Blink 182 Too Nice For New Music (Video)

(Rock AAA) Blink 182 were so cautious about reuniting they wound up being too nice to each other to inspire any new music, says bassist and vocalist Mark Hoppus.

The three-piece were more intent on preserving their relationship than being honest with each other, making it nearly impossible to develop a creative dynamic in the studio.

They reformed in 2009 after four years apart following a plane crash in which drummer Travis Barker nearly died, an event which brought the old friends back together. After a time they got over their initial over-sensitivity and the new record will be released later this year, along with a documentary detailing the process.

Hoppus tells Kerrang: “When we got back together everything was so fresh and new, it was like we were all trying to protect a precious flame. We were so respectful of one another that we were all walking on eggshells – it was all too nice.

“But we realised we needed to be a proper band before we started recording. Now we’re comfortable enough in our friendship again not only to support each other, but to say things like, ‘Hey, that idea is cool, but what about if we did it this way?’

“We can do that now without being like someone’s going to have their feelings crushed. It was important for us to turn that corner.”

Meanwhile, drummer Travis Barker’s solo album will appear next month, complete with guest contributions from Slash, Tom Morello, Corey Taylor, Chester Bennington and a selection of rappers. Barker says Give the Drummer Some “goes from everything from punk rock to hip-hop, electro stuff and a metal song with Corey.”

Blink 182 guitarist and vocalist Tom DeLonge’s side-project Angels and Airwaves have released a trailer for their movie Love. The space-based story, which is backed by tracks from the band’s previous and upcoming albums, tells the story of the last man alive trapped alone in the International Space Station, fighting for his life until he makes an incredible discovery. Love is due for a cinema release in the US in March