Mark Hoppus of Blink-182 boldly declares, ‘Bass players are the unsung heroes of music—we’re the glue that holds it all together.’ But here’s where it gets controversial: while many see bassists as just part of the rhythm section, Hoppus argues they’re the bridge between drums, guitar, and vocals, making them the heart of any band. And this is the part most people miss: without the bass, the music loses its soul.
Hoppus once kept chickens named after women from Blink-182 songs—Wendy, Holly, Josie, and more. Which one was his favorite? While he can’t quite recall, he does remember the joy of living on a 25-acre farm in Somerset, complete with a Georgian farmhouse built in 1750. There, a local beekeeper from the British Beekeeping Association would help him harvest honey—up to 150 jars per season. ‘It was the best honey I’ve ever tasted,’ he recalls, a sweet reminder of simpler times.
But here’s where it gets controversial: Hoppus sold a Banksy artwork, not because he feared theft, but because he worried it would get damaged. ‘People would lean in too close with wine glasses, asking, ‘Is that really a Banksy?’ The stress became too much,’ he explains. The sale wasn’t just about money—he donated proceeds to haematology oncology research, the Firefighters Association after the LA fires, and even invested in up-and-coming artists. Is art meant to be preserved or shared? Hoppus’s decision sparks a debate worth having.
When asked if he’s surprised he’s still alive after battling cancer, Hoppus doesn’t hold back: ‘I am very surprised I’m not dead.’ Diagnosed with a type of cancer that required brutal R-CHOP chemotherapy, his doctor gave him only a 60% chance of survival. ‘Chemotherapy feels like you’re being crushed from the inside out,’ he describes. The steroids left him hyper-crazy, and the drugs burned like fire. Yet, he emerged stronger, a testament to resilience. But here’s the question: How do we talk about survival without glorifying suffering?
Hoppus’s bandmate Tom DeLonge is famous for his UFO obsession, but where does Hoppus stand? ‘I don’t believe we’re alone in the universe,’ he says, but he’s skeptical of extreme theories. ‘I’ve heard the moon landing was faked, or that Kennedy was assassinated for knowing about a secret moon structure. Both sound a bit crazy,’ he admits. But what if there’s a grain of truth in these conspiracies? Hoppus leaves the door open for discussion.
From his goth phase in the desert to finding community through skateboarding, Hoppus’s journey is one of self-discovery. ‘I needed to plant my flag and say, ‘I’m not like the rest of you,’ he recalls of his Robert Smith-inspired school outfits. His top bass influences? Peter Hook, Simon Gallup, and the two bassists from Ned’s Atomic Dustbin. ‘Bass players are just cool,’ he reiterates, a point he’s passionate about.
When asked about the state of the US, Hoppus doesn’t mince words: ‘The whole world feels confused by what’s going on.’ Clickbait headlines and divisive politics have left everyone questioning reality. But here’s the real question: How do we find common ground in a world that thrives on division?
Finally, the Oasis story is true. Liam Gallagher once told Blink-182, ‘You’re the best I’ve seen in America,’ only to clarify, ‘I didn’t say I like your music—I just think you’re cool.’ Is honesty brutal, or is it refreshing? Hoppus leaves us with that thought.
Fahrenheit-182: A Memoir by Mark Hoppus is out now. Catch him live at Melbourne Recital Hall on March 19 and Sydney Opera House on March 21. What’s your take on Hoppus’s journey? Do you agree with his views on bass players, art, or the state of the world? Let’s discuss in the comments!
