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Mark Hoppus
Mark Hoppus
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Mark Allan Hoppus[a] (born March 15, 1972) is an American musician and record producer. He is the co-lead vocalist, co-founder, and bassist for the rock band Blink-182 and the only member to appear on every album.

Key Information

Hoppus became interested in skateboarding and punk rock in junior high, and received a bass guitar from his father at the age of 15. After he moved to San Diego in 1992 to attend California State University San Marcos, his sister introduced him to Tom DeLonge, and they formed the band Blink-182 with drummer Scott Raynor. The band produced several rock recordings and toured exhaustively before signing to major label MCA to co-distribute their sophomore effort, 1997's Dude Ranch, which featured the Hoppus-penned hit "Dammit".

After replacing Raynor with Travis Barker, Blink-182 recorded Enema of the State (1999), which launched them to multi-platinum success. Two more records followed—the heavier Take Off Your Pants and Jacket (2001) and the more experimental untitled fifth album (2003)—before the band split in 2005 following internal tension. Hoppus continued playing with Barker in +44 in the late 2000s. Blink-182 subsequently reunited in 2009 and continue to record and tour worldwide.

Aside from his musical career, Hoppus has had multiple successes behind the recording console, producing records for groups such as Idiot Pilot, New Found Glory, The Matches, Motion City Soundtrack, and PAWS. He has previously co-owned two companies, Atticus and Macbeth Footwear, and created a new clothing line in 2012 named Hi My Name is Mark. Hoppus hosted a weekly podcast in 2005 through 2006, which returned in 2015, and he hosted his own television talk show, Hoppus on Music, from 2010 to 2012 on Fuse. He also was part of the pop rock duo Simple Creatures from 2019 until 2020.

Early life

[edit]

Mark Allan Hoppus[a] was born on March 15, 1972, in Ridgecrest, California.[1][2][4] He was raised near Washington, D.C., before his family settled in Ridgecrest, a place he later described as "geniuses, scientists, physicists, and then just complete strung-out meth-heads".[5][6] His maternal great-grandparents, Aaron and Lempi Orrenmaa, were Finnish immigrants from Laihia.[7] His father Tex, like many in Ridgecrest, worked for the U.S. Department of Defense, designing missiles and bombs for the town's Navy testing center.[5][6]

Hoppus describes himself as "pretty mellow" until his parents divorced when he was eight, which had a "drastic, unsettling effect" on him.[6] He said, "When my parents argued, it was always behind closed doors. I remember sitting outside my parents' room when I was seven years old, hearing the dulled voice of anger behind the door. It upset me a lot." Following these events, he spent two years shuffling between his parents' homes with sister Anne, until he and his father moved to Monterey.[6] His father was often away earning a postgraduate degree in college. He later would describe his childhood as lonely, remarking, "[I] was living by myself in the fifth grade."[5] His father introduced him to the music of the Beatles, Elton John and Billy Joel.[8]

Hoppus describes himself as "pretty straight" until junior high, when he began skateboarding and listening to punk rock.[9] In his early high school years, he lived in Fairfax, Virginia, attending nearby Annandale High School during his second year; he received his first bass guitar during this time and attended his first concert, They Might Be Giants, at the 9:30 Club shortly before his 16th birthday.[10] He recalled, "I didn't know where I should stand or what I should do, so my friends and I bought some menthol cigarettes and smoked for the first time and tried to look as cool as we could. We probably looked like idiots."[11] He received his first bass (a Mako) as a gift from his father, purchased at a local music shop in Annandale.[12] He earned money for a set of amplifiers by helping him paint his house.[6][13] Hoppus never took bass lessons, instead teaching himself by playing to bands such as the Descendents, the Cure, and Bad Religion.[13] He has remarked that "Silly Girl" by the Descendents was the "song that made [him] fall in love with punk rock music [...] that song changed [his] life forever".[14] He borrowed a cassette tape of the Cure's album Kiss Me, Kiss Me, Kiss Me from his friend Wendy Franklin the summer following junior high school, and was taken with the song "Just Like Heaven".[11][15]

I was a straight A student my whole life and then I started wearing eyeliner to school, skipping classes, and smoking cigarettes ... I was a mess, just a really glorious mess.

