Former Blink members dodge hype, renew career

By Joey Vergara

Published Nov. 28, 2006

For some musicians the dissolution of their multi-platinum, 12-year-old band would mean the end of their musical career. For Blink-182's bassist Mark Hoppus and drummer Travis Barker, the unexpected end of their seminal band last year served as a source of renewal and inspiration.

Listening to Plus-44's recently released debut, When Your Heart Stops Beating, it's obvious how rough the past year has been for these two men. With all the drama of lost friends and break-ups, though, Plus-44's debut finds the pop punk heroes exploring a darker side of life lyrically.

Hoppus and Barker formed the band shortly after the announcement of Blink's "indefinite hiatus." But while Blink guitarist Tom DeLonge gratuitously flaunted his own new project, Plus-44 took a self-imposed break from speaking to the press to create a highly personal record and keep the music secret throughout the recording process. Joined by Get the Girl's Carol Heller, who has since left for personal reasons, Plus-44 initially began as a much more electronic band.

"They started recording the songs in Travis' basement," Plus-44 guitarist Craig Fairbaugh said. "Out of necessity they were doing it electronically. They had a very small space using keyboards and different instruments they weren't used to using. They didn't have the live guitar, drums stuff."

Over time the band began to evolve into a more recognizable rock outfit akin to the Blink alumni's previous work. First came the addition of guitarist Shane Gallagher; next, Hoppus and Barker purchased a studio together in California. Fairbaugh, who previously played live with Barker in Transplants, completed the lineup as a second guitarist in April.

Although the final two members of Plus-44 came in long after the band had begun work on its debut, both Gallagher and Fairbaugh were able to share input on the songs thanks to Plus-44's collaborative spirit and a habit for perfectionism.

Even with all the hype surrounding the band during the months leading up to the release of When Your Heart Stops Beating, Plus-44 members shut themselves off from the expectations of fans and the curiosity of critics.

"We're four guys trying to make the best record possible," Fairbaugh said. "We try not to think of anything outside of that. Because I think when you start thinking about all those things, hype or other people's expectations, it affects the music. We just try to put our everything into it. It's just four guys in a room making music together."

After a broken arm sustained by Barker while filming a video for the album's title track sidelined a series of tour dates, Plus-44 was forced to reschedule its plans. With Barker resolutely playing one-armed and the album's recent release, Plus-44 has begun making its rounds on the touring and media circuits. In light of the response the band has received on the road, Plus-44, especially Fairbaugh, couldn't be more excited.

"This band is like my dream, to be able to play with these guys," he said. "Each one of these guys is so talented. To be able to do this with these guys is one of the best opportunities I could ever have."

Plus-44
Performing With: The Matches
When: 7 p.m. Sunday
Where: Mississippi Nights, 914 North First St., St. Louis
Price: $21