Blink-182 will be playing a string of dates for their fans in Australia starting this Wednesday, but unfortunately, only two-thirds of the band will be making the trip overseas. Drummer Travis Barker will be staying in the states due to a fear of flying brought on by the plane crash he was in back in 2008. Barker would have gone by boat, but nothing worked out with Blink’s schedule. He stated on Facebook:
I’m sorry to announce I won’t be joining Blink-182 on this Australian tour. I still haven’t gotten over the horrific events that took place the last time I flew when my plane crashed and 4 people were killed, two being my best friends…I hope to come to Australia again some day perhaps by ship if need be…Once again I’m sorry to all the fans.
The tour, which was scheduled last summer, will still go on, with the talented Brooks Wackerman of Bad Religion and Tenacious D filling in on the drums. We’re sure that Australia will understand Barker’s reservations, and Mark Hoppus and Tom Delonge have promised ticket holders “kick ass shows,” so no need to worry. Let’s just be glad that Blink-182 ever came back into our lives in the first place (not that they ever left our hearts)!
