Coordinates | 41°52′55″N87°37′40″N |
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name | Travis Barker |
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background | non_vocal_instrumentalist |
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birth name | Travis Landon Barker |
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alias | The Baron von Tito (when with the Aquabats) |
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birth date | November 14, 1975 |
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origin | Fontana, California, United States |
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instrument | Drums, percussion, bass, synthesizers, guitar |
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genre | Pop punk, hip hop, rap metal, rap rock, alternative rock, post-hardcore |
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occupation | Drummer, musician, songwriter, producer |
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years active | 1993–present |
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label | Interscope, LaSalle/Atlantic, Geffen, Hellcat, MCA, Golden Voice Records, Goliath Artists |
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associated acts | Blink-182, +44, Box Car Racer, Transplants, Paul Wall, TRV$DJAM, The Aquabats, Expensive Taste, Game, Royce da 5'9, Slash, RZA, Raekwon, Kanye West, Lil Twist, Lil Wayne, Lupe Fiasco, Lil Jon, Kid Cudi , Tinie Tempah, Yelawolf |
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website | TravisBarker.com |
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notable instruments | Orange County Drum and PercussionRemo DrumheadsZildjian
}} |
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Travis Landon Barker (born November 14, 1975) is an American
musician,
producer and
entrepreneur, most noted as the drummer for the American
pop punk band
Blink-182, as well as the
alternative rock band
+44, the
rap rock band
The Transplants, and the
alternative rock band
Box Car Racer. He was a frequent collaborator with the late
DJ AM, and together they formed
TRV$DJAM.
After the split of his first band, Feeble, Barker began playing for The Aquabats in 1996 as The Baron Von Tito. He recorded one album with them, ''The Fury of The Aquabats!'', in 1997. His career took off when he joined up with pop punk band Blink-182 in 1998. Barker has since established himself as a versatile drummer, producing and making guest appearances in music projects of numerous music genres including hip hop, alternative rock, pop and country. He has gained significant acceptance within the hip-hop community in particular and often collaborates with artists to compose rock-tinged remixes to their songs.
He founded clothing company Famous Stars and Straps in 1999 and LaSalle Records in 2004. Companies such as DC Shoes and Zildjian cymbals have co-designed products in his name.
Barker collaborated with artists (including Game, Tom Morello, Slaughterhouse, Raekwon, RZA, Slash, and other musicians) for his solo debut album, ''Give the Drummer Some'', which was released on March 15, 2011.
Early life
Travis Barker was born to Randy and Gloria Barker in
Fontana,
California. Barker grew up in a high-crime area, where his father worked as a mechanic and his mother babysat for local kids. When Barker was four, his mother gave him his first drum kit, which was the only one he would have until he was fifteen. Barker began taking drum lessons at age five with jazz drummer Michael Mai, who would expose young Barker to many different playing styles. At this time, he also began taking
trumpet lessons. In junior high, Barker learned to play the piano and briefly tried singing, joining the
madrigals men and women's choir. In addition, Barker had non-musical aspirations; he also was interested in becoming a professional surfer and skateboarder. However, Barker states that "I always migrated back to drums, though. That was the one thing that kind of felt like I was connected to and I could kind of understand. I could express myself better through my drums than I could anything else."
His mother, who had been diagnosed with cancer three months earlier, died the day before he started high school. She told him to keep playing music and to follow his dreams. Barker attended Fontana High School, where he played in the jazz ensemble and marching band. He gained a lot of experience performing at regional competitions and festivals. During his senior year, he passed up drum corps tryouts to tour with a rock band. Barker gained a lot of experience performing with a few early rock bands. After Barker graduated from high school in 1993 he became a member of The Aquabats. He was nicknamed "Baron Von Tito." Barker did go back to drum corps for his age out year in 1996, to audition with the Blue Devils Drum and Bugle Corps, but was ultimately cut and did not march.
