Snare drum

Hornbostel–Sachs classification	211.212.1 (Directly hit cylindrical drum with two membranes)

The drum kit

1 Bass drum | 2 Floor tom | 3 Snare drum 4 Hanging toms | 5 Hi-hat | 6 Crash cymbal 7 Ride cymbal | 8 Splash cymbal | 9 China type

Not shown

Sizzle cymbal Swish cymbal Crash/ride cymbal Cowbell Wood block Tambourine Rototom Octoban Temple block Gong Triangle

See also

Drum hardware Drum stick Traps case

The snare drum or side drum is a widely used unpitched percussion instrument. It is often used in orchestras, marching bands and concert bands, drum kits and many other applications.

It is the centre of the drum kit, the most prominent drum in most marching and stage bands, and the drum that students of both orchestral and kit drumming learn to play first.

The snare drum is almost always double-headed, with rattles (called snares) of gut, metal wire or synthetics stretched across one or both heads. There are three patterns:

• In all but a few applications, a single set of snares is applied to the bottom of the bottom (unplayed) head. Orchestral and drum kit players use extremely thin, specialised snare drum heads, far too light to be played directly, for this bottom head.
• Pipe band side drums have a second set of snares on the bottom (inside) of the top (played or batter) head, as well as a set on the bottom of the bottom head.
• The caixa de guerra ("war box") and tarol are latin american snare drums with a single set of snares on the top of the top head.^[1] A few of these drums omit the bottom head.

Many modern snare drums have an adjustable snare strainer which allows the snares to be released completely, creating an effect similar to a tom-tom drum.

Different types can be found, like Piccolo snares, that have a smaller depth for a higher pitch, rope-tuned snares (Maracatu snare) and the Brazilian "Tarol", that commonly has snares on the top of the upper drumhead. The snare drum is considered one of the most important drums of the drum kit.

Historically, snare drums have been used in military and parading contexts to produce drum cadences. Today in popular music, especially with rock drum kits, the snare drum is typically used to play a backbeat pattern,^[2] such as quarter notes on the backbeat.

Popular backbeat pattern on snare drum^[2]  play (help·info)

Operation[link]

Snares on a drum

The drum can be played by striking it with a drum stick or any other form of beater, including brushes and rutes, which produce a softer-sounding vibration from the wires. When using a stick, the drummer may strike either the head of the drum, the rim, or the shell. When the top head is struck the snares vibrate against the bottom head, also known as the resonate head, producing a cracking sound. The snares can often be thrown off with a lever on the strainer so that the drum only produces a sound reminiscent of a tom-tom.^[3] Rim shots are a technique associated with snare drums in which the head and rim are struck simultaneously with one stick (or in concert playing, a stick placed on the head and rim struck by the opposite stick), and rudiments are sets of basic patterns often played on a snare drum.^[4]

In contemporary and/or pop and rock music, where the snare drum is used as a a part of a drum set, most of the backbeats and accented notes on the snare drum are played as rim shots, due to the ever increasing demand for the typical sharp and high volume sound. In more Latin and/or Jazz music, notes may be played as rim clicks where the sticks back end is placed on the edge of the top head and forced downward on the rim to the opposite side, to keep a more smooth and syncopated beat. The so called "ghost notes" are very light "filler notes" played in between the backbeats in genres like funk, rhythm and blues. The famous drum roll is produced by alternatively bouncing the sticks on the drum head striving for a controlled rebound. A similar effect can be obtained by playing alternated double strokes on the drum, creating a double stroke roll, or very fast single strokes, creating a single stroke roll. The snares are a fundamental ingredient to the drum roll as they help blend together distinct strokes that are therefore perceived as a single sustained sound.