 —Hoppus on his adolescence[6]

Hoppus began to dress like Cure frontman Robert Smith, donning eyeliner and "occasionally bright red lipstick" to his high school classes; he later quipped, "This all went over exceedingly well with the faculty and staff in the small desert town where I grew up."[15][16][17] Beginning in his first year, he gained solace through music of both the Cure and the Smiths.[5][16] He played by himself and sang in the band Pier 69, primarily covering songs by the Cure, and recorded a live demo with a group named The Attic Children in 1988, featuring covers of the Cure songs. Hoppus returned to Ridgecrest in 1989, completing high school at Burroughs High School. In his teen years, a friend stole his mother's car in the middle of the night to pick him up; the two would sneak out to the desert and burn trees and any objects they could find.[16]

After graduating from Burroughs High School in 1990, he began playing in a band called of All Things he formed with two friends, covering songs by Descendents, Social Distortion, and Bad Religion, as well as writing original punk numbers.[16] The group primarily performed at friend's parties and bonfires, and once played Oasis, the local music venue.[18] Hoppus left Ridgecrest in summer 1992 to attend college and get a job at a local music store in San Diego. He continued playing gigs with of All Things, returning on weekends. Eventually, his manager became suspicious of his weekend activities, as Hoppus had told him he worked with mentally disabled children in Ridgecrest, and refused to give him any time off on weekends.[17] His "short-lived attempt" at college, studying at California State University, San Marcos, revolved around plans to become an English teacher.[19][20] He recalls he "hated" college and his reasoning behind becoming a teacher involved sights set for educational reform. He dropped out in the early 1990s after "things began to take off with Blink-182" and lived with his mother for many of the early years of the band.[20] Hoppus describes his mother as always supportive in his decisions to drop out of college and tour with Blink-182; however, he describes his father as "more realistic, [...] he said, 'Have something to fall back on.'"[9] "I'm really fortunate that my mom always completely supported me, even to the point that I dropped out of college and lived at her house for five years before our band started to catch on," said Hoppus.[9]

Music career

[edit]
[edit]

Early career

[edit]
Hoppus at age 22 in 1994

After moving to San Diego in the summer of 1992, Hoppus was reunited with his sister Anne Hoppus, to whom he expressed his desire to be in a band.[5] Anne attended Rancho Bernardo High School, and had become friends with new student Tom DeLonge over the summer.[17] In August 1992, Anne introduced the two, and Hoppus and DeLonge immediately began performing music in DeLonge's garage.[5] To impress DeLonge, Hoppus climbed to the top of a streetlight outside of DeLonge's home – however, he broke both ankles on the way down, resulting in being on crutches for the next few weeks.[18] DeLonge recalled the meeting in 2000: "When I first met Mark, we were running around naked, doing weird stuff. We were up skateboarding until late hours of the morning, antagonizing security guards, and we were just always having fun."[21] DeLonge recruited old friend Scott Raynor from his days at Poway to become the drummer for the new band, named blink.[22]

Hoppus and his girlfriend at this time lived in a basement apartment, barely scraping together funds to pay rent. With money in savings, Hoppus went out and bought his first professional equipment: a new amp and bass cabinet. He came home and his girlfriend proceeded to argue with him, angry that he spent money on something they did not need. "I just kept telling her that this was what mattered to me, this was my life," Hoppus recalled. She demanded he make a choice between the band and her, which resulted in Hoppus leaving the band shortly after formation.[23] Shortly thereafter, DeLonge told Hoppus he had borrowed a four track recorder from a friend and was preparing to record a demo tape, which prompted Hoppus to break up with his girlfriend and return to the band. Flyswatter—a combination of original songs and punk covers—was recorded in Raynor's bedroom and landed the band their first shows.[24] Three more demos were recorded over the course of 1993 and the band began performing its irreverent live show at local all-ages venue SOMA, which alerted local independent label Cargo Music.[25] Cargo signed the band on a trial basis, and Hoppus was the only member to sign the contract, as DeLonge was at work at the time and Raynor was still a minor.[26] During this time, Hoppus lived at home in San Diego at his mother's, where the band would prepare cassette demos and the entire family would fold cassette inserts. Raynor, whose parents moved to Reno, Nevada, stayed with Hoppus in summer 1994.[27]