Recording career
Blink-182 (1998–2005; 2009–present)
Blink-182 was formed in 1992 by
Mark Hoppus and
Tom DeLonge. After recruiting drummer
Scott Raynor, the band recorded three early demos and two studio albums: ''
Cheshire Cat'' (1994) and ''
Dude Ranch'' (1997). Hoppus and DeLonge fired Raynor midway through a U.S. tour in 1998 after a drinking problem became far too prevalent. Hoppus and DeLonge asked drummer Barker of Blink-182's support band
The Aquabats to fill in for Raynor for the remainder of the tour, and, after being impressed with Barker, asked him to join the band.
Blink-182 released their breakthrough album ''
Enema of the State'' in June 1999 to commercial success, fueled by successful singles "
What's My Age Again", "
All the Small Things", and "
Adam's Song". After releasing
live album ''
The Mark, Tom, and Travis Show (The Enema Strikes Back!)'' in November 2000, the band entered the studio and recorded their fourth studio album ''
Take Off Your Pants and Jacket'', released in June 2001. The album continued the band's commercial success and popularity.
After performing with Box Car Racer for much of 2002, DeLonge and Barker rejoined the band to record their eponymous fifth studio album, released in November 2003. The album continued the commercial success that previous albums had endured, as well as being critically acclaimed: ''Blink-182'' represented a more "mature" band than seen in the past, with the band infusing experimentalist elements into their usual pop punk sound, inspired by lifestyle changes (the band members all became fathers before the album was released) and side-projects (Box Car Racer and Transplants).
Tensions arose between the band members as DeLonge expressed his desire to cancel the tour and enter a half-year respite from touring in late 2004, and the band officially announced an "indefinite hiatus" in February 2005. DeLonge formed Angels & Airwaves while Hoppus and Barker continued playing music together in +44. In August 2008, the band's frequent producer Jerry Finn died of a cerebral hemorrhage, and Barker barely survived a plane crash, sustaining second and third degree burns on his lower body and torso. Both events would be catalysts for the band reuniting; in 2010, DeLonge reflected, "If that accident hadn't happened, we wouldn't be a band. Plain and simple. That was fate."
The band announced their reunion in February 2009 at the 51st Grammy Awards ceremony. A well-received reunion tour took place in mid-2009, with a European leg performed in summer 2010. Currently, the band is recording their sixth studio album, entitled Neighborhoods, which is planned to be released in September 2011.
Collaborations/Remixes (2002–present)
Barker has said he has always been interested in many genres of music outside rock, especially hip hop. In a 2002 interview with MTV he said, "I probably listen to more hip-hop and drum'n'bass than I do rock music.". Not being able to explore these interests within Blink-182, Barker participated in two
hip hop related side projects during that the time: Transplants and Expensive Taste.
Box Car Racer is a side project begun by Tom DeLonge of Blink-182 in 2002. This project resulted in one self-titled album, which was released that year. DeLonge said he asked Barker to play drums so that he would not have to find and pay a session drummer to come in.
Transplants is a hip hop-induced punk band for which Barker partnered with Tim Armstrong of Rancid and Rob Aston (former roadie for Rancid). Transplants released two studio records as well as a remixed version of their second album, which was chopped and screwed by rapper and hip-hop artist, Paul Wall. The first album released by Transplants was their self-titled album in 2002. The second Transplants record, ''Haunted Cities'', was released by LaSalle Records in June 2005. After the Vans Warped Tour of 2005, the members decided to disband. This was confirmed by vocalist Rob Aston in January 2006 during an interview. In January 2010, Barker announced that the Transplants would reform for new material.
He was best friends with the late DJ AM, Adam Goldstein.
Some of his first forays into other genres was on Bad Boy 4 Life by P. Diddy and Back In The Mudd by Bubba Sparxxx (who also toured with blink). Barker has produced or worked on albums with The Black Eyed Peas, Pink and Pharrell. He appears on Bun B's album, ''Trill'' (2005) with Skinhead Rob for the bonus track, "Late Night Creepin'". In 2006 he was a producer on T.I.'s fourth album, ''King''. Also in 2006 he played drums for several songs on Avril Lavigne's third album, "The Best Damn Thing". He also dueted with Rihanna on a remix of her hit "Umbrella", he also appeared in her video. Barker also had a remix with Eminem, on the song 3 A.M.
