Keeners will recall that Barker narrowly survived a plane crash that cost four other lives, including those of his personal assistant and body guard. Today, Barker admits long-haul flights are a source of fear, ergo his withdrawal.

Speaking to Red Bulletin (and quoted by the NME), Barker says: "It's hard to say what the band could do or what its potential is, because I can’t really get everywhere."

He did add though that he hoped to overcome his phobia for the sake of his children, adding: "I'm contemplating getting knocked out and getting on a plane to Australia. I want to overcome that eventually. My kids are scared to death to fly. I want them to witness me overcome it."

The trio is currently touring Europe in support of their comeback album Neighborhoods, and are booked to tour across Australia in early 2013 sans Barker. His replacement has yet to be announced.

The NME adds that earlier this year, the band revealed they're already working on the follow-up to the latest album, with frontman Mark Hoppus stating he'd been writing new songs while Tom DeLonge has been out on the road with his side-project Angels and Airwaves.
 

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