Why I Love Travis Barker

I’m an equally huge fan of all three parts of Blink 182, but lately, I find myself being an even bigger fan of Travis Barker. The Grammys may have just turned my admiration into a full-blown crush and here’s why. (PS – I’m a dude).

Between Blink 182, The Transplants, Boxcar Racer, The Aquabats, (+44) and ANY one of the remixes he’s done, I think it’s safe to say Travis is easily one of the best drummers of our  generation. It is no easy task to play with the style that he does, at the intensity he does. But that’s not the point.

With mega successful clothing company, Famous Stars & Straps, there’s no doubt Travis has firmly planted his feet and has established himself as multifaceted. Having signature shoes, signature cymbals and a hand in the Rogue Status clothing line just adds to the impending empire that is Travis Barker. But again, none of this is truly why I am a Travis fan.

There is more than the two dimensions of music and clothing to Travis. One thing I think is severely overlooked and under appreciated – he’s a stellar father.

What makes me respect a human being like Travis is that Saturdays you can most likely find him taking his youngest daughter to ballet. Maybe after that he’ll be en route to taking Landon, his son, to guitar lessons. And most days during the week, around 8 in the morning, you’ll see him tweeting about bringing his “humans” to school. A guy who has achieved what he has, still managing to keep the fact that he is a parent first and foremost is why I’m making this my first post to KROQ.com. I think that it’s so rare to see a straight up rock and roller like this be selfless. It makes me happy, hell it gives me hope in all musicians to know there are still parents out there who have values like this. His “humans” are his everything. They are what’s important. The pictures throughout this post exemplify it.

That is why I am a Travis Barker fan.

Oh right…and he’s wicked nasty at drums.

- KROQ Phone-Op Jerry

KROQ Weenie Roast Y Fiesta 2009