Blink's first album, Cheshire Cat (1995), was a strong seller for the independent band and would come to be regarded as iconic within the skate punk scene.[28] In 1995, the band signed on for their first national tour, which extended as far as the East Coast. The band purchased their own tour van and embarked on the GoodTimes tour with Unwritten Law, Sprung Monkey and 7 Seconds.[29] The band slowly built a young, devoted following with indie recordings and an endless series of performances and various clubs and festivals.[1] MCA Records signed the band in 1996 and would co-distribute their next release, the sophomore effort Dude Ranch. Hoppus penned the record's lead single, "Dammit", which became a nationwide rock radio hit single as the band toured on the Vans Warped Tour.[30][31]

Multi-platinum success and +44

[edit]

Hoppus grew increasingly lonely on these tours, having no significant other while other band members did.[5] The exhaustive schedule created tensions within the band, who would fire Raynor in the summer of 1998 in mysterious circumstances never fully explained.[32] With new drummer Travis Barker behind the kit, the trio hit the studio with producer Jerry Finn and recorded Enema of the State, which launched the band's career, catapulting them into the "stratosphere of pop music" and solidifying them as the biggest pop punk act of the era.[28][33] Three singles were released from the record—"What's My Age Again?", "All the Small Things", and "Adam's Song"—that crossed over into Top 40 radio format and experienced major commercial success.[34] Hoppus got married in 2000 (see Personal life) just before the band prepared to record their highly anticipated follow-up, Take Off Your Pants and Jacket (2001). Hoppus felt complacent creatively but DeLonge felt otherwise, creating post-hardcore side project Box Car Racer to experiment with ideas he deemed unsuitable for blink.[35]

Hoppus felt betrayed (Barker was also in Box Car Racer) and a rift developed between Hoppus and DeLonge that would carry on into the band's future.[36] When the band regrouped to record their next record in 2003, all of the members had become fathers (or, in the case of Barker, becoming one) and the trio took a darker, more "mature" direction with their untitled fifth studio album,[37][38] infusing experimentalist elements into their usual pop punk sound partially inspired by Box Car Racer.[39] Unresolved feelings from that project would arise in late 2004 when the band began to argue regarding their future and recording process.[36] The February 2005 breakup of blink-182 affected Hoppus greatly: "I had no idea what to do. After blink broke up I had such a loss of identity and purpose. I just had a giant sense of void."[40] Hoppus then began to work on even darker, electronic demos with Barker in his kitchen.[41][42] He also turned to producing, hitting the studio with Motion City Soundtrack to record Commit This to Memory (2005).[43] In October 2005, Hoppus and Barker purchased a studio together (named Opra Music), where they would bring together a full band to expand upon those electronic demos, creating +44's When Your Heart Stops Beating (2006).[44]

Hoppus performing in 2009

The record, by all accounts, sold poorly and received mixed reviews in the music press.[45] Hoppus and Barker continued touring on the Honda Civic Tour and commenced work on a second +44 album. The August 2008 death of friend and producer Jerry Finn deeply affected Hoppus, who referred to Finn as a lifelong friend and mentor.[46] The following month, Barker and collaborator Adam Goldstein (aka DJ AM), were involved in a plane crash that killed four people, leaving Barker and Goldstein the only survivors.[47] Hoppus immediately boarded a plane to the burn unit, and DeLonge reconnected with the duo under the tragic circumstances.[48] When the band regrouped in the studio for a day, past acrimony vanished with near immediacy.[49] Regarding these experiences, Hoppus wrote, "The events of the past two months supersede everything that happened before. Life is too short."[50] In February 2009, the band's official website was updated with a statement: "To put it simply, We're back. We mean, really back. Picking up where we left off and then some. In the studio writing and recording a new album. Preparing to tour the world yet again. Friendships reformed. 17 years deep in our legacy."[51]

