Give the Drummer Some is the first solo record by blink-182 drummer Travis Barker. Barker had earlier announced that the album would be slated for a September 2010 release, but was later pushed back, with the album being released on March 15, 2011.^[4] The album, released under Interscope Records, was produced by the drummer himself, alongside The Neptunes, RZA, Kool Kojak, Chuck Inglish, Transplants, Kid Cudi, EDIT, Corey Taylor and Steve Aoki. The album debuted at number nine on the US Billboard 200 chart, with first-week sales of 28,000 copies in the United States.^[5]

Background[link]

The album title itself, is a reference to a track by the Ultramagnetic MC's of the same name, which in turn derives from James Brown's "Funky Drummer." It was first announced by Barker himself that the album would be of "no one genre," indicating that the album wouldn't be based on hip hop or punk rock, unlike his previous remixes and collaborations. However, most of the tracks are hip-hop and R'n'B influenced, though for instance 'Misfits' has a techno/dance sound and 'On My Own' has a Metal groove to it. Guests that collaborated and are featured are: Slaughterhouse^[6], The Cool Kids, RZA, Ludacris, Lil Wayne, Rick Ross, Game, Raekwon, Tom Morello, Slash, Steve Aoki, Busta Rhymes, Lil Jon, Pharrell, Cypress Hill, Twista, Jay Rock, Kobe, Paul Wall, Clipse, Kid Cudi, Yelawolf, Snoop Dogg, Lupe Fiasco,^[7] Swizz Beatz, Bun B^[8] and Tech N9ne.^[8] Barker confirmed in an interview that there will not be any collaborations with Mark Hoppus and Tom Delonge from Blink-182 as he thought it would be wrong to have the first new Blink-182 song on his album, and that the song will be released separately as a single before the album is released in June/July 2011. The tracklisting was revealed on February 25, 2011.^[9][10]

Promotion[link]

The first music video released from the album was for the song "Jump Down" featuring The Cool Kids. It was directed by Nichole Ehrlich and Chris Young, and premiered on October 14, 2010, on Youtube in both normal and 3D versions. The second music video "Carry It" featuring Raekwon, RZA and Tom Morello premiered on November 2, 2010. The first official single from the album, "Can a Drummer Get Some" featuring Lil Wayne, Rick Ross, Swizz Beatz and Game, was released on February 1, 2011, though it leaked a few days earlier. Barker had performed the song live along with Game, Swizz Beatz and Mix Master Mike on Jimmy Kimmel Live! on February 10, 2011. Barker had performed the song "Saturday Night" live with Transplants, Mix Master Mike, Elvis Cortez of Left Alone and Kevin Bivona of Telacasters, on Conan on March 7, 2011. Music videos have been released for "Jump Down", "Carry It", "Can a Drummer Get Some" (Remix), "Misfits", "Saturday Night", "Let's Go", and most recently "Just Chill".

Professional ratings
Review scores
Source	Rating
Allmusic	[11]
DJBooth.net	3.5/5[12]

Track listing[link]

Confirmed by Amazon.com.^[13]

*The actual length of the track is 4:03 + 4-minute silence + hidden track "I Play The Drums".^[14] The standard version has the hidden track included after "Beat Goes On".

Charts[link]

Ultramagnetic MC's
Ultramagnetic MCs (Kool Keith and Ced-Gee pictured) performing at I'll Be Your Mirror in Asbury Park, New Jersey, 2011
Background information
Origin	The Bronx, New York, United States
Genres	Hip hop
Years active	1984–2001 2006–present
Labels	Diamond International (1984–1986) Next Plateau (1986–1991) Mercury/PolyGram Records (1991–1992) Wild Pitch/EMI Records (1993–1994) Tuff City (1994–?) DMAFT (2006–present)
Associated acts	MF911 DJ Mark the 45 King King Bee Godfather Don DJ Red Alert Boogie Down Productions The Prodigy Rahzel
Members
Kool Keith Ced Gee TR Love Moe Love DJ Jaycee
Past members
Rooney Roon Ronnie T Tim Dog

The Ultramagnetic MC's is an American hip hop group based in Bronx, New York.^[1] Originally founded by Kool Keith, the group is composed of Ced Gee, TR Love, and Moe Love.^[2] Tim Dog became an unofficial member in 1989. In 1990, DJ Jaycee was added as Roadmanager and backup DJ. A former member, Rooney Roon, was fired following an assault arrest. Beat-boxing legend Rahzel was also involved with the group early in its career. The group's work was associated with unorthodox sampling, polysyllabic rhymes, and bizarre lyrical imagery.

