Ongoing History of New Music

Ongoing History Daily: The biggest Blink-182 scare ever

Nothing has been more traumatic in the story of Blink 182 than the plane crash that almost killed drummer Travis Barker

It was September 19, 2008, in Columbia, South Carolina, when a private Learjet carrying six people–including Travis–when something went wrong on takeoff. The plane ended up on fire off the end of the runway and across a five-lane highway. Travis was the only survivor. 

He wasn’t sure if he’d ever be able to play drums again, especially when doctors told him that he might have to have one of his feet amputated.  Then the was the matter of his left hand which had gone completely numb with nerve damage.  But after sixteen surgeries, almost two dozen different medications and some very difficult physical rehab, Travis was able to get back to work.

Not surprisingly, he now has a thing about getting on airplanes. When Blink tours, the other two guys fly private. Travis prefers to take a tour bus.

Alan Cross

is an internationally known broadcaster, interviewer, writer, consultant, blogger and speaker. In his 40+ years in the music business, Alan has interviewed the biggest names in rock, from David Bowie and U2 to Pearl Jam and the Foo Fighters. He’s also known as a musicologist and documentarian through programs like The Ongoing History of New Music.

Alan Cross has 39164 posts and counting. See all posts by Alan Cross

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