Construction[link]

Snare drums may be made from various wood, metal, or acrylic materials. A typical diameter for snare drums is 14 inches (36 cm). Marching snare drums are deeper in size than snare drums normally used for orchestral or drum kit purposes, often measuring in at a foot long. Orchestral and drum set snare drum shells are about 6 inches (15 cm) deep. Piccolo snare drums are even more shallow at about 3 inches (7.6 cm) deep. Soprano, popcorn, and firecracker snare drums have diameters as small as 8 inches (20 cm) and are often used for higher-pitched special effects.^[3]

Most snare drums are constructed in plies that are heat- and compression-moulded into a cylinder. Steam-bent shells consist of one ply of wood that is gradually rounded into a cylinder and glued at one seam. Reinforcement hoops are generally needed on the inside surface of the drum to keep it perfectly round. Segment shells are made of multiple stacks of segmented wood rings. The segments are glued together and rounded out by a lathe. Similarly, stave shells are constructed of vertically glued pieces of wood into a cylinder (much like a barrel) that is also rounded out by a lathe. Solid shells are constructed of one solid piece of hollowed wood.

History[link]

A Blue Drum Set Snare Drum.

The snare drum seems to have descended from a medieval drum called the Tabor, which was a drum with a single gut snare strung across the bottom. It is a bit bigger than a medium tom and was first used in war, often played with a fife or pipe; the player would play both the fife and drum (see also Pipe and Tabor).^[5][6] Tabors were not always double headed^[7] and not all may have had snares. By the 15th century, the size of the snare drum increased and had a cylindrical shape. This simple drum with a simple snare became popular with the Swiss mercenary troops who used the fife and drum around the 15th-16th century, due to influence from the Ottoman Turk's use of the drum in their armies. The drum was made deeper and carried along the side. Further developments appeared in the 17th century, with the use of screws to hold down the snares, giving a brighter sound than the rattle of a loose snare. During the 18th century, the snare drum underwent changes that would improve its characteristic sound. Metal snares appeared in the 20th century. Today the snare drum is used in pop music and modern orchestral music.^[8]

	Drum - Cadence A Drum - Cadence B Drum - Four Flams Snare drum cadences performed by the United States Navy Band
Problems listening to these files? See media help.

Much of the development of the snare drum and the drum rudiments is closely tied with the use of the snare drum in the military. In his book, The Art of Snare drumming, Sanford A. Moeller (of the "Moeller Method" of drumming) states that "To acquire a knowledge of the true nature of the [snare] drum, it is absolutely necessary to study military drumming, for it is essentially a military instrument and its true character cannot be brought out with an incorrect method. When a composer wants a martial effect, he instinctively turns to the drums".

Before the advent of radio and electronic communications, the snare drum was often used to communicate orders to the soldiers. American troops were woken up by drum and fife, playing about 5 minutes of music, including the well known Three Camps.^[9] Troops were also called for meals by certain drum pieces such as "Peas on a Trencher", or "Roast Beef". A piece called the "Tattoo" was used to signal that all soldiers should be in their tent, and "The Fatigue" was used to police the quarters or drum unruly women out of the camp.^[10]

Many of these military pieces required a thorough grounding in rudiment drumming; indeed Moeller states that: "They [the rudimental drummers] were the only ones who could do it [play the military camp duty pieces]".^[11] Moeller furthermore states that "No matter how well a drummer can read, if he does not know the rudimental system of drumming, it is impossible for him to play 'The Three Camps', 'Breakfast Call', or in fact any of the Duty except the simple beats such as 'The Troop'".^[12]

Heads originally were of calf skin. The invention of the plastic (mylar) drum head is credited to Marion "Chick" Evans^[13] who (apparently) made the first plastic drum head in 1956.

The development of drum rudiments seem to have developed with the snare drum; the Swiss fife and drum groups are sometimes credited with their invention.^[14] The first written rudiment was in Basel, Switzerland in 1610.^[15] Rudiments with familiar names are listed in Charles Ashworth's book in 1812 such as the (single) paradiddle, flam, drag, ratamacue, the roll (a double stroke roll, also called the "ma-ma da-da" roll), among others.

