Blink-182 drummer pulls out of Oz tour

Blink-182 drummer Travis Barker will not join the band on their Australian tour after failing to overcome his fear of flying. Picture: Sidney Moorer/AP Source: AP

BLINK-182 drummer Travis Barker has backed out of the band's Australian tour at the last minute.

Barker, who nearly died in a plane accident in 2008, had planned to join Blink-182 for the Soundwave Festival.

However the drummer has been unable to overcome his fear of flying and will be replaced for the tour after not joining the band's flight to Australia today.

Barker posted a message to announce the news to fans.

"I still haven't gotten over the horrific events that took place the last time I flew when my plane crashed and four people were killed, two being my best friends," Barker wrote.

Barker, along with fellow musician DJ AM, was critically injured and two crew members were killed in a plane crash in South Carolina in 2008. Picture: Brett Flashnick/AP

"I gave the band my blessing to take another drummer if they still wanted to do the tour without me. I hope to come to Australia again someday perhaps by ship if need be. Unfortunately, there wasn't a boat that worked with the schedule this time around. Once again I'm sorry to all the fans."

The band also made a statement on Facebook which read "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 cancelling was not an option so we still plan to come and play some kick ass shows. Mark, Tom, and Travis."

Soundwave promoter AJ Maddah also Tweeted the news writing ''Sadly, despite his best efforts with counselling, medication, etc, Travis Barker was unable to board his flight today....knowing Travis he will be depressed having had to break his promise to Australian fans. Please be understanding and show your support."

Soundwave, which also features Metallica, the Offspring, Linkin Park, Anthrax, Paramore, Slayer and Garbage, is sold out throughout the country, with shows in Brisbane on February 23, Sydney February 24, Melbourne March 1, Adelaide March 2 and Perth March 4.

Blink-182 play their own shows at Allphones arena in Sydney on Wednesday, Brisbane Showgrounds on Friday and the Sidney Myer Music Bowl in Melbourne on February 26 and 27.
 

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