50 Facts About Travis Barker

Early Life and Musical Beginnings

Travis Barker's journey into the world of music began at a very young age. His early experiences and influences set the stage for his future success.

1. Early Life and Family: Born on November 14, 1975, in Fontana, California, Travis Barker grew up in a family with English and Italian roots. His parents, Gloria and Randy Barker, played a significant role in his upbringing.

2. First Drum Set: At just four years old, Travis received his first drum set from his parents, igniting his lifelong passion for drumming.

3. Drumming Lessons: By the age of five, Travis started taking drumming lessons with Michael Mai, who helped him build a strong foundation in drumming.

4. Musical Versatility: Travis didn't limit himself to drums; he also learned to play the piano and trumpet, showcasing his diverse musical talents.

5. High School Years: After graduating from Fontana High School, Travis worked as a trash man in Laguna Beach while playing with punk rock bands Snot and Feeble.

Rise to Fame with Blink-182

Travis Barker's big break came when he joined Blink-182, a band that would catapult him to international fame.

6. The Aquabats: In 1994, Travis joined the ska punk group The Aquabats, where he was known as "Baron Von Tito." This was his first experience in a professional studio.

7. Barker’s Nickname: The nickname "Baron Von Tito" was given to him by his bandmates, though the origin of the name remains a mystery.

8. Local Success: The Aquabats gained local success, performing at regional competitions and festivals. Travis’s drumming skills made him a standout member.

9. Transition to Blink-182: In 1998, Travis left The Aquabats to join Blink-182, a move that would change his life forever.

10. Mainstream Success: With Blink-182, Travis achieved mainstream success with the album "Enema of the State" in 1999. The album debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 and went triple platinum within three weeks.

Collaborations and Side Projects

Travis Barker is known for his numerous collaborations and side projects, showcasing his versatility as a musician.

11. Touring and Performances: Travis has been part of numerous tours and performances with Blink-182, including the "Mark, Tom, and Travis Show" tour in 2000, although he missed much of it due to a broken finger.

12. Collaborations: Beyond Blink-182, Travis has collaborated with various artists, including hip-hop artists, forming the rap rock group Transplants and co-founding the rock band +44.

13. Box Car Racer: Travis was also a member of the rock band Box Car Racer, which he formed with Tom DeLonge of Blink-182.

14. TRV$DJAM: He collaborated with DJ AM to form the duo TRV$DJAM, known for their energetic live performances.

15. Famous Stars and Straps: In 1999, Travis founded the clothing company Famous Stars and Straps, combining his interests in music, tattoo art, and cars.

Personal Struggles and Triumphs

Travis Barker's life has been marked by personal challenges, including a near-fatal plane crash, but he has shown remarkable resilience.

16. LaSalle Records: In 2004, Travis co-founded LaSalle Records, a record label that has supported various musical projects.

17. DTA Records: In 2019, he co-founded DTA Records, another venture into the music industry.

18. DC Shoes and Zildjian Cymbals: Travis has collaborated with companies like DC Shoes and Zildjian cymbals to co-design products bearing his name.

19. Memoir: In 2015, Travis released his memoir, "Can I Say: Living Large, Cheating Death, and Drums, Drums, Drums," which chronicles his life, career, and personal struggles.

20. Vegan Lifestyle: Travis is a vegan and has invested in the Los Angeles vegan restaurant Crossroads Kitchen.

21. Plane Crash: In 2008, Travis was involved in a plane crash that nearly took his life. He suffered third-degree burns on 65% of his body and broke his back in three places, requiring 26 surgeries.

22. DJ AM’s Death: The plane crash also claimed the life of his close friend and collaborator, DJ AM, who died of an overdose less than a year later.

23. Post-Traumatic Stress: The plane crash left Travis with post-traumatic stress, survivor’s guilt, and suicidal thoughts, which he has openly discussed in his memoir.

24. Recovery: Despite the challenges, Travis has continued to work in the music industry, releasing his debut solo album "Give the Drummer Some" in 2011.

25. Extended Plays: He has also released extended plays with rappers like Yelawolf, Asher Roth, and Nottz.

Continued Success and Influence

Travis Barker remains a significant figure in the music industry, continuing to inspire new generations of musicians and fans.