In late 2005 Barker started a new band, +44, with fellow Blink-182 member Mark Hoppus. +44 only released one studio album, ''When Your Heart Stops Beating''. They played several tour dates with Fall Out Boy, Taking Back Sunday, and Cobra Starship.
Barker made a very well received remix of Soulja Boy's "Crank That". In a similar fashion to the Soulja Boy remix, he has also remixed Flo Rida's single "Low" that was later included within the deluxe version of Flo Rida's debut album. Barker is a playable character in ''Guitar Hero: World Tour'' and his remix of "Low" is available as downloadable content. Barker is also featured on The Game's latest album, ''L.A.X.'', drumming on the song "Dope Boys".
He was the drummer for all of the performers at the MTV Video Music Awards of 2008, including Kid Cudi and LL Cool J.
In November 2009, Barker made a remix with hip-hop artist Drake's song "Forever", featuring Eminem, Lil Wayne and Kanye West.
On April 22, 2010, Barker performed "Stairway to Heaven" by Led Zeppelin on ''American Idol'' along with Mary J. Blige, Orianthi, Steve Vai and Randy
Jackson.
On March 1, 2011, Ourstage, Guitar Center and Travis Barker team up to create the unsigned artist discovery program Guitar Center Presents Your Next Record With Travis Barker. The winner gets a 3-song ep produced by Travis Barker at Red Bull Studios in Los Angeles, Travis Barker appears on the winning artists single, $10,000 in new gear from Guitar Center and Worldwide distribution of the winners music through TuneCore.
Business ventures
Barker owns and contributes to several businesses in addition to his musical interests. He founded an accessory/apparel company called
Famous Stars and Straps in 1999, which sells street/skate style clothing and gear. Barker has said the brand's trademark "F" for the logo was chosen for its resemblance to a car logo but mainly for the fact that it can stand on its own. Barker is also business partners with famous skateboarder
Rob Dyrdek and together they are part of the team that own the clothing label named Rogue Status, and in 2009 another label called DTA.
He co-founded LaSalle Records, a record company to which his band, Transplants, are signed. He has dabbled in the restaurant industry, opening a Wahoo's Fish Taco restaurant in Norco, California.
Barker has developed a shoe for DC Shoe Company called the "Alias Remix" and is endorsed by Orange County Drum and Percussion and Zildjian. He also has his own line of drumming products, sponsored by Zildjian.
Personal life
Relationships
Barker has been married twice. He first married his long time girlfriend, Melissa Kennedy, on September 22, 2001. The couple divorced August 6, 2002, after eleven months of marriage.
Barker married actress and First Runner Up Miss USA 1995 Shanna Moakler on October 30, 2004. The couple had a Gothic-style ceremony inspired by the Tim Burton film, ''The Nightmare Before Christmas,'' which was held on the eve of Halloween. Barker and Moakler have two children together, Landon Asher (born October 9, 2003) and Alabama Luella (born December 24, 2005). Atiana Cecilia de la Hoya (born March 29, 1999) is Moakler's daughter with former boyfriend Oscar de la Hoya. The family appeared in a reality television series, ''Meet the Barkers'', which aired on MTV from 2005 to 2006.
On August 8, 2006, Barker filed for divorce from Moakler after nearly two years of marriage. The couple's divorce was made public as each used their MySpace pages to air their feelings on the matter. During their separation, Barker had a brief fling with Paris Hilton in September 2006.
Despite their pending divorce, reports surfaced in early 2007 that Barker and Moakler were "quietly trying to give it another go" as they were reportedly seen autographing a fan's book, with a heart around their names.
In March 2007, Moakler revealed to ''People'' magazine that she and Barker (still married) were back together, but denied that she was pregnant. This admission came after the couple were publicly affectionate at a surprise birthday Barker threw for his wife in Miami. People.com later reported that the couple had separated again. No reason was given for the split. Barker and Moakler were seen together at the 2007 Video Music Awards kissing and holding hands. However, as of February 11, 2008, the couple's divorce had been finalized.