Definitions[link]

• Military, or field drum: a snare drum, 14 to 16 inches in diameter, 9 to 16 inches deep, with a wood or metal shell and the two heads stretched by tensioning screws. It has called emily o'brian to activate(deactivate) a minimum of 8 metal, gut, or plastic snares. The term came into use in 1837 with the invention of the tensioning-screw mechanism. It is frequently placed on a stand.^[16]
• Side drum: Common British and Scottish Highland term for a snare drum.^[17]

Types[link]

There are many types of snare drums, including:

• Marching Snare (High Tension)
• Drum kit snare
• Piccolo snare
• Maracaoo snare (rope-tuned)
• Tarol

See also[link]

• Snare drum hardware

References[link]

Sources[link]

• Beck, John (1995). Encyclopedia of percussion instruments. New York: Garland Publishing. ISBN 0-8240-4788-5. Google Books preview. Accessed 8 September 2009.

External links[link]

Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Snare drums

• Marching Snare Drum Heads - Description of types of marching snare drum heads.
• Royal Schools Sources Percussion Page Sources for the prescribed music for the Royal Schools of Music practical exams
• Field Drums Blog Photos, information, critical commentary and analysis of field drums, focusing on drums of the American Civil War
• How to Build a Snare Drum DRUM! Magazine shows the step-by-step process of building a snare drum.

Gavin Harrison
Gavin Harrison, performing live with Porcupine Tree
Background information
Born	Harrow, UK
Genres	Progressive rock, jazz fusion, progressive metal, experimental music, math rock
Occupations	Musician
Instruments	Drums, percussion, tap guitar
Labels	Lava, Roadrunner, Atlantic
Associated acts	Porcupine Tree, King Crimson, OSI, Renaissance
Website	www.gavharrison.com

Gavin Harrison (born 28 May, 1963) is a British drummer and percussionist. He is best known for playing with the British progressive rock band Porcupine Tree which he joined in 2002. As of 2008, he also plays with the band King Crimson.

Harrison has authored two instructional drum books entitled Rhythmic Illusions and Rhythmic Perspectives. He also wrote and produced his own instructional DVDs, Rhythmic Visions and Rhythmic Horizons, at his home studio. 2010 saw the release of Rhythmic Designs, a book of transcriptions by Terry Branam, and a 3 hour DVD of Gavin's explanations and demonstrations. It won 'Best In Show' at the summer NAMM show in the USA.

In 2007 Gavin began a long term collaboration with singer/extended range bass player 05Ric which led to the release of three CDs Drop in 2009 Circles and then in 2012 The Man Who Sold Himself.

In 2008, Gavin joined King Crimson as part of a dual-drummer lineup with Pat Mastelotto. Gavin played a number of shows in the United States in August with the band.

He won the Modern Drummer magazine readers' poll for "best progressive drummer of the year" consecutively from 2007-2010. He won "Best Prog Drummer" in DRUM USA magazine 2011. He is the featured cover story on Modern Drummer January 2009. Rolling Stone Magazine polls rate him as the third best drummer in the past 25 years.

On August 23, 2011 he was a featured performer on 'The Late Show with David Letterman' as part of their second "Drum Solo Week", along with such players as Tony Royster, Jr., Stewart Copeland, and Dennis Chambers.

His influences come from his father's jazz collection and from drummers such as Steve Gadd and Jeff Porcaro. Kit Studies with Joe Hodson, Paul Brodie and Dave Cutler (Berklee '78 graduate - teacher relating to the evolving Gary Chaffee school of rhythmic concepts).

