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Travis Barker apologises for flying fear

Feb 17, 2013, 21:00 GMT

Travis Barker

Travis Barker can't get past his horrific plane crash.

The Blink-182 drummer has apologised to fans for missing the band's upcoming Australian tour, that kicks off in Sydney on Wednesday (20.02.13) and admitted he is still haunted by the crash in 2008, in which four people died, and hasn't been able to board a plane since.

In a heartfelt message on his Facebook page on Saturday night (16.02.13), the rocker said: '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 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 some day 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 37-year-old rocker suffered second and third degree burns in the crash, in which he and his good friend DJ AM - who died of an accidental overdose less than a year later - were the only survivors.

Travis previously said he was considering other measures to help him get over his fear of flying.

He said: 'I'm contemplating getting knocked out and getting on a plane to Australia. I want to overcome that eventually. When I do, I think it's going to be Qantas. They never had a crash, never had a fatality - knock on wood. It's something I want to overcome for me - and my kids are scared to death to fly. I want them to witness me overcome it.'