In devastating news for Australian Blink-182 fans, drummer Travis Barker has confirmed that he won’t be joining his Blink band mates for their upcoming Soundwave tour and headlining Australian shows after succumbing to his famous aversion to flying. Brooks Wackerman of Bad Religion will take on Blink skins duties in his absence.
The band released a statement on Facebook confirming the news:
The trip to Australia was planned during our
European tour last summer. The band knew the chances of Travis
overcoming his fear of flying, which was magnified after the horrible
plane crash in 2008, would be a challenge, but we wanted to play for our
fans in Australia nonetheless. The three of us tried all measures to
get us all there in full form.
Travis has been working to overcome his
fear of flying. Since we now know we have to make the trip without
Travis our friend Brooks Wackerman (Bad Religion, Tenacious D) has
stepped in. We love our fans in Australia so canceling was not an
option so we still plan to come and play some kick ass shows.
Ever since the tour was announced been ongoing will he or won’t he speculation about whether Barker would accompany Mark Hoppus and Tom DeLonge, with the drummer initially advising fans he wouldn’t be making the trip, and later stating he was determined to make the flight because his fear of planes is something “I want [my kids] to witness me overcome it.”
The phobia stems from a 2008 private plane crash that proved fatal for everyone aboard except for Barker and his friend and collaborator DJAM. He spent almost three months in hospital, requiring blood transfusions and multiple skin grafts for burns.
Barker also issued a personal apology to his Australia fans:
