TRAVIS LANDON BARKER

Travis Landon Barker (born November 14, 1975) is an American drummer and the current drummer for pop punk trio Blink-182. He has also been a drummer for several side projects including +44, Box Car Racer, Transplants and Expensive Taste.
In 1996, Barker joined his first touring band, playing drums for The Aquabats 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 became known for his mohawk and his tendency to perform shirtless, revealing a multitude of tattoos. Barker has since established himself as a versatile drummer, producing and making guest appearances in music projects of numerous music genres including hip-hop, punk rock, alternative rock, ska, pop and even 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's marriage to former Miss USA Shanna Moakler was featured in MTV's Meet the Barkers (2005–2006). His marriage and personal life have been considerable media fodder following his divorce and a brief relationship with Hilton Hotel heiress Paris Hilton in 2006. In early 2009, Barker and Moakler decided to get back together. On April 1, 2009, reps for both Barker and Moakler confirmed they had split following an argument at their home which required police attention. The argument was said to be caused after Barker confronted Moakler about her allegedly having an affair with Gerard Butler while he was recovering from his plane crash. Moakler's reps deny any reports of an affair. Barker also has a vast and unique collection of ghetto blasters and is a self-proclaimed car enthusiast.

MUSIC CARREER

Blink-182 (1998–2005, 2009–present)

n 1996, Barker began touring with The Aquabats, under the stage name "The Baron Von Tito". Blink-182 was also on the bill, and when then-drummer Scott Raynor was removed from the band, Barker was asked to fill in. This required him to learn the entire set (over 20 songs) in less than two hours and perform them at that night's show, in addition to playing a set with The Aquabats. His efforts earned him an offer to join Blink-182, which Barker accepted.
With Barker, Blink-182 released their best selling album to date, Enema of the State (1999), followed by Take off Your Pants and Jacket (2001), and Blink-182 (2003). After Barker drummed for Blink-182 for seven years, the band split up in February 2005.
In an interview with TMZ, regarding a reunion, Barker states "We're all friends" and "Everyone's getting along pretty good."
At the 2009 Grammys, Blink 182 announced they were getting back together.

Side projects (2002–2009)

Barker said he has always been interested in many genres of music outside of punk 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 punk 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 with 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 wouldn't 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.[7] 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


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.
In late 2005 Barker started a new band, +44 with fellow Blink-182 member Mark Hoppus and in 2006, he and Rob Aston joined Paul Wall in forming a new hip hop group called Expensive Taste.

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 in the MTV Video Music Awards of 2008 including Kid Rock and LL Cool J.
In May 2009, Matt Sorum revealed that Barker will appear on Slash's upcoming solo album.

EQUIPMENT

Barker is now sponsored by Orange County Drum and Percussion and Zildjian
Latest drum kit (2008–2009)

•Drums - Black Acrylic w/50% offset Lugs

o 10x8" Tom
o 12x10" Tom
o 16x14" Floor Tom
o 18x16" Floor Tom
o 24x24" Bass drum
o 14x6.5" Orange County Stainless steel/nickle snare

•Cymbals - Zildjian

o 14" A custom Mastersound Hi-hats
o 21" Avedis "Sweet" Ride Brilliant
o 10" A custom Splash
o 19" A Custom Rezo Crash
o 19" A custom Projection Crash

Barker uses DW 9000 Series Hardware, Remo Emperor X Snare Heads and Remo weather king emperor Heads on his toms, Roland Electronics and his signature Zildjian sticks.