Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Travis Barker

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Travis Barker made an impact.

Travis Barker is a highly acclaimed American musician, songwriter, and producer, best known as the drummer for the iconic rock band Blink-182. His versatile talent extends beyond rock, encompassing collaborations with hip-hop artists and membership in groups like Transplants and +44. Barker's collaborations include Box Car Racer, Antemasque, and Goldfinger, and he famously partnered with DJ AM as TRV$DJAM. Recognized for his exceptional drumming skills, Rolling Stone has hailed him as "punk's first superstar drummer" and included him among the 100 greatest drummers ever.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements

1994: Joining The Aquabats

In 1994, Travis Barker joined the ska punk group the Aquabats after being recruited through Chad Larson, whom he met in a Fontana-based band called Feeble. He initially intended to fill in for a few days but ended up joining the band permanently, earning the nickname Baron Von Tito.

1996: Joining The Aquabats

In 1996, Travis Barker began playing drums for The Aquabats.

October 1997: Release of "The Fury of the Aquabats!"

In October 1997, The Aquabats released "The Fury of the Aquabats!", after which they toured nationwide with Blink-182.

February 1998: Filling in for Blink-182

In February 1998, Travis Barker filled in as the drummer for Blink-182 during the SnoCore Tour after Scott Raynor announced his departure. He learned the drum tracks for a 20-song setlist in only 45 minutes before his first show.

1998: Joining Blink-182

In 1998, Travis Barker left The Aquabats to join Blink-182.

June 1999: Release of "Enema of the State"

In June 1999, Blink-182 released their album "Enema of the State", which catapulted them to stardom.

1999: Mainstream success with Enema of the State

In 1999, Blink-182 achieved mainstream success with their album Enema of the State.

1999: Personal and Professional Growth

In 1999, Travis Barker experienced significant personal and professional growth due to Blink-182's success. He began dating Melissa Kennedy, purchased a rehearsal studio, opened a store called Famous Stars and Straps, offered drum lessons, and participated in Guitar Center drum clinics.

1999: Founding Famous Stars and Straps

In 1999, Travis Barker founded the clothing company Famous Stars and Straps.

2000: MTV Video Music Award Win

In 2000, the music video for "All the Small Things" by Blink-182 won a Moon Man for Best Group Video at the MTV Video Music Awards.

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2001: Release of "Take Off Your Pants and Jacket"

In 2001, Blink-182 released their album "Take Off Your Pants and Jacket", which debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 and achieved triple platinum status within three weeks.

2001: MADtv Appearance

In 2001, Travis Barker, along with Mark Hoppus and Tom DeLonge, appeared in a skit called "Leave it to Blink-182" on the late night TV show MADtv, which was a parody of "Leave It to Beaver".

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2002: Collaboration with the Transplants

In the summer of 2002, Travis Barker collaborated with Rancid vocalist Tim Armstrong to record tracks for a rap/rock collaboration called the Transplants.

2003: MTV Appearances

In 2003, Travis Barker appeared in an episode of MTV's "Punk'd" and on MTV's Icon show honoring Metallica alongside Chester Bennington.

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2004: Founding LaSalle Records

In 2004, Travis Barker founded the record label LaSalle Records.

2004: Establishing LaSalle Records and Injury in Australia

In 2004, Travis Barker officially set up his record label, LaSalle Records, named after his favorite Cadillac. He also injured his foot at a show in Melbourne, Australia, but continued to perform the next night, leading to further complications and the cancellation of the tour.

February 2005: Blink-182's Indefinite Hiatus Announcement

In February 2005, Blink-182 issued a press statement announcing their "indefinite hiatus".

October 2005: Purchase of Opra Music Studio

In October 2005, Travis Barker and Mark Hoppus purchased their own studio, named Opra Music.

2005: Meet the Barkers Debut

In 2005, Travis Barker's reality show, "Meet the Barkers," featuring his then-wife Shanna Moakler, premiered.

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2006: CMA Awards Performance

In 2006, Travis Barker performed at the 41st annual CMA Awards, featuring a medley of Buck Owens songs alongside Dwight Yoakam, Billy Gibbons, and Chris Hillman.

2006: Boost Mobile Commercial & CSI Guest Star

In 2006, Travis Barker starred in a Boost Mobile commercial, as documented on "Meet the Barkers," and guest-starred as a rapper on "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation."

2007: Addiction, Injury, and Remixes

In 2007, Travis Barker developed a full-fledged addiction to painkillers. He broke his arm during a video shoot for +44, but continued to tour using one arm. He also worked on hip-hop remixes, loops, and beats for various artists, and created well-received remixes of Rihanna's "Umbrella" and "Crank That (Soulja Boy)".

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June 2008: Collaboration with DJ AM

In June 2008, Travis Barker began performing with DJ AM (Adam Goldstein) in a collaboration called TRV$DJAM. DJ AM would mix classic songs live with two turntables, and Barker would enhance the groove with live drums. The duo performed at the MTV Video Music Awards on September 7.

2008: Hip-Hop Remixes and Solo Album Idea

In 2008, Travis Barker continued releasing hip-hop remixes, including a remix of Flo Rida's "Low." The videos of Barker playing these tracks became popular on YouTube. Barker began planning a solo album, which superseded +44. Guests who recorded with Barker included Young Dro, E-40, Willie Nelson, and Damian Marley.

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2011: Debut Solo Album Release

In 2011, Travis Barker released his debut solo album, Give the Drummer Some.

2011: Reflecting on TRV$DJAM Success

In a 2011 interview, Travis Barker reflected on the success of TRV$DJAM, stating that their "little duo of drummer and DJ [had] reached heights we never thought were possible."