In 2008 Blink 182 drummer Travis Barker survived a plane crash that took the lives of four of his closest friends. With the band set to embark on an Australian tour, Barker let fans know he is still too afraid to fly from the accident, and will not be joining the rest his bandmates.
Filling in for Travis Barker will be Brooks Wackerman, who has also played with Bad Religion and Tenacious D.
According to ABC News , Barker gave Blink 182 his blessing to find a fill in drummer for their upcoming Australian tour.
To let fans know of his continuing fear of flying and decision to stay home, Travis Barker left a note on his Facebook page . The most important line reads:
“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.”
Barker concludes the note by writing that he tried to find a boat to Australia to be able to join Blink 182, but nothing worked with the band’s schedule.
For a recent United Kingdom tour, Travis Barker took an ocean liner overseas so he could play with Blink 182. He has been too afraid to fly since his 2008 crash, and has not been on a plane since.
Travis Barker most recently joined LL Cool J on stage to close out the 2013 Grammy Awards .
Blink 182 is currently working on their seventh studio album with no release date announced.
Are you surprised that Travis Barker refuses to fly and won’t be joining Blink 182 in Australia?
[image via Helga Esteb / Shutterstock.com ]
