Travis Barker of Blink-182 fame is considered one of the greatest drummers in recent memory. His fast and aggressive playstyle is just too iconic for rock music fans to forget. Aside from being a part of the band since 1992, Barker is a music producer, a father, and the new lover of Khloe Kardashian. Everything seems perfect for the drummer, but there was one scary event that he barely escaped out of.
In 2008, he was one of two survivors of the South Carolina Learjet 60 crash. The other was Adam "DJ AM" Goldstein, who passed away in 2009 from a drug overdose. The plane crash has left Barker with third degree burns and skin grafts, and was placed in the hospital for about three months. Barker tweeted on June 25th that he might fly again after 13 years of not doing so.
Barker suffered from PTSD from the plane crash and even called it a rehab from the use of drugs. Fans have been wholeheartedly supportive of Barker's decision on overcoming his phobia. One fan wrote, "I was in a plane crash as a child. It took me a few years to fly again. I fly all the time now, but every once and awhile the fear creeps back in. Breathing helps." They noted that they broke their legs during their plane crash, but is very thankful to be able to walk or run despite that.
Others told Barker not to put too much pressure on himself, and only be prepared to go on a plane again when he's ready. While it is not common, plane crashes are very scary, as they have been a part of American history due to the 9/11 attacks. With the news of potentially flying again, that means Barker and Blink-182 will be able to travel internationally to perform, and that will be a huge plus for fans.
It takes a lot of courage to overcome one's fear, and Barker has at least one goal for being able to fly again. In an interview with Men's Health, he described his determination to fly on a plane again, "If I do it, and the angels above help me in my travels and keep me safe, I would like to come back and [tell my children], 'Hey, I just flew here, and then I flew home. And everything was fine.' I have to tell them, because I almost left them."
Hopefully, Barker will be able to tackle his fear at his own pace and feel safe on a plane again.