Reunion and recent events

[edit]
Hoppus performing with Blink-182 in 2011

The band reconnected musically and emotionally on the reunion tour, but were still "on eggshells" throughout the recording of their comeback album.[52] The recording's delay was due to the way the band chose to work – in bits and pieces, alone and together, in a pair of California studios – in addition to each member's busy schedules.[53] The band struggled to record juggling individual priorities; in the case of Hoppus, his new television show Hoppus on Music required him flying to New York once a week.[54] Hoppus moved to London with his family late in the recording process, also complicating matters.[54] The band's comeback album, Neighborhoods (2011), debuted high but undersold label expectations, and Blink-182 parted with Interscope Records in 2012, going independent for their next release, the EP Dogs Eating Dogs.[52]

The band toured Australia in February 2013 without Barker, who did not attend due to his fear of flying (Brooks Wackerman of Bad Religion filled in for him).[55][56] The band toured the United States in September 2013, where they planned to begin writing songs for their seventh studio album. "We're hoping to head into the studio next year [and to have the] album out in late spring/early summer," Hoppus told Kerrang!.[57] In the interim, Hoppus began recording songs with frequent engineer and producer Chris Holmes that the duo plan to release by the end of the year. "We probably have seven or eight songs in various stages of completion," Hoppus remarked in August 2013.[57] "I still haven't chosen a name [for the project] yet; we still have to figure that out. It's like guitar mixed with electronics…. at this point." Hoppus will share lead vocals with Holmes on the tracks.[57] On April 25, 2014, Hoppus announced, via Twitter, the name of the band as Nothing and Nobody. Their first album is expected to be released in the "not-too-distant future".[58]

Hoppus performing in 2019

In 2015, blink-182 played three shows in California. With the departure of Tom DeLonge from the band, Matt Skiba of Alkaline Trio, filled in. It was the first time Hoppus performed under the name "blink-182" without DeLonge by his side. The shows were on March 18, March 20, and March 22.[59] Hoppus later hired Skiba full-time, and blink-182 recorded two albums with him, 2016's California and 2019's Nine before DeLonge returned to the band in 2022.[60]

Hoppus has also performed DJ sets at Emo Nite in Los Angeles on several occasions from 2015 to 2017.[61]

In non-musical endeavors, Hoppus launched his own clothing line, Hi My Name is Mark (stylized as "HiMyNameIsMark"), in July 2013.[57]

Simple Creatures

[edit]

On January 24, 2019, Hoppus announced he was forming a new group with Alex Gaskarth of All Time Low called Simple Creatures. A debut song called "Drug" was released in January,[62] followed by their first EP, Strange Love, on March 29, 2019.[63] Their second EP, Everything Opposite, was released on October 11, 2019.[64] Since 2020 the project has been on hiatus.

Musical style

[edit]

Songwriting

[edit]

Hoppus primarily writes most of his songs on an acoustic guitar.[65] He is self-taught, "and consequently I don't have the best technique", he remarked in 2004. "I think you would learn how to paint by painting, rather than reading books about painters or painting and I think it's the same with music. You learn by doing and getting influences from other artists."[13]

Equipment

[edit]

Bass guitars

[edit]

For Blink-182's earliest concerts, demo recordings (including Buddha), and their debut album Cheshire Cat, Hoppus used a standard Fender Precision Bass.

