It’s not every day a musician is taken from the local scene and turned into a global icon, but for one legendary drummer, that’s exactly what happened. The 1990s California punk scene was thriving after many bands in the 1980s helped shape the genre. Acts such as the hit-making Green Day were becoming superstars, while others tried to make it.
There were many local acts that went around hoping someone would hear their songs. Without social media, many things would happen by chance. A small gig could turn into one of the biggest performances of their lives if the right person was in the crowd to see all their abilities, leading to bigger opportunities. From there, their name would grow.
While not everyone made it, with some 1990s bands becoming forgotten, others succeeded. One group in particular faced hardship when they lost their drummer, but they found the right person to fill in. This was an exact example of how performing at the right time could lead to life-changing moments, but they had no idea the megastardom that awaited.
Welcome To The Band, Travis Barker
Things Happen For A Reason
In the early ’90s, Blink-182 was just beginning, but their career was taking off quickly with the band producing material rapidly. In 1997, they released Dude Ranch, a 15-track record that started to change everything for them. With songs such as “Dammit,” the band began touring more, and their name started to gain traction.
At the same time this was happening, Travis Barker was also part of the same scene, playing with a band called the Aquabats. At this point, they would start performing with Blink-182, and that is where everything happened. While speaking with John Cena on Roku’s What Drives You, Barker recalled the night everything changed: “Their drummer dips out, and they said, ‘Hey, can you learn everything? We play in 45 minutes. Can you learn 20 songs?'”
Not only did he learn everything, but things were electric. Barker played three shows with them, which concluded with the question of whether he would consider being their full-time drummer. He was open to the idea if things changed with the drummer they already had, Scott Raynor. He then told the story of the call that he recieved stating, “I get the phone call, ‘Hey, your first show is tomorrow; you’re in the band.'”
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After that, he would say the rest was history, and it certainly was. His first album with them would be 1999’s Enema of the State. This record led Blink-182 to megastardom, changing their lives forever. They have become so iconic as a trio that it is hard to picture a time without Barker in the band, as his presence in Blink-182 is iconic.
The Aquabats Have Continued Their Legacy
Nothing Can Stop Their Music
Even though Barker would leave the Aquabats, it didn’t stop the band from moving forward. In fact, their career began a few years before he joined. They formed in 1994, with their first album arriving in 1995. Before their mainstream breakthrough with their second album in 1997, Barker joined, and this also happened by chance.
At the time, he was playing in a small band called BHR, which gained him recognition. His friend Chad then called him and asked a question that would change his life. During the same interview with John Cena on Roku’s What Drives You, Barker recounted the phone call, saying, “My friend Chad hit me and said, ‘Hey, my other band, called the Aquabats, is playing a show, and like we need a drummer.'”
From there, Barker joined them as “The Baron Von Tito.” They released The Fury of the Aquabats!, which landed them major shows, including Warped Tour. Even though he would leave shortly after the success had begun, it left the band in a good position. Since then, they have maintained their signature look and have released seven more records.
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They haven’t reached the levels that Blink-182 did, but they have still had a very successful career. They have toured extensively and graced some of the biggest stages, all while wearing their headgear, masks, and form-fitting shirts. Their latest record arrived in 2024, and in 2025, they’re included in two of the Warped Tour revival dates.
Travis Barker Is A Legend
His Legacy Is Being One Of The Best Drummers Ever
Beyond being the drummer for Blink-182, Barker has used this platform to work on other projects as well. He has proven to be one of the most ambitious musicians, never afraid of a challenge. Even when the other two members of Blink-182 had short-lived side projects, he was the one they called upon, because they knew he was capable.
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Away from his bandmates, he worked with other groups such as TRV$DJAM, Goldfinger, and the Transplants. Additionally, he has collaborated with many well-known artists such as MGK. He is also a highly respected producer, working with bands like Yellowcard, lending them the vast knowledge he has gained throughout his professional career.
Outside of music, he has worked on various projects. One of the most well-known is his autobiography, Can I Say: Living Large, Cheating Death, and Drums, Drums, Drums. Additionally, he is no stranger to reality television, even having his own show in the 2000s. He has now started a new chapter in life and is happily married to Kourtney Kardashian.
A series of fortunate events have led to a great life for him, with him earning all of it. He never had it easy; he has gone through ups and downs, but he is a prime example of perseverance. Travis Barker is one of the best drummers ever, one of the most creative musicians, and an all-around class act.