History[link]

The Ultramagnetic MC's formed in 1984. Their first single was "To Give You Love" (1985) on the Diamond International label. The group's worldwide buzz started with "Ego Trippin'," its first 12-inch single on Next Plateau Records in 1986 that was the first hip hop song to feature the "Synthetic Substitution" drum break sample. The group's next single was "Traveling At The Speed of Thought (Original)"/"M.C.'s Ultra (Part Two)" followed by "Funky/Mentally Mad," one of the most sought-after 12-inch singles of its career. Funky was based on a Joe Cocker piano sample later used as the basis for Dr. Dre and Tupac's California Love. It was released in 1987. This led to the release of the group's first album.

The Ultramagnetic MC's released a new school classic in 1988, Critical Beatdown, introducing many new sampling techniques. Many believe that without the group's primary producer, Ced Gee, the golden era of sampling may have looked very different. Ced, while uncredited, also produced the majority of Boogie Down Productions' seminal Criminal Minded. These albums are among the first to use "chopped" samples, rearranged and edited to change context. Both albums also feature many James Brown samples, which became very prominent in Hip Hop in ensuing years. KRS-One has been quoted as saying that he was very close to joining Ultramagnetic MC's early on. Paul C. was also a major contributor to Critical Beatdown, producing "Give The Drummer Some," and engineering most of the album. Paul C. also produced the Hip-House mix of "Traveling At The Speed Of Thought", which was used as the group's first music video, and was their sole release in 1989. The single's b-side, "A Chorus Line", became one of Ultramagnetic's most popular songs and introduced new group affiliate Tim Dog. A variation of the "A Chorus Line" instrumental was used as the basis of Tim Dog's debut single, the Ced Gee-produced "Fuck Compton", which became a modest hit and is credited with helping to spark the East coast/West coast feud of the mid '90s.

The group went on a hiatus for several years, breaking up temporarily in 1990. They returned on Mercury Records in 1992, with the album Funk Your Head Up. The album received a muted response, in part because many tracks had been given a commercial sheen, having been remixed by outside producers at the label's insistence. Alternate mixes of this album's songs along with unreleased tracks from the sessions have appeared on later compilations. The song Poppa Large, remixed by Da Beatminerz became a hit and remains a staple of Kool Keith's live show. The song's video featured Keith in a straightjacket, his bald head encased in a birdcage.

In 1993, the group released the album The Four Horsemen, which featured guest production and vocals by Godfather Don, who produced solo Kool Keith sessions in 1992. Some of those tracks appear on The Four Horsemen, and also on The Cenobites LP. The former was the last official album the Ultramagnetic MC's released until their 2007 reunion.

There were many semi-legitimate and compilation albums to follow, the most official of which was Next Plateau's The B-Sides Companion, which featured a new song, some unreleased 1989 songs recorded for a second Next Plateau LP and most of the group's classic singles, albeit in newly remixed form. Ced Gee and Moe Love both provided demos and unreleased songs spanning the group's entire career to Tuff City for a series of four albums which were released without Kool Keith's consent. A live album, Brooklyn To Brixton, was announced but abandoned.

As a reaction to Ced and Moe's involvement in the Tuff City releases, Kool Keith and Tim Dog reunited on the album Big Time, released under the name Ultra in 1997. Kool Keith went on to record many solo CDs, including several under aliases such as Dr. Octagon and Dr. Dooom. His abstract rhymes and syncopated, off-beat delivery influenced many rappers, including Pharoahe Monch from Organized Konfusion and Ghostface Killah of Wu-Tang Clan.

