blink-182 Band • Page 13

Other drummer popping in here. I disagree with some of the choices he’s made but I don’t really feel like I can speak to the last part. But as far as him playing like an asshole yeah, and it worked in Blink. That’s what that band both needed and wanted. I don’t think it’s necessarily a bad thing when that’s exactly what that project asked from him. And the fact of the matter is that he’s still one of the most famous drummers alive right now. Ask any non music fan to name as many drummers as they can and his name is most likely to pop up. Tons of drummers still insist on their cymbals being 10 feet above their heads because of him. Dude’s also incredibly knowledgeable drumming wise in terms of history and understanding styles and genres and stuff. So I think in some ways he maybe doesn’t get credit for being as well rounded as he actually is. I’d love for him to stop working with abusers but that’s a different conversation than whether or not he’s chasing fame or whatever

 

Tattoos make you better. That’s science.

 

I remember watching him perform at the CMT Awards I think. He’s super versatile, I know the common critique is that he over-drums but I feel like that’s based purely on Enema of the State/TOYPAJ/blink live shows. I don’t connect with every project he works on but I feel like he’s an extremely diverse and capable musician.

 

The idea that Travis somehow has "no loyalties" because he does session work is absolutely laughable.

The "plays like an asshole" critique is just a bizarre jab. People work with him for a reason, and he's incredibly talented. If anyone had a problem with his style, they'd just... not work with him?

 

Travis “The Mercenary” Barker

 

He's a brand. That ain't easy for a drummer.

Considering his health scares, near death experience, and loss of friends, to me it seems like he's living life how he wants. Maybe there is a specific reason for Laura to post this, but it just sounds bitter.

I don't get why a multi style drummer can't be a mercenary either. He's definitely not the first guy who's name appears in a lot of music credits across styles (Josh Freese comes to mind) and he's not the first drummer to try and get paid an be famous (Tommy Lee) or play drums to show off because fans like (Neil Peart).

As for loyalty, guy seems like a decent father and bandmate from afar. He's played with Mark and Tom on different projects for years, and seems to work with the same producers like Jerry and now Jon. I think if he wanted to he could have quit all that and solely went in as a hip hop guy and producer and abandoned his old pop punk world. I don't follow Travis personal life closely or his other projects that I'm not interested in, but he seems to be helping out other artists quit often even if its for a few.

 

Speaking of Travis, he performed with Young Thug on SNL last night.

 

The mercenary part of the post is pretty ironic too, considering who currently drums for Against Me! (who is also an amazing drummer, not meant as a knock on Atom, more on the irony of that particular take).

 

I don't think it's any coincidence that it's been during the pandemic that Travis has especially been all over the place. Not like he needs more fame or money, I just think he'd go crazy if he wasn't constantly drumming lol

 

Funny enough, guess who Blink have used as a fill- in for travis (Australia I think?) in the past?

 

This was from the festival that Feldman and Barker put on in 2019 (I think, anyways.) This is a good example of two of my favorite drummers and their styles. Tim Arnold is the drummer for Good Old War and also Anthony Green's solo band drummer, and Travis joins them on this song and they play together.. I love Arnold for his Snare/Crash work, and I feel like Travis just has natural "Go as fast as I can" energy.

 

I hope they are very happy for a very long time.

 

Long time? How about forever infinity sign

EDIT: (forever infinity sign is Travis's comment on that pic, doesn't show on the embed.)

 

Travis made my proposal on the beach look like it was nothing….

I had to wait for my wife to finish the root beer float she decided to get right before walking onto the beach. Almost missed sunset. Almost.

 

Watch out Kourtney he's not loyal at all. Also he's a mercenary

 

I mean it will be his 3rd marriage….. so he might very well be a relationship mercenary too.

 

3rd time’s the charm

 

I was gonna say this if nobody else did, Atom Willard has been in and quit like 5 bands so it's a really weird thing to say

 

Given how Laura and Against Me! got a ton of criticism from being “sell outs” it seems weird she is doing a version of that now.

I also don’t get the “plays like an asshole” when his band mates love what he does. I don’t think he would be pulled into all these projects if he played like an asshole (unless she means something else).

And he clearly loves what he does. I doubt most of his side stuff really is about money. I mean, he is the dude that made a drum cover of a blink b-side at 2 am or something

 

Yeah I think her post should have just said “I personally don’t like Travis Barker.”

 

He definitely likes to make money. I can always see that. But..who doesn’t

 

I’m not saying there’s no incentive money wise of course.

But he also strikes me as a dude who likes what he does and to keep busy. I’m sure there are better ways to make money than doing a Transplants record.

 

Yeah I’m sure the money is enticing but Travis 100% comes off a guy who loves what he does.

 

Travis can't sit still. He mentioned that he feels lazy if he has a day off. It's 100% in his nature to just keep moving.

Also, didn't he "sell out" when EOTS took a pop-punk turn compared to Dude Ranch? People will always complain about something.