Travis Barker, the iconic drummer of Blink-182, recently sat down with Drumeo to discuss some of his favorite rudiments and how he incorporates them into his playing. Travis shared insights into his early introduction to drumming, his journey with rudiments, and specific examples of their application in Blink-182 songs.

Travis expressed his love for rudiments, citing flams, six stroke rolls, and paradiddles as some of his favorites. He described a warm-up routine involving reverse flams and showcased how he utilizes these rudiments around the kit, often adding his own flair with kicks and fills.

Reflecting on his beginnings, Travis recalled starting drumming at a young age, initially learning from watching Animal on The Muppets. His parents recognized his passion and enrolled him in school band, where he received formal instruction in rudiments and reading music. However, he veered off to focus on skateboarding until a pivotal moment in high school when he decided to audition for the drumline, diving deep into marching and rudimentary techniques.

Travis pointed out various instances in Blink-182’s music where rudiments are prominently featured. He highlighted parts in songs like “Dysentery Gary,” “After Midnight,” and “All the Small Things,” where flams, double strokes, and six stroke rolls are woven into the drumming fabric. Travis also mentioned the challenge of translating a brushed groove from the studio version of “I Miss You” into a live performance, demonstrating his adaptation on the drum kit.

When asked about his favorite song to play live, Travis expressed his appreciation for all Blink-182 tracks but singled out “Anthem Part Two” for its complex drum parts. He also discussed how he improvises and changes his drum parts nightly, keeping the performances fresh and exciting.

In addition to discussing specific songs, Travis showcased snippets of his drum solos and intros, such as the energetic opening to “Violence,” which he customizes for each live show.

In conclusion, Travis Barker’s mastery of rudiments is evident in both his technical proficiency and creative expression on the drums. From his early beginnings to his current performances with Blink-182, Travis continues to push the boundaries of drumming, inspiring drummers worldwide with his innovative approach and unmistakable style.