From 1995 to 1998, Hoppus used a Music Man StingRay as his primary stage bass. While recording Enema of the State, Hoppus used his StingRay as well as a Fender Precision and Jazz Bass.[65] In 2021, he revealed he stopped using the StingRay as he thought they sounded too "clanky".[66]

After primarily recording with the two Fender basses on Enema of the State, Hoppus worked with Fender to design a signature model, which consisted of a Jazz Bass body with a Precision Bass neck and pickup. This model debuted in 2000.[65] In 2006, Fender manufactured an updated variant of Hoppus' signature Jazz Bass with the pickup, a Seymour Duncan Quarter Pound (SPB-3), reversed from its standard position, giving it a fuller sound.[67]

In 2015, Hoppus switched to Fender Jaguar Basses with the same configuration as his 2006 model. However, he still occasionally uses his original signature Jazz Basses;[68] he notably used them extensively alongside his Jaguar Basses on the band's 2023 reunion tour, and the One More Time... album and tour.[69][70]

In 2022, Hoppus teamed up with Fender to release a signature Jaguar Bass sold exclusively through his website Hi My Name Is Mark. To date, it has been released in his signature hot pink color[71] as well as Daphne Blue,[72] with each color being released in limited runs based on customer demand. In 2024, Fender officially released a limited edition signature Jaguar Bass in sunburst and Sea Foam Green colors.[73]

Hoppus has been a longtime user of Ernie Ball strings and his instruments are strung with Super Slinky Bass strings (.45-.100).[74]

Amps

[edit]

For live sound, Hoppus originally plugged his basses into three Ampeg SVT Classic bass heads running into two Ampeg 8x10 SVT bass cabs. Prior to the use of the all-tube SVT Classic heads, Hoppus used two Ampeg SVT-4 Pro heads which only feature a tube preamp.[75] After the Neighborhoods album release, Hoppus used New Vintage amplifiers and cabinets, specifically the Undertow 300 amplifier and NW 8x10 bass cabinets.[76] In 2016, he began using Kemper Profiler amps in concert.[77]

Non-musical endeavors

[edit]

Hoppus and Tom DeLonge co-owned two companies, Atticus and Macbeth Footwear, Hoppus has since sold his share in both companies; as well as loserkids.com.[78]

Mark Hoppus has made several acting appearances in films and television, often as part of Blink-182. He first appeared as a member of a garage band in the hugely successful teen comedy American Pie (1999) with bandmates Tom DeLonge and Travis Barker, (Though the film's credits list Barker as Scott Raynor.) He appeared again with DeLonge, singing a cover of Jan and Dean's "Dead Man's Curve" in the CBS television movie Shake, Rattle and Roll: An American Love Story (1999).[79] Hoppus and DeLonge hosted the MTV show You Idiot! in 1999.[80] The band appeared in the Two Guys and a Girl episode "Au Revoir, Pizza Place" in 1999, as well as an animated cameo in The Simpsons episode "Barting Over" in 2003. The band made a guest appearance on MADtv in 2002, in a segment titled "Leave It to Blink-182", spoofing 1950s-era sitcoms.[81] Hoppus was a guest actor on an episode of the show Haunted in 2002.[82] In 2011, he appeared in the documentary film The Other F Word.[83] Hoppus was featured as a panelist on the comedy show Never Mind the Buzzcocks in 2012.[84]

He also wrote columns for Risen Magazine's March/April and May/June 2005 issues entitled "Beyond Us".[85] Mark Hoppus has been confirmed to be a part of a documentary about modern punk music entitled One Nine Nine Four. The film was due to be released in 2009 but has been delayed.[86]

In 2010, he joined the 9th annual Independent Music Awards judging panel to assist independent musicians' careers.

