Matt Skiba recently spoke with Alternative Nation about Alkaline Trio and blink-182. Regarding blink, Skiba mentioned that he hopes to become a permanent member of the band depending on how things with Mark Hoppus and Travis Barker in relation to Tom DeLonge shake out. A portion of they interview can be found below.

Your recent joining with Blink-182 was quite a big deal. Can you discuss the pressure of replacing Tom and performing along with Travis and Mark?

Matt: In the punk rock world, nothing like that has ever happened before. When I was just learning the songs, Mark joked, “Don’t worry, everyone’s just going to be staring at you and judging you.” From the time that they asked me to play with them to the first show, all I did was learn Blink songs. When I would go to the gym, for a run, or a hike, I would go over the set. We decided on the setlist early on in rehearsals so I knew what I would be playing. We rehearsed five days a week. As we got better and the date got closer, I got more comfortable with everything. The pressure was always there but it began to feel like a band rather than I was just replacing Tom.



When I spoke to Travis last month, he described the process as very positive and even considered writing an album with this new lineup. What are your thoughts on that idea?

Matt: I think that’s a great idea and it’s something we have discussed. I’m pleasantly surprised to see Travis mention it to you guys. It’s something I would be very excited to do and I’ve known the Blink guys for about fifteen years and we’ve become good friends. Playing songs I haven’t written with Mark and Travis is a blast, so to go in and create music with them would be amazing.