26. Blink-182’s Continued Success: Blink-182 has continued to release successful albums, with their sixth studio album peaking at number two on the Billboard 200.

27. Musical Influence: Travis cites influences such as Alex Van Halen, Danny Carey, and John Bonham, reflecting his diverse musical tastes.

28. Genre Expansion: His claim to fame is now multi-genre, starting with pop-punk and expanding to hip-hop, rap, and even occasional straight-up pop.

29. The Aquabats Reunion: In 2019, Travis rejoined The Aquabats on stage, indicating no bad blood between him and the band.

30. MTV Reality Show: Travis and his then-wife Shanna Moakler starred in an MTV reality series called "Meet the Barkers," which chronicled their lives and marriage.

31. Marriage and Family: Travis was married to Shanna Moakler and had two children with her. He is currently married to Shanna’s friend, but the exact details of his current marital status are not publicly disclosed.

32. Net Worth: Travis Barker’s net worth is estimated to be around $50 million, a testament to his successful career in music and other ventures.

33. Color Blindness: Travis revealed on Twitter that he is color blind, which was a surprise to many of his fans.

34. Barker Wellness: He has also launched a line of cannabinoid-infused products called Barker Wellness.

35. No Air Travel: After the plane crash, Travis no longer travels by air, opting for other modes of transportation.

36. Rock Stardom: Travis has reflected on the dark side of rock stardom in his memoir, discussing how it took a toll on his marriage and led to a serious drug addiction.

37. Redemption and Reflection: His memoir, "Can I Say," is a candid look at his life, reflecting on rock stardom, fatherhood, death, loss, and redemption.

38. Musical Projects: The book highlights his numerous musical projects, including Box Car Racer, +44, Transplants, and TRV$DJAM, showcasing his versatility as a musician.

39. Addictive Personality: Travis has acknowledged his addictive personality, which has led to various vices including drugs, drinking, smoking, and pills.

40. Survivor’s Guilt: The plane crash and subsequent loss of friends have left Travis with survivor’s guilt, a theme he explores in his memoir.

41. Third-Degree Burns: He suffered third-degree burns on 65% of his body during the plane crash, requiring extensive medical treatment.

42. 26 Surgeries: Travis underwent 26 surgeries following the plane crash, a testament to his resilience and determination.

43. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): The traumatic experience left him with PTSD, which he has been open about in his public life.

44. Suicidal Thoughts: Travis has also spoken about experiencing suicidal thoughts following the crash, highlighting the psychological impact of such an event.

45. DJ AM’s Overdose: The loss of DJ AM to an overdose less than a year after the crash added to Travis’s emotional turmoil.

46. Animal Inspiration: As a child, Travis was inspired by Animal, the drummer from The Muppet Show, who was his childhood hero.

47. Early Drumming Influences: His parents gave him a tin drum on his first Christmas, and a full drum set on his fourth birthday, recognizing his nascent talent early on.

48. Mother’s Encouragement: His mother’s encouragement played a significant role in his decision to pursue music as a career. She told him to keep playing the drums no matter what, which he did.

49. Junior High Rock Band: In junior high, Travis joined his first rock band, Necromancy, and later formed several other groups, although none achieved significant success.

50. Legacy in Music: Travis Barker is widely regarded as one of the best drummers of his generation, known for his versatility and energetic performances. He continues to inspire new generations of musicians and fans alike.

Travis Barker's Lasting Impact

Travis Barker's journey from a young drummer in California to a rock icon is nothing short of inspiring. His musical versatility, from Blink-182 to collaborations with hip-hop artists, shows his adaptability and talent. Despite facing immense challenges, like the 2008 plane crash, he’s shown incredible resilience. His memoir, "Can I Say," offers a raw look into his life, highlighting both triumphs and struggles. Beyond music, his ventures like Famous Stars and Straps and Barker Wellness showcase his entrepreneurial spirit. Travis's influence extends beyond drumming; he's a symbol of perseverance and passion. His story reminds us that even in the face of adversity, one can achieve greatness. Travis Barker continues to inspire fans and musicians alike, leaving an indelible mark on the music industry.