Billy Corgan names Travis Barker most influential drummer of last 30 years

Smashing Pumpkins frontman Billy Corgan has named Blink-182 drummer Travis Barker as the most influential drummer of the last 30 years. During an appearance on Corgan’s podcast, ‘The Magnificent Others’, Corgan stated that Barker’s style has significantly shaped the approach to drumming in alternative rock and power pop.

Corgan noted that Barker’s influence is visible in the playing styles of many contemporary musicians, remarking, ‘Before you appeared, people didn’t play like that, and now almost everyone plays like you.’

In response to the praise, Barker discussed his musical inspirations, citing jazz legend Buddy Rich, the funk rhythms of The Meters, and Mötley Crüe drummer Tommy Lee. He also acknowledged the influence of Smashing Pumpkins drummer Jimmy Chamberlin. The conversation also touched upon Barker’s recovery and return to performing following a serious 2008 plane crash.