ST. LOUIS — Patience is finally paying off for Blink-182 fans, who have been waiting — and waiting — for new music from the pop-punk rockers. The long-dormant band — front man Tom DeLonge, bassist Mark Hoppus and drummer Travis Barker — resurfaced at the 2009 Grammy Awards, reuniting on stage to present an award. Fans were giddy about seeing the fellows again (they hadn’t released a studio album since 2003) and even giddier about what they had to say.

“We decided we’re going to play music together again,” DeLonge told the Grammy audience, going on to hint at an album and tour for summer 2009.

Now, more than two years later, fans finally have an opportunity to check out all the new things Blink-182 has been up to. The band is touring with My Chemical Romance as part of the Honda Civic Tour. Blink-182’s new album, “Neighborhoods,” is scheduled for release Sept. 26.

Hoppus says that now the band is “our priority” and that fans don’t have to worry about members’ side projects derailing the main event. And they don’t have to worry about seeing the band disappear again anytime soon.

“Blink will last as long as we enjoy what we’re doing, and recording this album has been a lot of fun,” he says. “I think there’s something in the madness and in the creative process between the three of us that can be so frustrating at times, but it can also be a massive joy. And somewhere in that tension I think is where the good work from Blink-182 gets done. So I can see us lasting for many years.”