It might be cheesy to make a sentimental entry about a man who just recently escaped death by a thread, but there’s no denying Barker’s talent as a drummer. Here’s a brief primer to what many dismiss as “that blink 182 drummer” and the star of his own reality show.
A drummer known for his loudness, technical skills, and inventiveness, showed promise even in his brief stint in the Aquabats. Despite the group’s silly ska sound, “Super Rad” became a hit, known for it’s punchy drum line.
After Aquabats, Barker really shined in blink 182, replacing longtime drummer Scott Raynor. From the start of their mega-hit album Enema of the State, Barker’s presence is known. Instead of succumbing to the standard doo-dat-doo-doo-dat beat defined that most punk albums during that time, Baker infused typical songs with intricacies. Just listen to the opener “Dumpweed” or single “Adam’s Song” – both of which rely on non-conventional beats.
When blink decided to venture into experimental territory, Barker was more than game. Their self-titled last album shows a band trying to expand, which included electronic beats and marching percussion.
After the demise of of blink, Barker began showcasing his penchant for hip-hop. His side-project, The Transplants was a mixture of hardcore, rap and punk which Barker attacked with a mindset for minimalism. “Diamonds and Guns”, a song off the group’s first album sounds like it was made with drum samples, but I have a feeling that it’s not. It was also during this time that Barker began producing hip-hop tracks for rappers like T.I.
Plus 44 (+44) is his current band, where he collaborates with former blink bandmate, Mark Hoppus. +44’s drumming continues the punk-experimentalism that defined blink’s last album, but there is more of an emphasis on dance/club/electronic beats. During the tour to support their first album When Your Heart Stops Beating, Barker sustained an arm injury that forced him to relearn the drums:
Def Leppard he ain’t. That’s pretty impressive.
.
I like to hit stuff 