Mark Hoppus worked to help relief efforts in Japan after the devastating earthquake and tsunami Tōhoku. He announced that Blink-182 would be auctioning off items to benefit the American Red Cross on EBay. "So sad for what's happening in Japan. Gonna dig in the bins & find some old Blink-182 items to auction for the Red Cross" said Mark. The items auctioned off included the original lyrics sheet to the group's hits "The Rock Show" and "Adam's Song", a Bad Religion autographed cymbal, a hand-painted 1.5 FT tall Bunny, a Blink-182 tour backstage pass, stickers, postcard/magnets, trading cards, the band's dressing room sign from the 2000 VMAs, and his orange sweater from the "Dammit" music video. Among the 33 items auctioned off for charity, he totaled 4,318 dollars.[87]

HiMyNameIsMark (2005, 2012–present)

[edit]
Hoppus performing in 2007

"HiMyNameIsMark" is a podcast that was set up in the wake of the Blink-182 hiatus by Hoppus, and can be found at HiMyNameIsMark.com. Every few weeks he released a show of songs by underground bands, interviews with band members and/or friends, and reminisces about happenings in his life. He is often joined on the show by his friends Chris Holmes (+44's engineer) and James Ingram (+44's assistant engineer). Hoppus has also created various side projects including "Hopp on Popp" where he reviews one of his favorite up and coming artists, some of which have been Matt & Kim, fun., and Japandroids. In late 2014, the podcast returned from a hiatus.

In 2012, "HiMyNameIsMark" rebranded itself as a clothing company, selling apparel and accessories branded with an octopus logo.[88]

Hoppus on Music (2010–2012)

[edit]

On June 22, 2010, Fuse announced that Hoppus would be hosting his own weekly, one-hour television series entitled A Different Spin with Mark Hoppus. In relation to the press release, Hoppus stated "I am stoked to join the Fuse family and have a show where I can talk about a topic that I'm passionate about, music. More importantly, I'm excited to force millions of people to watch me on a weekly basis on national television." According to Fuse senior vice president of programming and development Sal LoCurto, "A Different Spin with Mark Hoppus was developed to complement the wide variety of music programming on Fuse – including live concerts, festival coverage and in-depth interview series with the biggest names in music. On August 5, Hoppus revealed the co-host of the show would be comedian Amy Schumer."[89]

The show focuses on music news, fun panel discussions and special reports from the show's correspondents. The show also features musical performances by both mainstream and emerging bands.[89][90] The show officially premiered on September 16, 2010, on Fuse. The show's second season premiered in March 2011 and the show was re-titled Hoppus on Music.

After School Radio (since 2020)

[edit]

On August 18, 2020, the first episode of Hoppus's newest podcast entitled After School Radio would premiere on Apple Music.[91] The podcast is hosted weekly by Hoppus, where he focuses on the artists, music, and culture that have defined the alternative genre.

Most notably, the August 3, 2021, episode titled "The Mark and Tom Show" reunited Hoppus with then former bandmate Tom Delonge.[92]

Fahrenheit-182 (2025)

[edit]

In April 2025, Hoppus's autobiography Fahrenheit-182 was published. The book, co-written by journalist Dan Ozzi, details the rise of Blink-182 as well as Hoppus's battle with cancer. It received positive reviews.[93][94]

Personal life

[edit]

Hoppus met former MTV talent executive Skye Everly in August 1999, at a rehearsal for the music video of "All the Small Things", and they later married on December 2, 2000. According to a 2004 interview, she initially refused to date him. Hoppus elaborated, "Tom [DeLonge] always used to embarrass me. Any girl he'd talk to, he'd say, 'Hey, you wanna go on a date with Mark?' He asked Skye, my wife, who looked at me and said, 'No.' That's how it all started."[95] Their son, Jack, was born in 2002.[96]

Hoppus stands 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) tall.[97] In 2004, he revealed that he votes for the Libertarian Party.[9] He said, "To me, it means to respect other people and let them do their own thing. The government is there to help people but not control them."[9] A 2000 Rolling Stone profile noted that he "pray[s] every night",[5] and he said of his religious views in 2005, "It's amazing to me that anyone can say that one thing is right. [...] To draw lines over something that none of us on earth could possibly comprehend seems like a waste of time."[9] Hoppus was a vegan for many years, though he returned to eating meat at his doctor's recommendation following his cancer diagnosis in 2021.[98]

