Blink-182 member was on the verge of death: documentary tells his life before and after

Travis Barker, the drummer for the rock band Blink-182, was nearly killed in a plane crash in South Carolina in 2008, according to a documentary titled Travis Barker: More Than Fear, which premiered recently. The film opens with footage captured by a police car’s dashboard camera showing the aftermath of the crash, in which four other people lost their lives. Barker survived the incident, though he suffered severe injuries that required extensive medical treatment and recovery. The documentary, filmed between 2017 and 2026, originally stemmed from Barker’s memoir Can I Say: Living Large, Cheating Death, and Drums, Drums, Drums, published in 2015. However, the project evolved beyond its initial scope. One proposed ending showed Barker walking toward an airplane after years of being unable to fly due to post-traumatic stress disorder. Barker found this conclusion unsatisfying and instead chose to board a plane himself, symbolizing his journey toward healing and recovery. “I almost died,” Barker says in the documentary. “It could be useful to share my life.” Barker’s career began at a young age when he received his first drum kit at four years old. Before joining Blink-182, he played in bands such as Feeble and The Aquabats while working as a garbage collector. His rise to fame with Blink-182 transformed the group into one of the most influential acts in pop-punk music. Throughout his career, Barker has been involved in multiple projects, including Box Car Racer, +44, and TRV$DJAM, and has collaborated with hip-hop artists such as Bun B and Lil Wayne. In addition to his musical pursuits, Barker has developed a passion for skateboarding and automotive culture. He also owns clothing brands that reflect these interests. Despite these diverse endeavors, Barker emphasizes that drumming has always been central to his identity. He recalls viewing the instrument as a form of therapy following the death of his mother. “I see it as my life,” Barker states. “It's like oxygen for me.” The plane crash in 2008 marked a turning point in Barker’s life. He spent six months in a burn center, received morphine for pain management, and underwent 30 surgeries. Approximately 70 percent of his body suffered burns. During his recovery, even basic tasks such as walking became uncertain, and he questioned whether he would ever play drums again. “Every loss I had, every hit I took, made me stronger,” Barker reflects. Over time, Barker regained his ability to fly and now frequently travels by air. He acknowledges that turbulence still triggers emotional responses tied to the crash. His family has played a crucial role in his recovery process. His wife, Kourtney Kardashian, and their children appear throughout the documentary, which concludes with family photographs. Barker hopes to be remembered for his music, his drumming style, and his roles as a father, husband, son, and brother. “Maybe my story can help someone,” he says.