In 2001, Ultramagnetic MC's released a single, "Make It Rain/Mix It Down" which whetted fans' appetites for a reunion album. Two other songs, "Baby, I'm Mad" and "Who Am I?" were recorded at the same sessions, but remain officially unreleased. In 2004, the original versions of the Next Plateau singles were finally released on CD as bonus tracks on the remastered Critical Beatdown. In a 9 December 2005 interview on Houston's Late Nite Snax radio show, Kool Keith confirmed rumours that the Ultramagnetic MC's had reformed and recorded a new album. Founding Ultramagnetic MC's member Ced Gee has set up Factshen Records. A new Ultramagnetic MC's LP, Back to the Future—The Bronx Kings Are Back, was scheduled to be released in 2006 but was later named The Best Kept Secret and released January 2007. Although the album's cover features the original line-up of Kool Keith, Ced Gee, Moe Love and TR Love, TR (along with Tim Dog) is notably absent. Instead, guest verses are provided by newcomers like Grafiq Malachi Sebek. However, Tim Dog and TR Love have each recently released songs featuring Ultramagnetic under their own names. The group also released a new song after the album's release called "We About Chix", the video can be seen on YouTube.

The group performed live at the ATP I'll Be Your Mirror festival curated by ATP & Portishead in September 2011 in Asbury Park, New Jersey.^[3]

Discography[link]

Albums[link]

• 1988 – Critical Beatdown
• 1992 – Funk Your Head Up
• 1993 – The Four Horsemen
• 1994 – The Basement Tapes 1984–1990
• 1996 – New York What Is Funky
• 1996 – Mo Love's Basement Tapes
• 1997 – Pimp Fiction
• 1997 – The B-Sides Companion
• 1998 – Smack My Bitch Up
• 2007 – The Best Kept Secret
• 2010- Ultramagnetic Foundation-Tr love DJ Moe love present (Ultra Laboratory stories)

Singles[link]

• 1984 – "To Give You Love"/"Make You Shake"
• 1986 – "Ego Trippin'"/"Ego Bits"/"Funky Potion"
• 1987 – "Traveling At The Speed of Thought (Original)"/"M.C.'s Ultra (Part Two)"
• 1987 – "Mentally Mad"/"Funky"
• 1988 – "Watch Me Now"/"Feelin' It"
• 1988 – "Ease Back"/"Kool Keith Housing Things"
• 1989 – "Give The Drummer Some"/"Moe Luv Theme"
• 1989 – "Traveling At The Speed Of Thought (Remixes/LP Version)"/"A Chorus Line" (featuring Tim Dog)
• 1991 – "Make It Happen"/"A Chorus Line (Pt. II)"
• 1992 – "Poppa Large (East Coast Remix)/(West Coast Remix)"
• 1993 – "Two Brothers With Checks (San Francisco Harvey)"/"One Two, One Two"
• 1993 – "Raise It Up (featuring Godfather Don)"/"The Saga Of Dandy, The Devil And Day (Black Baseball)"
• 1994 – "I'm Fuckin' Flippin"
• 1997 – "Watch Your Back"
• 2001 – "Make It Rain"/"Mix It Down"
• 2006 – "Mechanism Nice (Born Twice)"/"Nottz"

Appearances[link]

• 1987 – "Red Alert Goes Berzerk"
• 1994 – "Wild Pitch Classics"
• 1999 – "It's All The Way Live" appears on a compilation, called Connected

References[link]

External links[link]

• Kool Keith's website
• www.ultrakeith.net
• www.Tuffcity.com
• Rollingstone page

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

[edit] Video games

• Travis is a non-playable character in Tony Hawk's American Wasteland.
• Travis appears as a secret, playable character in Tony Hawk's Project 8.
• Travis appears as a playable character in Guitar Hero: World Tour.

[edit] 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".^[65] 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", 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

[edit] Notes

[edit] References