Mark Hoppus Reflects on Cancer’s Impact on His Friendship with Tom DeLonge
Mark Hoppus, the bassist of Blink-182, has revealed in a recent interview how his cancer diagnosis positively influenced his relationship with bandmate Tom DeLonge. Hoppus’ reflections appear in his newly released memoir Fahrenheit-182, which chronicles his challenging journey from a lymphoma diagnosis in 2021 through chemotherapy treatment.
A Journey Through Illness
In an interview with The Guardian, Hoppus shared candid insights into his battle with cancer, admitting that he feared for his life during the treatment process. “I really thought I was going to die,” he stated, noting the physical toll the chemotherapy and steroids took on him. The experience left him utterly exhausted, saying it “crushed me for months on end.”
Rekindling a Long-Dormant Friendship
Despite the hardships, Hoppus emphasized that his diagnosis led to the revival of friendships that had faded over the years. One of the most significant was his relationship with DeLonge. Hoppus remarked, “It healed my friendship with Tom: from day one, he was like: ‘What do you need? I’m there.’” This renewed bond, fueled by love and support from those around him, gave Hoppus a fresh perspective on life, leading him to reflect, “I’ve had a pretty awesome life.”
The History of Blink-182’s Dynamics
Hoppus and DeLonge’s friendship has had its ups and downs over the years. Following DeLonge’s departure from Blink-182 in 2015, which DeLonge insisted was not a formal exit, the band entered a period of uncertainty. DeLonge’s comments at the time included, “I never quit the band… The ONLY truth here is that I have commitments that limit my availability this year,” which highlighted the complexities within the group’s dynamics.
Looking Ahead: Reunions and New Beginnings
After Hoppus was declared cancer-free in late 2021, DeLonge rejoined Blink-182 to embark on a world tour and contribute to the band’s latest album, One More Time, released in 2023. Reviews of the album praised the band’s ability to retain their core sound while providing a nostalgic experience for fans. NME rated the album three stars, indicating that while it might not revolutionize pop-punk, it successfully captures the spirit that fans have always enjoyed.
Upcoming Performances
With new music in tow, Blink-182 is set to perform at several festivals, including See.Hear.Now, Shaky Knees, and When We Were Young. Additionally, DeLonge teased in January about potential “spring break” shows, expressing eagerness to reconnect with their fanbase.
Conclusion
Mark Hoppus’ experience with cancer not only reshaped his perspective on life but also played a crucial role in mending his relationship with Tom DeLonge. As Blink-182 continues to tour and create music, the band moves forward with a renewed sense of camaraderie and purpose.