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What to Know About Kourtney Kardashian's Punk-Rocker Fiancé Travis Barker

Get to know the prolific drummer who has recently reentered the news cycle. 

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@travisbarker

Travis Barker's name has been splashed all over the tabloids in recent months, as is anyone closely associated with the Kardashian family. Though he is well known to those with a taste for early aughts pop-punk, anyone who missed the wave its first time around might need a refresher. 

Barker, who celebrates his 46th birthday today, rose to fame as the drummer of Blink-182, one of the most celebrated American punk bands. He joined in 1998, taking over for a former drummer fired over apparent disputes with the other two members, Mark Hoppus and Tom DeLonge. The trio's first album together, Enema of the State, released in 1999, catapulted them to celebrity status.

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Barker left behind couch-surfing and working as a trash collector for a career in the music industry, quickly picking up a reputation as a flawless tour and studio drummer. Though he is most known for his work with Blink-182, his complete catalogue is too lengthy to list in any sort of readable article. He's played in a number of supergroups with bandmates and friends, including The Transplants and +44. 

In recent years, Barker has worked with a number of contemporary artists, playing drums for Post Malone's Nirvana tribute show, collaborating with Machine Gun Kelly on his album Tickets to My Downfall, and working on Willow Smith's smash hit "Transparent Soul." He has also signed a number of artists to his label DTA Records, including TikToker Jxdn and Avril Lavigne. 

 

Barker reentered the spotlight once he and Kardashian took to posting their relationship on social media. The two seem to be in a world of bliss, recently getting engaged and publicly professing their love for one another. Earlier this year, Barker flew on a plane for the first time in 13 years following a serious plane crash in 2008, of which he was one of only two survivors. He cited Kardashian's support and their desire to travel together as the inspiration for overcoming his fear. 

"It's still something very new to me, but having something that gives me the strength and hope to be able to overcome things that were so traumatic in my life, it just says a ton," he told Nylon. "She's definitely that for me. I'm invincible when I'm with her. It's just like I never dreamed, I never even considered flying again."

The 2008 crash led to a number of lifestyle changes for Barker who, after spending more than 11 weeks in hospitals and burn centers, went vegan, began working out daily, and overcame a painkiller addiction. The near-death experience also helped set the stage for a Blink-182 reunion, resulting in several additional albums and tours. 

These days, his attention seems to be focused on his life going forward with Kardashian. The pair became engaged on a beach in Montecito, California, surrounded by a heart made of roses in October. News reports about the couple hint towards expanding their blended family and future wedding plans.

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