Travis Barker

Travis Landon Barker (born November 14, 1975) is an American musician, songwriter, and music producer best known as the drummer for the rock band Blink-182. Recognized for his versatility across multiple genres—including hip-hop, alternative rock, pop, and country—he has also performed as a member of the rap rock group Transplants, co-founded the rock group +44, and joined bands such as Box Car Racer, Antemasque, and Goldfinger. Rolling Stone named him one of the 100 greatest drummers of all time and referred to him as punk's first superstar drummer.

Barker was raised in Fontana, California, where he began playing drums at age four. He started taking formal drum lessons at five under Michael Mai, while also taking lessons in trumpet, piano, and singing. During his time at Fontana High School, Barker played snare drum in the marching band and performed in the jazz ensemble. His mother passed away the day before he entered high school, encouraging him to continue pursuing music. After graduating, Barker worked as a trash man in Laguna Beach while playing in local punk rock bands.

In 1996, Barker joined the ska punk group the Aquabats under the stage name Baron Von Tito, recording the album The Fury of the Aquabats! with the band. While touring with Blink-182 in 1998, Barker filled in for departing drummer Scott Raynor, famously learning a 20-song setlist in 45 minutes before joining the band permanently later that year. Blink-182 achieved major mainstream success with their 1999 album, Enema of the State, which sold over 15 million copies worldwide and featured hit singles such as "All the Small Things."

Barker's commercial success continued with Blink-182's 2001 release, Take Off Your Pants and Jacket, which debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 chart. During the early 2000s, Barker engaged in several side projects, joining the Transplants and co-founding Box Car Racer. He established his clothing brand, Famous Stars and Straps, in 1999 and launched the record label LaSalle Records in 2004. Following Blink-182's hiatus announcement in 2005, Barker starred in the MTV reality series Meet the Barkers with his then-wife Shanna Moakler and formed the musical group +44.

In addition to band projects, Barker worked as a producer and released popular hip-hop remixes for artists including Flo Rida, Soulja Boy, and Rihanna. In 2008, he formed the performance duo TRV$DJAM alongside DJ AM (Adam Goldstein). Later that year, Barker survived a fatal plane crash that left him in critical condition. Following his recovery, Blink-182 announced their reunion at the 2009 Grammy Awards.

Barker released his debut solo album, Give the Drummer Some, in 2011, and subsequently released extended plays alongside artists such as Yelawolf, Asher Roth, and Nottz. In addition to continuing his work with Blink-182 and Transplants, Barker launched DTA Records in 2019, published his memoir Can I Say in 2015, co-designed products with companies like DC Shoes and Zildjian, and invested in the Los Angeles vegan restaurant Crossroads Kitchen.