In the new issue of Us Weekly, Travis Barker opens up for the first time since his tragic September 19 Learjet crash that killed four. He and DJ AM – the only survivors of the crash – suffered second and third degree burns on their hands and lower body.

“I hate planes,” the ex-Blink 182 drummer, 32, tells Us exclusively. “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.”

He spoke to Us on Oct. 6 from the Grossman Burn Center in Los Angeles, where he is now being treated. (He said he was too afraid to fly cross-country from Georgia – where he initially recovered in a burn unit – so he arranged to travel by bus with his father and ex-wife Shanna Moakler.)

How are you doing?
“I am doing the best I can possibly be. 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 was second degree burns and one was third degree burns. I’m trying to have a quick recovery and play the drums again and be able to hold my kids again. [Barker has two children, Landon, 5, and Alabama, 2, with Moakler.] I’m going nuts not being able to see them and spend time with them!”

After over 25 years as a vegetarian, you had to start eating meat again. Why?
“I need protein from food rather than just protein supplements. I changed my diet. I would do anything I possibly could if they said like, ‘There’s a possibility you might heal faster if you do eat meat or just change your eating habits.’ So I did. I don’t regret it at all, I feel so much better.”

How much longer will you be in the hospital?
“Oh gosh, I hope not much longer.

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