Blink-182’s Music Saved Mark Hoppus’ Life During Cancer Battle, New Book Aided Healing
In September 2021, Mark Hoppus had just completed a grueling six months of chemotherapy. The stars had aligned for Blink-182 as Hoppus, guitarist Tom DeLonge, and drummer Travis Barker had reunited after a tumultuous period. Hoppus, who had been battling non-Hodgkin lymphoma since June 2021, was declared cancer-free after intensive treatment. To cope with the stress and exhaustion, Hoppus turned to writing as a form of therapy. What started as a therapeutic exercise evolved into the memoir “Fahrenheit-182,” chronicling his journey from a military child to a punk rock enthusiast and eventually a rock star with a massive fan base.
In “Fahrenheit-182,” the 53-year-old artist delves into the profound impact of his parents’ divorce and his passion for punk rock music, with a particular affinity for bands like Social Distortion, Bad Religion, Dead Kennedys, and NOFX. While Hoppus’ tale covers significant personal milestones, the heart of the story revolves around the trio behind Blink-182’s success: Hoppus, DeLonge, and Barker. Despite their achievements, the relationships among the bandmates faced numerous trials and tribulations. Through the memoir, Hoppus endeavors to maintain empathy for all parties involved, steering clear of villainizing anyone.
Reflecting on his writing process, Hoppus shares, “It was really cathartic to write it all out and try to be fair to everybody in the book. My whole goal with the book was to not demonize anybody. I wanted there to be no villains in the book because, now that we’ve been through everything, I don’t feel that there were villains. I feel like Blink-182 is a blessing.” Following his cancer remission, Hoppus felt compelled to narrate not just his personal story but also that of the band from his perspective. Expressing deep affection for his bandmates, he sought to authentically portray the highs, lows, camaraderie, and friendships they shared throughout their journey.
Leaving no stone unturned, Hoppus candidly recounts the band’s rifts, reconciliations, as well as legal and personal clashes. However, instead of harboring bitterness or assigning blame, there is a pervasive sense of melancholy in these anecdotes, underscoring the complexity of human relationships and the challenges faced in the music industry. Hoppus’ memoir serves as a testament to the enduring bond between the members of Blink-182, illustrating the profound impact of shared experiences, growth, and resilience in the face of adversity.