Update (7/22): It looks like Matt Skiba is all but confirmed to replace Tom DeLonge in Blink-182. In a new interview with Billboard, Blink bassist/singer Mark Hoppus revealed that the trio—now consisting of himself, Travis Barker and Skiba—will head back in the studio next month to begin recording new material.
The news essentially confirms the Alkaline Trio guitarist as the new Blink-182 member, replacing DeLonge after the founding Blink member dramatically quit the band in January. Luckily, Skiba seems to be fitting right in as Barker later revealed that not only are the guys vibing better, but crowds are uber-accepting of him too. (Meanwhile, Skiba's Trio bandmate Dan Andriano's doing pretty rad stuff on his own, too.)
Original Story (4/24): Tension has been growing between the original three Blink-182 members, eventually resulting in founder Tom DeLonge leaving the group earlier this year. Bassist Mark Hoppus and drummer Travis Barker were quick to step in and find his replacement, Matt Skiba of Alkaline Trio. The new lineup has played a few gigs and seem to be doing fairly well (same with Tom, homeboy just released a solo album, give him some credit).
Today Alternative Nation published an extensive interview with Skiba; the goth-pop-punker flirts with the idea of becoming a permanent member of Blink-182, recording an album with Mark and Trav and claims that he and DeLonge are on good terms.
When asked about his status in the band, Skiba replied,
"I think it’s too soon to know. I’m about to go on an Alkaline Trio tour for a couple months. There’s some time and some things that those guys need to figure out before we can start saying I’m a permanent member. But that is a hope of mine. If we’re discussing recording an album, I think that seals the deal. But, we shall see, only time can tell."
When asked about Tom, Matt kept it professional.
"I haven’t been in contact with Tom at all, but we have always been friends and had a good relationship. My role as replacing him in these shows is nothing personal. The guys asked me to play with them and I said absolutely and it was nothing to spite of Tom. Every experience I had with Tom was positive while touring with him in the past. So, there is no bad blood between us, or at least not from my end."
Read the full interview here, check out our history of Tom DeLonge's otherworldly obsession with space and watch this drummer cover six Blink albums in five minutes.
