstick triumphantly during an intense solo at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on August 12, 2024. The band’s performance was nothing short of legendary, with Barker leading the charge.
Blink-182 Rocking Detroit with an Unforgettable Performance
Robert Bruce PhotographyTom DeLonge, Travis Barker, and Mark Hoppus of Blink-182 bring their A-game to the stage at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit. The trio performed an epic set on August 12, 2024, showcasing their incredible energy and musicianship.
Blink-182 Brings the House Down in Detroit
Robert Bruce PhotographyTom DeLonge, Travis Barker, and Mark Hoppus of Blink-182 light up the stage with their electrifying performance at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on August 12, 2024. The trio’s chemistry was on full display as they delivered a night to remember.
Blink-182 Ignites the Stage with a Fiery Performance
Robert Bruce PhotographyTravis Barker and Tom DeLonge of Blink-182 bring the heat with a jaw-dropping performance at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on August 12, 2024. The explosive visuals matched the band's dynamic energy, making it a night to remember.
Blink-182 Ignites the Stage in Detroit
Robert Bruce PhotographyMark Hoppus and Travis Barker of Blink-182 deliver a jaw-dropping performance filled with energy and fireworks at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on August 12, 2024. The band kept the crowd on their feet with their explosive show.
Mark Hoppus and Travis Barker of Blink-182 Thrill Detroit Fans
Robert Bruce PhotographyMark Hoppus and Travis Barker of Blink-182 light up the stage during their energetic performance at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on August 12, 2024. The band's iconic sound and dynamic stage presence left the crowd buzzing.