Barker and Moakler were together during a DJ set Barker was playing with DJ AM in Las Vegas on January 7, 2009. The couple attempted to rekindle their relationship in early 2009 but announced that they were no longer together on April 1, 2009, amid reports that police had been called to their home after a fight; no charges were filed against either party.
Plane crash
On September 19, 2008, Barker was injured when the
Learjet 60, which he boarded, crashed outside
Columbia, South Carolina. The jet was headed for
Van Nuys, California. According to the
Federal Aviation Administration, the plane was departing the airport when air traffic controllers saw sparks emanating from the plane. It went off the runway, smashed through a fence, crossed a nearby road, slammed into an embankment and caught fire. Barker had performed the night before at an event with
Jane's Addiction singer
Perry Farrell,
Gavin DeGraw and
DJ AM. Barker and DJ AM were transported to the
Joseph M. Still Burn Center in
Augusta, Georgia, where they were both listed in critical condition. Four others were killed in the crash, three males and one female. With autopsies being performed to identify the bodies, two of the deceased were crew members, and two were passengers, including Chris Baker, Barker's personal assistant who often appeared in ''Meet The Barkers'', and Charles Still, Barker's security guard. On September 21, Dr. Fred Mullins, medical director of the Burn Center reported that Barker sustained second and third degree burns on his lower body and torso and was expected to fully recover within a year. Barker stopped his vegetarian diet and began eating meat to increase his protein intake and possibly speed up healing of his burns.
Barker survived the incident, enabling him to return to the recording studio in November 2008 with long time friend and Keys to the Cadillac drummer Mike Barbalaci. On his first television interview since the crash, he said to MTV, "I'm already playing my drums again, and I'm already back in the studio". Elaborating by stating that the return to the studio "was like riding a bike. It was really exciting to know I still have my chops. It still felt good... I still can make it around the kit. Everything felt right, so I'm thankful to be able to play."
Barker sued the plane's owners, Goodyear Tire and Rubber Co., and an airplane maintenance company on November 21, 2008. He sought more than $25,000 in damages "for pain and suffering, disfigurement, loss of earnings, and medical and legal expenses", claiming that the companies had "improperly operated and maintained the Learjet". The lawsuit claims the Learjet's pilots were "improperly trained and should have tried to take off rather than continue down the runway." The mother of Barker's bodyguard, Charles Monroe Still Jr., who was killed in the crash, joined the lawsuit. She sued the companies for "damages including grief and sorrow, funeral expenses and loss of earnings." The court case was settled in December 2009, with lawyer William L. Robinson, who represented some of the companies, saying the terms of the settlement are confidential.
On December 1, 2008, ''TV Guide'' reported that Barker would make his first appearance with DJ AM (Adam Goldstein) since the two survived the plane crash. The duo performed at New Year's Nation's Los Angeles New Year's Eve Party at The Wiltern. Their performance was streamed live on the Internet via New Year's Nation's official site, and broadcast at other New Year's Nation parties across the U.S. Of the gig, Barker told press, "I'm ready to get back onstage with AM and continue to rock the house. I'm very excited to bring in the New Year in my hometown of L.A." DJ AM died on August 28, 2009, of an accidental drug overdose in his New York City apartment.
Equipment
Zildjian (Cymbals)
A Series 21" Sweet Ride,
18" A Custom Crash,
14" Master Sound Hi-Hats,
21" K Crash Ride,
18" Oriental China Trash,
10" A Custom Splash,
Orange County Drums and Percussion or OCDP (Drums)
22" x 20" kick drum,
12" x 9" mounted tom,
16" x 14" floor tom,
14" x 7" snare drum,
10" x 6" side snare,
Remo Emperor x (snare)
Remo Smooth White Emperor (Batter toms)
Remo Smooth White Ambassador(toms reso)
Remo Hazy Ambassador (snare side)
Smooth White Remo Powerstroke 3 (bass batter)
Smooth white Remo powerstroke 3 (Bass reso)
Travis Barker Signature Drumsticks.
