Net Worth Ranker
What Is Tom DeLonge’s Net Worth?
Tom DeLonge, a multifaceted American musician, record producer, and entrepreneur, has accumulated a net worth of $70 million. His financial success stems from his prominent role as the co-lead guitarist, vocalist, and founder of the globally recognized pop-punk band Blink-182. Despite his departure from the band due to internal conflicts, DeLonge has continued to thrive in the music industry with his band Angels & Airwaves, and through numerous successful business ventures. DeLonge’s entrepreneurial spirit and diverse interests have played a significant role in building his substantial net worth. His ventures include clothing lines, film production, and even UFO research, showcasing his broad range of pursuits.
Early Career and Musical Foundations
Born on December 13, 1975, in Poway, California, Tom DeLonge was raised in a middle-class family. His father worked as an oil company executive, while his mother was a mortgage broker. His introduction to music occurred during a church camp, where he first encountered the guitar. Subsequently, he received an acoustic guitar as a gift from friends, prompting him to compose original songs for his siblings. During his formative years, DeLonge developed a passion for skateboarding and punk music, interests that significantly influenced his musical style and entrepreneurial endeavors. Although constantly trying to start a band during his youth, he also spent most of his free time skateboarding. During his last year of high school, Tom’s parents divorced, and he moved out not long afterward.
DeLonge’s professional music career took off when he formed Blink-182 at the age of 17, while still in high school. He joined forces with drummer Scott Raynor and bassist Mark Hoppus, and together they began writing music and jamming. In 1994, the band recorded a demo cassette titled “Buddha,” which enhanced their reputation within the local music scene. This initial success led to a recording contract with Cargo Records, resulting in the release of their debut album, “Cheshire Cat,” in 1995. While the album initially received little attention, it gained critical acclaim over time. After extensive touring, Blink-182 attracted the attention of several major record labels. They eventually signed with Epitaph Records and released their second album, “Dude Ranch.” Although the album reached Gold status, Raynor was fired after his heavy drinking impacted the performance of the band. Travis Barker stepped in to replace Raynor as the new drummer.
The release of “Enema of the State” in 1999 marked a turning point for Blink-182, catapulting them to international fame. Hit singles such as “What’s My Age Again?” and “All the Small Things” became iconic anthems of the era. “Enema of the State” achieved remarkable commercial success, selling over 15 million copies worldwide. Following the album’s release, Blink-182 embarked on extensive tours, solidifying their status as a leading pop-punk band. During this period, Tom DeLonge also pursued a side project, “Box Car Racer,” releasing an album in 2002. The fact that only Travis Barker and DeLonge worked on “Box Car Racer” made Hoppus feel slighted, and it sparked tension within the band. After the release of Blink-182’s eponymous album in 2003, Tom DeLonge became increasingly distant from the band, which eventually resulted in his dismissal. After the dissolution of Blink-182, Tom started a new band called Angels & Airwaves. He reunited with the remaining members of Blink-182 in 2008 and released another album, “Neighborhoods.” He then left the group once again in 2015 and recorded his first solo album, “To the Stars… Demos, Odds and Ends.”
Entrepreneurial Ventures and Business Acumen
Tom DeLonge’s entrepreneurial journey began early in his career, driven by his initial uncertainty about the long-term potential of Blink-182. In the late 1990s, he established a holding group called Really Likable People (RLP), investing approximately $20,000 to create a website that sold clothing targeting the youth market. This venture marked his first foray into the business world, demonstrating his ability to identify market opportunities and develop successful brands.
In 2001, DeLonge partnered with a close friend to launch Atticus Clothing, a brand that quickly gained popularity within the skateboarding and music scenes. A year later, he expanded his footwear offerings with the introduction of Macbeth Footwear. These ventures highlighted his commitment to building brands that resonated with his core audience. In 2005, Atticus Clothing was sold. In 2007, Tom started a company called Modlife. This company allowed musicians to easily create websites and fan clubs using an online platform focused on monetization. By 2017, Midlife’s website was no longer active; however, the company had clients such as Pearl Jam and Kanye West at one point. Tom also launched a website called Strange Times, which focused on conspiracy theories, UFOs, and similar content.
UFO Research and To The Stars Academy of Arts & Science
Tom DeLonge’s deep-seated interest in UFOs has transformed him into a prominent figure in modern UFO research. Driven by a lifelong belief in the existence of extraterrestrial life, DeLonge founded To The Stars, Inc. in 2015. This entertainment company includes an aerospace and science division dedicated to the exploration of UFO phenomena. In 2018, this company announced that it had incurred losses of over $37 million.
In 2019, Tom’s company merged into To the Stars Academy of Arts & Sciences, and it produced the History Channel television show “Unidentified: Inside America’s UFO Investigation.” In 2020, the Pentagon released three videos that had been previously released by Tom’s company in 2017.
Sale of Song Rights and Financial Strategies
In 2020, Tom DeLonge made a significant financial decision by selling the rights to his entire catalog of Blink-182 songs. London-based Hipgnosis Songs acquired 100% of his copyright for 157 Blink-182 songs, including iconic hits such as “All the Small Things.” While the exact financial details of the transaction were not disclosed, such deals typically involve substantial sums based on the catalog’s projected future earnings. This strategic move allowed DeLonge to monetize his musical legacy and potentially reinvest the capital into other ventures. The sale provides Hipgnosis Songs with the rights to collect royalties from the use of DeLonge’s songs in various formats, including streaming, licensing, and synchronization.
Real Estate Portfolio
Tom DeLonge has also invested in real estate, with properties in Southern California. In 2008, he listed a house in Rancho Santa Fe, California, for approximately $6.3 million. He had originally purchased this residence in 2005 for $5.5 million, suggesting a potential profit from the sale. The 6,183-square-foot home features panoramic mountain views, a hobby room, and cherry wood ceilings. The property spans 1.5 acres, and public records indicated that DeLonge owned two adjacent parcels at the time of the listing.
In 2018, DeLonge sold his home in Del Mar, California, for $3.8 million. This 2,800-square-foot, four-bedroom residence featured a half-pipe for skateboarding. He had owned the property for eight years prior to the sale and initially listed it for $3.995 million. These real estate transactions provide insight into DeLonge’s investment strategies and his ability to generate wealth through diverse assets.
