The DollaBill Tour was a mini-concert tour by rock band Blink-182. Launched in support of the group's 2003 album Blink-182, the tour visited clubs in November 2003. As the name implies, tickets for the tour cost only $1. The series was supported by rapper Bubba Sparxxx and rock band the Kinison.

DollaBill Tour
Tour by Blink-182
Promotional poster for the tour
LocationNorth America
Associated albumBlink-182
Start dateNovember 6, 2003
End dateNovember 21, 2003
No. of shows10
Supporting acts
Blink-182 concert chronology

Background

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The tour was conceived as a low-cost, fan-focused experience intended to reward long-time supporters who had helped the band reach mainstream success. The band covered the tour's expenses themselves, while many venues donated use of their spaces for free for the performances.[1][2] It was originally planned as a free tour, but it was ultimately decided that a one-dollar ticket price would be necessary for logistical and safety reasons.[3][4] "We wanted to remind ourselves where we came from and our fans, too," DeLonge said. "Small shows can be so much more powerful. They are ten times more intimate. For a normal fan that likes stuff on the radio they might want pyro and lights, but for a music lover and fan of the band they will feel it and don’t need the glamour."[5] Drummer Travis Barker agreed, stating that he preferred intimate club performances over large arena shows.[6]

In a later interview with the British press, Tom DeLonge joked that the DollaBill Tour was only intended to provide "$1 worth of songs"; he stated that although Blink-182 had considered bringing the concept to the United Kingdom, the stronger value of the British pound would have made the shows financially impractical.[7]

Support acts

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Rapper Bubba Sparxxx and post-hardcore band the Kinison supported the group on tour dates. Barker, who was responsible for recruiting the two acts, praised the contrast between them, observing the variety helped distinguish the tour from others within the punk rock scene. He expressed particular enthusiasm for Sparxxx, praising his producer Timbaland and the musical depth of Sparxxx's work.[6] Barker called Sparxxx "one of my favorite rappers of all time." In describing the decision to feature eclectic supporting acts, Barker remarked, "We tour with punk rock bands every time we tour, so we’re just going to tour with bands we like now."[3] DeLonge was similar:

People gotta grow. They gotta open their minds and listen. There is a lot of good music out there and it’s like, since I was in 7th grade, I only listened to punk rock. I was so biased, so stupid. Now there’s so many great bands out there and it wasn’t until our band started having a little success that I see these bands out there doing their shit and it’s amazing.[3]

Tour dates

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Date City Country Venue
North America[3]
November 6, 2003 Boston United States Avalon
November 7, 2003 Philadelphia TLA
November 8, 2003 Washington, D.C. 9:30 Club
November 9, 2003 New York City Irving Plaza
November 12, 2003 Detroit Clutch Cargo's
November 13, 2003 Chicago House of Blues
November 14, 2003 Minneapolis Quest
November 17, 2003 Los Angeles Avalon
November 18, 2003
November 21, 2003 San Diego SOMA

Reception

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Andrew Bealuon of Spin remained largely neutral in a review of the band's set at the 9:30 Club, commenting, "Whether in their set lists or their patter, Blink always give the kids what they expect […] [Hoppus and DeLonge]'s Martin and Lewis act remains proudly moronic." Bealuon noted that the band "clearly favored" their new material and rushed through many past hits.[8]

Future All Time Low member Alex Gaskarth attended the D.C. date of the tour, and discussed its impact on his career with Music Feeds in 2026.[9]

Notes

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  1. "Blink 182... Not Your Typical Enema". AskMen. December 5, 2004. Archived from the original on December 5, 2004. Retrieved May 16, 2026.
  2. Miserandino, Dominick A. (December 4, 2004). "Blink-182 - Mark Hoppus". The Celebrity Cafe. Archived from the original on December 5, 2004. Retrieved May 16, 2026.
  3. 1 2 3 4 Corey Moss (October 17, 2003). "Blink-182 To Play Shows For A Buck". MTV News. Archived from the original on November 23, 2014. Retrieved January 30, 2015.
  4. Gorman, Bobby (December 10, 2003). "Blink 182". ThePunkSite.com. Retrieved May 16, 2026.
  5. Craine, Charlie (December 1, 2003). "Tom DeLonge Interview". HipOnline. Archived from the original on December 24, 2004. Retrieved May 16, 2026.
  6. 1 2 "Travis Barker Interview". Punk Rock Reviews. December 4, 2003. Archived from the original on December 28, 2004. Retrieved May 16, 2026.
  7. "X-clusive: Blink 182 On World Peace And Ejaculation". XFM. February 5, 2004. Archived from the original on September 9, 2006. Retrieved May 16, 2026.
  8. Andrew Bealuon (February 2004). Noise – Live – 11.08.03 – Nightclub 9:30 – Washington, D.C. – Blink-182. Vol. 20. Spin. p. 32. Retrieved January 30, 2015.
  9. "Love Letter To A Record: All Time Low On Blink-182's 'Self-Titled'". Yahoo News. February 3, 2026. Retrieved May 16, 2026.