Roland electronic drums/triggers.
Barker is currently sponsored by Orange County Drum and Percussion and Zildjian.
Discography
Album appearances
; Solo albums
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* Released: March 15, 2011
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* Format: Compact Disc |
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; With [[Blink-182
''Enema of the State'' (1999)
''The Mark, Tom, and Travis Show (The Enema Strikes Back!)'' (2000)
''Take Off Your Pants and Jacket'' (2001)
''Blink-182'' (2003)
''Greatest Hits'' (2005)
''Neighborhoods'' (2011)
; With Transplants
''Transplants'' (2002)
''Haunted Cities'' (2005)
; With +44
''When Your Heart Stops Beating'' (2006)
; With TRV$DJAM
''Fix Your Face'' (mixtape) (2008)
''Fix Your Face, Vol 2: Coachella'' (mixtape) (2009)
; With The Aquabats
''The Fury of the Aquabats!'' (1997)
; With Box Car Racer
''Box Car Racer'' (2002)
; With Expensive Taste
''DJ Skee Presents: Expensive Taste'' (2007)
Solo singles
Guest appearances
"In Search Of..." (by N.E.R.D) (2001) – drums on the track "Provider"
"Elephunk" (by The Black Eyed Peas) (2003) – drums on the track "Rock My Shit"
"Try This" (by Pink) (2003) – drums on the track "Unwind"
"Trill" (by Bun B) (2005) – drums on "Late Night Creepin"
"King" (by T.I.) (2006) – co-production on "You Know Who"
"Wolves" (by Idiot Pilot) (2007) – drums on "Elephant"
"I Don't Have to Try" / "Alone" / "Runaway" / "I Can Do Better" (by Avril Lavigne) (2007) – drums
"Get Money, Stay True" (by Paul Wall with Expensive Taste) (2007) – drums and production on "Slidin' on That Oil"
"Hardcore 4 Life" (by Danny Diablo (2007) – Drums On "Livin' By The Gun" & "Jersey White Trash"
"The Way It Is" (by Blestenation) (2007) – drums
"It's Whateva" (by the Federation) (2007) – drums on "Black Rosez"
"Dope Boys" (by Game) (2008) – drums, production and vocals contribution
"Goodbye" (by The Centerfolds) (2008) – drums
"OG'z" (by Wale) (2008) – drums
"The G Files" (by Warren G) (2009) – drums on "Let's Get High"
"Stronger with Each Tear" (by Mary J. Blige) (2009) – drums on "Stairway to Heaven"
"Drop the World/Forever" (by Drake, Lil Wayne & Eminem) (2010) – drums and percussion on Live Performance
"Rebirth" (by Lil Wayne) (2010) – production on "One Way Trip"
"Rockstar 101" (by Rihanna with Slash) (2010) – drums on music video
"Outta Control" (by Mams Taylor featuring Jacoby Shaddix) (2010) – Drums and Production
"Electric Gigolo" (by Mickey Avalon) (2010) – Drums on track "Fast Life"
"Heart of a Champion" (by Paul Wall) (2010) – Drums and production on tracks "Take Notes", "Im'ma Get It", "Live It", "Not My Friend" and "Heart Of A Hustler"
"31 Minutes to Takeoff" (by Mike Posner) (2010) – Drums on track "Gone In September"
"Passion, Pain & Pleasure" (by Trey Songz) (2010) – Drums on track "Blind"
"Piece Of Mind" (by Eddie Rap Life) (2010) – Drums and production on tracks "Rock N Roll Memorabilia", "Invisible Ingredients", "Oh Lord" and "Waitin' For The Moment"
"I Am Not a Human Being" (by Lil Wayne) (2010) – Drums and percussion on track "I Am Not A Human Being"
"You Need This Music" (by Nottz) (2010) – Drums and percussion on track "Intro"
"Bad Season" (by Tech N9ne featuring Krizz Kaliko, Nesto & Tonesha Sanders) (2010) – Producer on track "Hard Liquor"
"Femme Fatale" (by Britney Spears) (2011) - Drums on track "Don't Keep Me Waiting"
"Simply Unstoppable (YES remix)" (by Tinie Tempah) (2011) - Drums on remix of the song from the album Disc-Overy used on Lucozade Sport advertising featuring Travis, Tinie Tempah and boxer Katie Taylor.
