Travis Barker, the dynamic drummer of Blink-182, is renowned for his energetic performances in the pop-punk scene. However, his musical journey began with a foundation in classic country music. In a recent conversation on the “2 Bears, 1 Cave” podcast with Bert Kreischer, Barker shared insights into his early musical influences.
During the discussion, Barker recounted an experience at a vintage shop in Canada where he admired a Willie Nelson T-shirt worn by an employee. This encounter was particularly meaningful, as his father was a devoted fan of Nelson. Barker reminisced about being raised on the sounds of Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash, and Buck Owens, stating, “Buck Owens, the best.”
His passion for drumming ignited at a young age. Barker began by playing on pots and pans, leading his parents to recognize his budding talent and gift him a drum kit. They supported his interest by arranging drum lessons and encouraging a disciplined practice routine. This dedication paved the way for his involvement in punk bands during his teenage years.
Barker’s diverse musical upbringing contributed to his eclectic taste and versatility. He mentioned, “I listen to everything. I grew up on rap music, like jazz and country from my pops, hardcore and punk rock. Anything that was involved in skateboarding as a kid kind of raised me.”
This rich tapestry of influences has shaped Barker’s distinctive drumming style, allowing him to seamlessly collaborate across genres, from rock to hip-hop and beyond.
