Education
At school Barker played in the jazz ensemble and marching band.
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At school Barker played in the jazz ensemble and marching band.
Barker began taking drum lessons at age five with a drummer named James Wadsworth, who would expose young Barker to many different playing styles. At this time, he also began taking trumpet lessons. In junior high, Barker learned to play the piano and briefly tried singing, joining the madrigals men and women's choir. In addition, Barker had non-musical aspirations; he also was interested in becoming a professional surfer and skateboarder.
He gained a lot of experience performing at regional competitions and festivals. During his senior year, he passed up drum corps tryouts to tour with a rock band. Barker gained a lot of experience performing with a few early rock bands.
On December 1, 2008, TV Guide reported that Barker would make his first appearance with DJ AM (Adam Goldstein) since the two survived the plane crash. The duo performed at New Year's Nation's Los Angeles New Year's Eve Party at The Wiltern. Their performance was streamed live on the Internet via New Year's Nation's official site, and broadcast at other New Year's Nation parties across the U.S. Of the gig, Barker told press, "I'm ready to get back onstage with AM and continue to rock the house. I'm very excited to bring in the New Year in my hometown of L.A." DJ AM died on August 28, 2009, of an accidental drug overdose in his New York City apartment.
In October 2011 Barker stated the plane crash led him to make some lifestyle changes. He now runs and swims everyday, eats well and has gone vegan since leaving hospital. He has also overcome a painkiller addiction he had for years prior to the plane crash.