"Boarding Pass Mixtape" (by Lax Boyz) (2011) - Drums and production on track "Eye Of The Tiger"
"Haute Living" (by Swizz Beatz featuring Lil Wayne & Lenny Kravitz) (2011) - Drums on track "Rock 'N' Roll"
"Success Is Certain" (by Royce da 5'9") (2011) - Drums on track "Legendary"
"When Fish Ride Bicycles" (by The Cool Kids) (2011) - Drums on track "Sour Apples"
"808's" (by Traxamillion) (2011) - Drums on single
"ESPN MLB Theme" (2011) - Drums on Remix to track
"Check Out My Swag" (by Young Dro) (2011) - Drums and percussion on track
Film and television
Travis has appeared in numerous films and television shows, most notably his own reality show, ''Meet the Barkers'', with his ex-wife Shanna Moakler, which debuted in 2005. However, Barker can be found in a brief scene with Blink-182 in the teen movie, ''American Pie''. In 2003, he appeared in an episode of MTV's ''
Punk'd'', a ''
Candid Camera''-esque television show, in which he took part in a set-up bareknuckle boxing match; he also appeared and spoke alongside
Linkin Park-vocalist
Chester Bennington on MTV's ''Icon'' show honoring heavy metal band
Metallica in May of that year.
In 2006 Barker starred in a Boost Mobile commercial, which was detailed in an episode of ''Meet the Barkers''. He's also played a few guest starring roles such as a rapper on the popular crime drama, ''CSI: Crime Scene Investigation''. In 2001, he appeared with Mark Hoppus and Tom DeLonge in the skit "Leave it to Blink-182", a parody of "Leave It to Beaver", on the late night TV show MADtv.
In a slight departure from his usual genres, he made an appearance on the 41st annual CMA Awards in 2006, performing a medley of songs by country icon Buck Owens with a group of artists including Dwight Yoakam, ZZ Top guitarist Billy Gibbons, and former Byrds bass player Chris Hillman.
; Filmography
Video games
Travis appears as a secret, playable character in ''Tony Hawk's Project 8''.
Travis appears as a playable character in ''Guitar Hero: World Tour''.
Videos
In addition to his own work with Blink-182, Box Car Racer, Transplants, and +44, Barker has made numerous guest appearances. In 2001, Barker appeared, playing drums, in
P. Diddy's video, "Bad Boy for Life". In 2003 he played the drums in
Bubba Sparxxx's video for "Back in the Mud".
He was featured in the opening sequence of the Dem Franchise Boys music video, "Ridin Rims," in 2006. Travis appeared in Xzibit's music video "Hey Now (Mean Muggin)", T.I.'s video "What You Know", Ice Cube's "Go to Church", New Found Glory's "My Friends Over You", Three 6 Mafia's "Side 2 Side (Remix)" and "Doe Boy Fresh" videos. He was also featured on the Outkast music video "Morris Brown" and can be seen playing drums in The Game's AOL Session.
; Videography
Notes
A. "Let's Go" was not released as a single; it charted due to digital downloads.
B. "Let's Go" peaked outside of the US ''Billboard'' Hot 100 chart, therefore it is listed on the
Bubbling Under Hot 100 chart.
References
External links
Travis Barker's Official Website Official Website
Cymbal configuration at Zildjian.com
Category:1975 births
Category:American punk rock drummers
Category:Blink-182 members
Category:Car collectors
Category:Living people
Category:Musicians from California
Category:Participants in American reality television series
Category:People from Corona, California
Category:People from Fontana, California
Category:Survivors of aviation accidents or incidents
Category:The Aquabats members
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lv:Treviss Bārkers
hu:Travis Barker
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pt:Travis Barker
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