Equipment[link]

Current tour kit (2009)[link]

• Sonor SQ2 Maple Drums & Zildjian Cymbals:
• Drums Sonor: SQ2 in USA (Golden Madrone finish) and SQ2 in Europe (Tribal finish).
  • 8x7" Rack Tom (Thin Shell)
  • 10x8" Rack Tom (Thin Shell)
  • 12x9" Rack Tom (Thin Shell)
  • 15x13" Floor Tom (Medium Shell)
  • 16x14" Floor Tom (Medium Shell)
  • 22x17" Bass Drum (Heavy Shell)
  • 14x5" Birch Snare (Medium Shell)
  • 12x5" Maple Snare (Medium Shell)

• Cymbals - Zildjian
  • 16" Oriental China Trash
  • 5 Custom-Made Chimes
  • 13" K Hi-Hats
  • 18" K Custom Crash
  • 7" custom crash bell
  • 15" A Custom Crash
  • 20" K Ride
  • 18" K Custom Crash
  • 12" Oriental China Trash
  • 18" Z Custom China

(Note: All cymbals are listed in the order they appear on Gavin's kit from left to right. The five custom chimes were made by Gavin himself from some used Zildjian crash cymbals.)^[1]

• Drum Heads - Remo
  • Toms: (8", 10", 12", 15",16") Coated Vintage Emperors - batter, Clear Ambassadors - resonant
  • Bass Drum: (22") Powerstroke 3 Clear- batter,Standard Sonor Head - resonant
  • Snares (14") Coated CS or Coated Pinstripe - batter, Hazy Ambassador - resonant

• Hardware
  • Sonor Stands
  • Pearl Icon 3 Sided Rack
  • S-Hoops fitted to all Toms and Snare drums
  • Puresound Snare Wires (8 strands)
  • Tama Speed Cobra bass drum pedals^[2]
  • Tama Cobra Clutch

• Sticks - Vic Firth
  • Vic Firth Gavin Harrison Signature Model SHAR

Home studio setup[link]

• Mackie 32-8-2 mixing desk
• Apogee 2 Rosettas 800 AD/DA
• Apple iMac Quadcore i7
• Apple Logic 9
• Beyerdynamic DT-150 headphones

• Mics:
• Bass Drum (Sennheiser MKH40)
• Bass Drum (Shure SM91A)
• Bass Drum (Audix D6)
• Snare Top (Audix i5 or Shure SM57)
• Snare Bottom (Shure SM57)
• Hi Hat (AKG CK391)
• Tom1 (Sennheiser 421 or Electro Voice N/D 468)
• Tom2 (Sennheiser 421 or Electro Voice N/D 468)
• Tom3 (Sennheiser 421 or Electro Voice N/D 468)
• Tom4 (Sennheiser 421 or Electro Voice N/D 468)
• Tom5 (Sennheiser 421 or Electro Voice N/D 468)
• Overheads (Pair of Schoeps CMC5's)
• Close Ambience (Pair of Neumann TLM 103's)
• Distant Ambience (Pair of Royer 122's)

Discography[link]

See also[link]

• List of drummers
• List of jazz drummers

References[link]

External links[link]

• Gavin's official website
• Gavin's Drummerworld.com page
• Ask Gavin Harrison - Hundreds of drumming questions answered by Gavin Harrison

Benny Greb
Background information
Born	(1980-06-13) June 13, 1980 (age 32)
Origin	Augsburg, Germany
Genres	New Wave/rock , Jazz
Occupations	Musician, Music Teacher
Instruments	Drums, Percussion,
Years active	2002 – present
Website	http://www.bennygreb.de/

Benny Greb (born on June 13, 1980 in Augsburg, Germany) is a prolific German drummer and clinician. He started playing the drums at age six and began taking lessons at age twelve. He plays a large variety of music and can be seen playing rock with Stoppok and The Ron Spielman Trio, jazz with The Benny Greb Brass Band and Sabri Tulug Tirpan, funk with Jerobeam, reggae with Bobby McFerrin, fusion with the NDR Big Band on their Frank Zappa Project, with 3erGezimmeR and Wayne Krantz, and acoustic punk with Strom & Wasser. He has also performed at the Modern Drummer Festival 2010 and at many clinics and drum festivals around the world. Greb is endorsed by Meinl Percussion and has a signature line of Vintage Series cymbals including the "Sand Ride" and "Sand Hats," both known for their sandblasted finishes.

