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 Odds
are you won't encounter a more charismatic, energetic, innovative,
or diverse artist than Travis Barker—drummer, producer, actor,
songwriter, and clothing designer. The mere mention of his name often
raises eyebrows, simply due to his bewildering media presence, which
extends beyond hammering drums to playing himself in the television
reality series Meet the Barkers. Other acting roles, such
as a spot on CSI, combined with his pioneering record label,
La Salle Records, and his haberdashery line, Famous Stars and Straps,
keep Barker in the spotlight.
Behind the fuss, the fact remains that Travis Barker is a great drummer
and a fine musician who has simultaneously championed punk and transcended
its brute ethics. As for gear, Travis has long endorsed “boutique
brand” drums instead of the major labels. When it comes to percussion,
however, he acknowledges that world-leader LP holds the key to rich
tone, innovative design, and rock solid durability. The announcement
of Barker's signing with LP on June 4, 2007, speaks volumes: Travis
Barker can play any brand he chooses, but choose to play
LP.
Born in California on November 14, 1975, Travis began to strike things
resembling drums prior to kindergarten. He took up with a drum tutor
early and by the end of grade school end knew the difference between
a rock groove, jazz swing, dance rhumba, and Afro-Cuban rumba.
Concurrent with his high school stage and concert band activities,
Travis exhibited a distinct flare for for foundational NARD snare drum
rudiments. But on the eleventh hour of a major drum corps competition,
Travis bolted from school, corps, and rudimental exhibitions and hit
the road with a rock band.
Barker made his mark in punk-influenced bands such as Feeble, The
Aquabats, and The Suicide Machines. Nothing, however, compared to the
night he parachuted into the Blink 182 camp, performing a live stadium
gig with barely two hours preparation. He salvaged the gig and, moreover,
breathed new life into the band. With Travis Barker on the drum throne,
Blink 182 won awards in the UK and Europe. Back home, they released
provocative albums such as Enema of the State, all boasting
great tunes and sales in the millions.
From Blink 182, Travis went to Boxcar Racer, a spin-off band, and
Plus 44. Side projects including drumming, producing, and remixing
for a host of name artists including Expensive Taste, Avril Lavigne,
Wolves, and the Black Eyed Peas.
Then disaster fell, literally. In September, 2008 Travis survived
a Lear jet crash, exiting the scene with third degree burns. Within
ten days he was up and around. A few months later he joined fellow
crash-survivor DJ AM and brought in the New Year at the Los Angeles
Wiltern. The duo's “return performance” streamed across
the Internet. Super Bowl drum solos, studio sessions, and live dates
ensued. Check out Travis Barker's collaborations with Eminem, Kid Cudi,
and Flo Rida—all indications of new paths taken and exciting
events to come.
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