UK: blink-182 Earn Their First UK Number One Album with California

blink-182 have secured their first ever UK Number One with their latest LP, California, debuting at the summit of the Official UK Albums Chart.

California is blink-182's seventh studio album and their first to be released by BMG.

It is also the first blink-182 album to feature vocalist Matt Skiba, replacing Tom Delonge.

Over the course of their career, blink-182 have sold more than 50 million albums worldwide but have never reached the top of the UK albums chart until now. Prior to California, their most successful UK album release was 2001's Take Off Your Pants And Jacket, which peaked at number four.

California topped iTunes charts in over 30 countries including the UK, US, Germany and Australia on its release on July 1. All eyes are now on the US Billboard charts, due to be announced this Sunday (July 10) where they are hotly-tipped to achieve their first Number One for 15 years.

California is BMG's second UK Number One album in a month following Rick Astley's 50, the artist’s best performing album in 30 years – and also his first with the new BMG.

Reflecting on blink-182’s success, Alistair Norbury, EVP International Repertoire at BMG, said, “This result is first and foremost a testament to blink-182 who have made an exceptional album which we are confident has a long way still to go. But to deliver the band’s first UK Number 1 yet just weeks after we helped Rick Astley score his first UK Number 1 in 30 years is also a great vindication of BMG’s international infrastructure and our UK marketing team.

“If you are an established artist who feels the traditional labels are no longer relevant to you, then I think we are demonstrating there is a frontline label committed to taking just as much care of established acts as of the latest A&R sensation.”