Greb appeared on the scene in 2009 with his Hudson Music DVD "The Language of Drumming".

External links[link]

• Official website
• Drummerworld Profile

Notes[link]

Travis Barker
Barker performing in 2008
Background information
Birth name	Travis Landon Barker
Also known as	The Baron von Tito (when with the Aquabats)
Born	(1975-11-14) November 14, 1975 (age 36)
Origin	Fontana, California, United States
Genres	Pop punk, hip hop, rap metal, rap rock, alternative rock, post-hardcore
Occupations	Drummer, musician, songwriter, producer
Instruments	Drums, percussion, bass, synthesizers, guitar, trumpet
Years active	1993–present
Labels	DGC/Interscope, LaSalle/Atlantic, Geffen, Hellcat, MCA, Golden Voice Records, Goliath Artists
Associated acts	Blink-182, +44, Box Car Racer, Yelawolf, Transplants, Paul Wall, TRV$DJAM, Steve Vai, The Aquabats, Expensive Taste, Game, Slash, Soul Assassins, Cypress Hill, RZA, Raekwon, Kanye West, Lil Twist, Lil Wayne, Lupe Fiasco, Lil Jon, Kid Cudi , Tinie Tempah, Tech N9ne, Royce da 5'9'', Eminem
Website	TravisBarker.com
Notable instruments
Orange County Drum and Percussion Remo Drumheads Zildjian

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. He also went on tour with Quest in 2007, and made 3 albums with the group: KSLIP, Why not?, and their most recent, Genius.

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.^[1]

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, Yelawolf, Tom Morello, Corey Taylor, 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[link]

Travis Barker was born to Randy and Gloria Barker in Fontana, California. His father worked as a mechanic and his mother babysat for kids.^[2] When Barker was four, his mother gave him his first kit, which was the only one he would have until he was fifteen. Barker began taking drum lessons at age five with a drummer named James Wadsworth, who would expose young Barker to many different playing styles.^[2] 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.^[2] 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."^[3]

His mother, who had been diagnosed with cancer three months earlier, died the day before he started going to high school.^[4] 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[link]

Blink-182 (1998–2005; 2009–present)[link]

Blink-182. Barker (back) with Tom DeLonge and Mark Hoppus in 2003

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.^[5] 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.

Barker (back) with Tom DeLonge and Mark Hoppus in Blink-182 Summer Tour, 2009.

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".^[6] 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.^[6]

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,^[7] 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).^[8]

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,^[9] 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."^[10]

The band announced their reunion in February 2009 at the 51st Grammy Awards ceremony.^[11] A well-received reunion tour took place in mid-2009, with a European leg performed in summer 2010. The band has released their sixth studio album, entitled Neighborhoods. It was released on September 27, 2011.^[12]

Collaborations/Remixes (2002–present)[link]

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.".^[13] 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.^[14] 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.^{[citation needed]} In January 2010, Barker announced that the Transplants would reform for new material.^[15]

Travis Barker on stage in San Diego, June 2004

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".^[16] 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 2008 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.^[17] The winner, Twin Berlin^[18] gets a 3-song ep produced by Travis Barker at Red Bull Studios in Los Angeles (Travis Barker will appear on their single), $10,000 in new gear from Guitar Center and Worldwide distribution through TuneCore. Twin Berlin's EP, There Goes My Virtue, was released in February 2012 with Travis Barker credited as producer and thanked for providing percussion in the liner notes. The EP is available at iTunes.

