Blink 182 was formed in California, around 1992. The band originally had guitarist/vocalist Tom Delonge, bassist/vocalist Mark Hoppus, and drummer Scott Raynor. They debuted in 1993, with a self-titled EP, Flyswatter, and were known as Blink. In 1994, after they released the album Buddha, the trio signed to Grilled Cheese/Cargo then released Chesire Cat in 1995. They were then forced to change their name to Blink-182, from the threat of a lawsuit from an Irish band already named Blink. Chesire Cat caught the eye of major record labels, so Blink 182 signed to MCA, and released the bands third album in 1997, named Dude Ranch. Just before there fourth album Enema of the State(1999) was to be recorded, drummer Scott left the band. Travis Barker filled the spot, and Blink 182 has since released the live-recorded The Mark Tom and Travis Show, and their newest album, Take Off Your Pants and Jacket.
Why 182?
Despite other stories you may have heard, the band added '182' just to avoid legal problems with the Irish techno band, Blink. "182 has no significance, We just pulled it out of our ass"-Mark