Drive-Thru released debut album Riverfenix

In December 1997, Drive-Thru released Riverfenix’s thirteen-track full-length debut Riverfenix , produced by Jim Barnes. Within the following year, the album managed to sell out its first three print runs of 5,000 copies each, which was quite an achievement for an independent record label operating out of the owners’ garage. The CD’s lyrics and melodies caught the attention of Blink-182 ‘s Mark Hoppus , whose sister was at that time dating Riverfenix’s DeLaPaz. Hoppus offered the band an opening slot on an upcoming Blink-182 tour, and eventually became their manager . However, due to the schedule of his own band and the popularity of Blink-182’s 1999 album Enema of the State , Hoppus passed managing duties onto Blink-182 manager Rick DeVoe. While Riverfenix’s song “Speechless” was slowly garnering radio airplay and major labels’ attention, Hoppus’ effort in promoting Riverfenix was overheard by Blink-182’s record label MCA , who showed major interest in signing the band.