Travis Barker Breaks Silence: "I'm Just Thankful To Be Alive"

NEW YORK — Former Blink-182 drummer Travis Barker, who always has been afraid of flying, says he's glad to be alive after suffering severe burns in a fiery plane crash last month.

"I hate planes," Barker said in an interview with Us Weekly magazine. "My biggest fear ever is to be involved in a plane crash, so when that happened ... well, I'm just thankful to be alive! I'm just grateful to be here at all."

The 32-year-old musician and celebrity disc jockey DJ AM were the only survivors of the crash just before midnight Sept. 19 at the main airport in Columbia, S.C. Two pilots and two other passengers were killed, including Barker's assistant Chris Baker.

Barker was released from a Georgia hospital last week and is now being treated at a burn center in Los Angeles. He said he was too afraid to fly cross-country, so he arranged to travel by bus with his father and ex-wife Shanna Moakler to keep him company.

"I am doing the best I can possibly be," he said in the magazine's latest issue. "I'm so anxious to get out of here. ... I've just been in surgery after surgery. I have third-degree burns basically from my feet up to my waist and both hands. One of my hands has second-degree burns and one has third-degree burns."

"I'm trying to have a quick recovery and play the drums again and be able to hold my kids again," said Barker, who has two children, Landon, 5, and Alabama, 2, with Moakler.

If all goes well, Barker expects to leave the hospital within two weeks.

DJ AM (real name: Adam Goldstein) was recently released from the hospital, too. Doctors have said they expect both men to fully recover.

Officials with the National Transportation Safety Board have said a cockpit voice recorder revealed that crew members thought a tire blew out and tried to abort the takeoff.

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On the Net:

Us Weekly magazine:

http://www.usmagazine.com/

Comments

[Fair]

Speedy recovery, hope you are feeling better soon, prayers to you and your family.

[Amennyc]

sure helps to be rich and afford the best medical care

[Anciano]

Woman pilot.

[GerryS]

he is gross-

[GetoffMylawn]

Ha ha ha, he was burned very badly and he has tattoos.
Wait, that's not really funny.

[Gasparilla]

He has my full sympathy, but I've never gotten that tattoo thing, at least not to that extent. It's not like getting rid of a sweater you don't want anymore.

[jennylens]

I can't believe the comments about men who are dealing with one of the most horrific, painful physical and psychological torments any person can experience. Have you ever put out a candle or a match with your fingers? Have you ever been burned? Can you imagine what it's like for half your body to be on fire? The scars, the surgeries, the constant pain and memories of that event? The knowledge of losing one of your closest friends. Wondering why you survived? And how will you survive? How will your life change because of being burned? Why do you think Hell is all about fire? Because it's painful.

Shame on all of you making fun of this tragic event.

Travis and DJ AM are handling this with quiet grace, dignity and optimism. They are an inspiration to all of us. My prayers go out to them, their families, and their fans.

FYI: I have never heard Blink-152 nor know much about DJ AM except when he was engaged to Nicole (and I'm not a fan of hers either per se). I don't care about the music they play, tats, or their lifestyles. But gee, I have a heart. Where's yours?

[Gina322]

People are so mean and thoughtless, don't let it get you down.

[Fair]

It's the Right Wingers trolling here. They are board, Grandpaw and Mayella Violet Ewell are losing ground, tanking in the polls.

[joeyscamps]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HfoPQvbv2lU

[joeyscamps]

[HARVIN]

His tatoos saved him.

[musicisourhigh]

We wish Mr. Barker a speedy recovery and pray for him and his family as they deal with this.

[Rubyfoo]

That poor man. His skin has been burned so badly it almost looks like designs.

[Swerinjer]

lol

[mabinog]

Naw, it acts as camoflauge. His looks like it is disembodied just floating too far above his shoulders.

[drumz]

This guy for those that don't know is an amazing drummer. Good luck and God's speed to get back behind the kit again!

[Kevbo68]

Sorry to hear about the burns but I've had to AdBlock his pics here. He's freaking disgusting looking.

[mandalaina]

Dealing with the aftermath of these burns must be horrific--and I'm glad he's going to be released soon. I'm glad he has had support from his father and ex--he'll need every bit of it in the coming weeks.

I'm glad he and his assistant survived, and my thoughts go to the famlies of those who didn't.