Business ventures[link]

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.^[19] He has dabbled in the restaurant industry, opening a Wahoo's Fish Taco restaurant in Norco, California.^[20]

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.^[21]

Personal life[link]

Relationships[link]

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.^[22] 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.^[23][24] The couple's divorce was made public as each used their MySpace pages to air their feelings on the matter.^[25] During their separation, Barker had a brief fling with Paris Hilton in September 2006.^[26]

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.^[27]

In March 2007, Moakler revealed to People magazine that she and Barker (still married) were back together, but denied that she was pregnant.^[28] This admission came after the couple were publicly affectionate at a surprise birthday Barker threw for his wife in Miami.^[28] 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.^[29]

Barker and Moakler were together during a DJ set Barker was playing with DJ AM in Las Vegas on January 7, 2009.^[30] 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.^[31]

Plane crash[link]

On September 19, 2008, Barker was injured when the Learjet 60 that he was aboard crashed outside Columbia, South Carolina.^[32] The jet was headed for Van Nuys, California.^[33] 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.^[33] Barker had performed the night before at an event with Jane's Addiction singer Perry Farrell, Gavin DeGraw and DJ AM.^[32] Barker and DJ AM were transported to the Joseph M. Still Burn Center in Augusta, Georgia, where they were both listed in critical condition.^[32] 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,^[32] and Charles Still, Barker's security guard.^[34] 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.^[35] Barker stopped his vegetarian diet and began eating meat to increase his protein intake and possibly speed up healing of his burns.^[36]

Barker recovered from 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". He elaborated 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."^[37]

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."^[38] 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.^[39]

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^[40] Los Angeles New Year's Eve Party at The Wiltern.^[41][42] 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.^[43][44][45] 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."^[46][47] DJ AM died on August 28, 2009, of an accidental^[48] drug overdose in his New York City apartment.

In October 2011 Barker stated the plane crash led him to make some lifestyle changes. He now runs and swims every day, eats well and has gone vegan since leaving hospital. He has also overcome a painkiller addiction he had for years prior to the plane crash.^{[49][50][51][52]}

Equipment[link]

Zildjian Cymbals

• 21" A Sweet Ride Brilliant
• 18" A Custom Projection Crash or 18" A Custom Medium Crash
• 14" A Series Mastersound Hi-Hats
• 21" K Crash Ride (used as crash)
• 18" FX 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" Snare Side Drum

Snare: Remo Emperor X (Batter) and Remo Hazy Ambassador (snare side) Toms: Remo Smooth White Emperor (Batter) and Remo Clear Ambassador (reso) Clear Remo Powerstroke 3 (batter) and Ebony [or coated] Remo Powerstroke 3 (reso) Travis Barker Signature Drumsticks. Roland electronic drums/triggers.

• Barker is currently sponsored by Orange County Drum and Percussion^[53] and Zildjian.^[54]

Discography[link]

Album appearances[link]

Solo albums

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 (DJ mix) (2008)
• Fix Your Face Vol. 2 (Coachella' 09) (DJ mix) (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)
• Let the Drummer Get Wicked (2011)

Solo singles[link]

Guest appearances[link]

• "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"
• "Buck Owens Medley" (by Buck Owens All Star Tribute) (2006) - Drums
• "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
• "Distraction Pieces" (by Scroobius Pip) (2011) - Drums on track "Introdiction"
• "Thug Motivation 103: Hustlerz Ambition" (by Young Jeezy) (2011) - Drums and production on track "Talk To Me"
• "Wonderland" (by Steve Aoki) (2011) - Drums on track "Cant Stop"
• "Radioactive" (by Yelawolf) (2011) - Drums on track "Slumerican Shitizen"
• "Celebrate Life" (by Skillz) (2011) - Drums on Remix to track
• "Cyanide Serenade" (by Bury The Hatchet) (2011) - Drums on track
• "Champagne" (by Wiz Khalifa) (2011) - Drums on track
• "Napalm" (by Xzibit) (2012) - Drums on track "Napalm"
• "Black Girls" (by Chester French) (2012) - Drums on track
• "Lez Go" (by Cypress Hill & Rusko) (2012) - Drums on track
• "Sixteen" (by Jerome Flood II) (2012) - Drums and production on track

[edit] 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,^[62] 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.^[63]

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.^[64]

Filmography