Blink-182 Producer Says Replacing Tom Delonge Is Like The Beatles Replacing John Lennon

Acclaimed producer John Feldmann, who is currently working on the new Blink-182 album, has publicly spoken about the departure of founding member and guitarist Tom Delonge from the group and compared it to The Beatles replacing John Lennon or Paul McCartney.

The upcoming Blink album is to be the first since Delonge left the famous trio in January last year, as well as the first to feature his replacement, Alkaline Trio frontman Matt Skiba.

"When it comes to recording with Matt I was thinking about what the closest parallel might be in musical terms, and I guess it would be like replacing Paul McCartney or John Lennon in The Beatles," Feldmann said in an interview with NME.

Touching on the new album, expected to be released mid-year, Feldmann said the material shows growth from the band. 

"The guys aren't 23 any more, they're dads now, so they're no longer writing songs about poo and that kind of stuff," he said. 

"But there's still got to be a sense of humour to it; it's got to be fun and funny, but also age appropriate. There's got to be growth on the album and there is.

"It sounds fucking great and I'm just so excited to have people hear it. I'd say it's one of the best records I've ever made in my life." 

Feldmann has previously produced for a number of notable bands including Panic! At The Disco, The Used, We Are In The Crowd, Black Veil Brides and more.

Earlier this month, Blink drummer Travis Barker said he was looking forward to releasing the album following the nasty fall-out from Delonge's departure.

"...With me, its like, I have this urgency to show people like, we’re fucking back," Barker said.

"Things are great now and this is a great fucking album."