Mark Hoppus of Blink-182 Reflects on How His Cancer Diagnosis Strengthened His Friendship with Tom DeLonge

Mark Hoppus Discusses Healing Through Friendship

Mark Hoppus from Blink-182 shared how his diagnosis of cancer healed his friendship with Tom DeLonge.

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Insights From Hoppus’ Memoir

The bassist spoke about his new memoir, Fahrenheit-182, which is released today, during an interview with Keeper. The book details his battle with cancer, beginning with his lymphoma diagnosis in 2021 to his chemotherapy treatment, as he revealed to the publication: “I really thought that I would die.”

Hoppus mentioned that while the side effects of chemotherapy, steroids, and physical pain “crushed me for months in a row,” he noted that Keeper the diagnosis “returned the friendship that I had not had for years,” particularly with Blink-182 co-founder Tom DeLonge.

In his conversation with Keeper, Hoppus shared: “This healed my friendship with Tom: from the first day he said: ‘What do you need? I’m there.’ In this friendship and the love and support of those around me, I thought: ‘You know that I had a rather amazing life.’”

DeLonge had a tumultuous relationship with Blink-182; previously, the band had taken an “indefinite break” in 2004 due to concerns about DeLonge’s touring uncertainties.

DeLonge’s Return to Blink-182

In 2015, remaining members Hoppus and drummer Travis Barker confirmed DeLonge’s departure, despite DeLonge stating that he hadn’t left the band: “I never left the group … The only truth here is that I have obligations that limit my accessibility this year. I love Blink-182 and do not leave.”

Hoppus was declared cancer-free later that year; DeLonge reunited with the group for a world tour and released their comeback album in 2023, which NME gave three stars, stating: “They are not so far from who they have always been – three friends want to make noise and have a riot of time.”

“Despite the fact that they do not quite revolutionize pop-punk, this is probably never a goal. Most likely, fans simply want the old Blink, and in 2023 they are as energetic as ever.”

This year, the band is also set to perform at multiple festivals, including SEE.Hear.Now, Shaky Knees, and When We Were Young. DeLonge has even teased some “Spring Holidays” shows, stating: “We are a board and want to play. We miss you, Flehas (sic).”

In other news, Sublime is reportedly working on their first album since 1996 with Travis Barker.