Las Vegas Weekly

October 12, 2008 · 8:11 AM

From hospital bed, Barker reveals he’ll undergo seventh surgery

By Robin Leach

Photo: Travis Barker/MySpace.com

Travis Barker.

Badly-burned drummer, Travis Barker has revealed that he can now move his fingers for the first time and that he'll undergo a 7th surgery tomorrow (Monday) as a result of the injuries he sustained in a fiery plane crash. Travis says he's looking forward to playing drums again with his son and going on a bicycle ride with his daughter!

He and LAX nightclub partner Adam Goldstein -- known as DJ AM -- were in flames when they jumped from a LearJet that exploded on takeoff after a tire burst. The blazing inferno killed the two other passengers -- Chris and Che, friends of Travis who worked for him -- and the two pilots.

Both Travis and Adam were treated at a Georgia special burn-unit and although Adam has been released Travis was transferred to a Los Angeles hospital where he continues surgeries and treatment.

Late yesterday Travis, who has performed numerous times here in Vegas, had a special message of thanks to both hospital's

doctors and staff for their care. He also updated on his MySpace blog the current status of his health and ongoing recovery:

“I want to give my deepest thanks to everyone who has helped deal with the current situation. First and foremost, Chris and Che were my friends. I would give up anything to have them here with us today, healthy and happy. To call them my employees does them such a disservice, as they were so much more than that. Chris was my best friend before anything else, and I can never put into words how much he will be missed. Che was an amazing person as well, and I was honored to have him in my life.

“I am simply amazed and will be forever grateful for all the support everyone has shown to Chris and Che's families. Its a testament to how many lives they touched in a positive way.

“Hospital Life!

“Like the doctors said from the beginning, its been a slow recovery process. I am coming up on the 7th of my surgeries Monday. Today I finally was able to move all my fingers on my right hand. Every step seems huge at this point, and I’m doing EVERYTHING I can possibly do to get back to my kids. Yes, I did start eating meat again, but if it helps me to be home holding my little humans sooner, then its all worth it. The staff here are all bomb! Dr. Grossman and his staff are the best. The BOSS Barbara, and nurses Betty, Jay , Emily, Julio, Lolita, and Stephanie (with the best scrubs ever!) are all taking the best care of me.

“My good friend Armen has been kind enough to save me from the hospital food, and brings Jamba Juice, Wahoos, or whatever else I need to keep my calories and protein levels high.

“Despite any rumors you might have heard, Ive been treated amazingly well, both here in LA and in Georgia. The hospitals Ive been treated at are THE BEST.

“My friends and family have been amazing. My pops has been with me ANY time I need him. My sisters, James, Skinhead Rob, Daniel, Armen and of course Ricardo and Nicole, have all shown amazing support. JD and Mark Hoppus both took the time to come visit and offer their support as well. Estevan Oriol even came in with a calendar.

“Saying "thank you" to all these guys just wouldn't be enough...

“I got to see AM the other day. Seeing him after he was discharged was an inspiration. I saw just how awesome the doctors' work here is, and got to see how well he is doing. I am so happy to see him doing well, and we are both so lucky and grateful that we are alive today.

“I'm even using some of this time to help design the summer '09 Famous line. Maxx, Jose, Bill have been awesome helping to keep the machine going. These are some seriously dedicated people, and I'm lucky to call them friends.

“Now Im just counting the days until I can leave. I cant wait to get home to play drums with my son, and go for bike rides with my daughter. I cant wait to see the pictures from Landon's "Jack and Sally Nightmare Before Christmas" birthday party that we had for him today. I am bummed that I couldn't be there, but thank God Ill be around to see many, many more.

Thank you everyone for your support.”

Share This