In 2011, Hoppus and his family relocated to the Mayfair area of London, England,[6] as they wanted Jack to "grow up with a wide view of the world."[99] They remained in London until 2014, when they moved back to the US and have since settled in Beverly Hills, California.[100] During his time in London, he enjoyed jogging in the city's parks and became a supporter of Premier League football club Chelsea F.C.[6][101] Hoppus is also a devout supporter of the NFL's Los Angeles Rams.[102][103]

Hoppus is a supporter of Children's Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA);[99] his wife, Skye, is a CHLA Foundation Trustee and the Chair of CHLA's Child Life Council, and has actively volunteered at the hospital since 2015.[104][105]

Hoppus is a longtime admirer of graffiti and street art.[99] He was the owner of Crude Oil (Vettriano), a 2005 painting by Banksy that was put up for auction in March 2025; it sold for $5.4 million[106], with proceeds being split between Hoppus (who plans to use it to buy art from up-and-coming artists), Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Cedars Sinai Hematology Oncology Research, and the California Fire Foundation in the wake of the state's wildfires.[107]

Health issues

[edit]

On June 23, 2021, Hoppus revealed that he was undergoing treatment for cancer after accidentally sharing a picture of himself undergoing chemotherapy treatment to his public Instagram Story.[108][109] On July 11, he said that he was experiencing stage 4 diffuse large B-cell lymphoma.[110] On September 29 of the same year, Hoppus announced that he was declared cancer-free, but would continue to be screened every 6 months in case the cancer returns.[111]

Discography

[edit]
Hoppus performing with Blink-182 in 2011
[edit]

With +44

[edit]

Studio album:

With Simple Creatures

[edit]

EPs:

  • Strange Love (2019)
  • Everything Opposite (2019)

Notes

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Mark Allan Hoppus (born March 15, 1972) is an American , , and television host best known as the co-founder, , and co-lead vocalist of the band Blink-182, the only member to appear on all of its albums. Blink-182 achieved multi-platinum success with albums such as (1999), which propelled the band to global fame through hits emphasizing adolescent humor and relationships. Hoppus has contributed to other projects including the bands +44 and , and he has produced records for artists like New Found Glory and Idiot Pilot. In 2021, he was diagnosed with stage 4 , underwent , and announced remission later that year, marking a significant personal trial that influenced his perspective on life and career.

Early life

Upbringing and family background

Mark Allan Hoppus was born on March 15, 1972, in , a small town in the near military bases including the Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake. His parents were Tex Hoppus, an aerospace engineer employed at a local military facility, and Connie Hoppus, a homemaker. He has one sibling, a younger sister named Anne Hoppus. Hoppus's parents divorced when he was eight years old, an event that profoundly disrupted his early stability and led to him shuttling between his mother's home and his father's residences. Initially raised partly near Washington, D.C., where his father may have worked temporarily, the family eventually resettled in Ridgecrest, exposing Hoppus to a community of engineers, scientists, and amid the isolation of desert life. Hoppus later reflected that the shifted his previously mellow demeanor toward greater emotional turbulence, influencing his later creative outlets. Ridgecrest's environment, characterized by vast deserts and a population tied to defense-related industries, shaped Hoppus's formative years, fostering a sense of remoteness that contrasted with his emerging interests in and . The familial upheaval and geographic instability during this period contributed to a childhood marked by rather than continuity.

Education and early musical exposure

Hoppus completed his at Burroughs High School in , where he graduated around 1990 after returning from a period living in . During high school, he transitioned from academic focus to rebellion, including skipping classes and experimenting with appearance, amid exposure to punk culture. In the summer of 1992, following high school, Hoppus relocated to San Diego, California, to attend California State University, San Marcos, while working at a local music store; he dropped out shortly thereafter to prioritize music. Hoppus's early musical exposure began in junior high through skateboarding and punk rock, genres that shaped his interests in the desert town environment of Ridgecrest. At age 15, his father accompanied him to purchase his first bass guitar, a black Mako Precision Bass, marking his entry into playing. He self-taught bass without formal lessons, emulating bands like the Descendents, whose fast-paced, melodic punk directly inspired him to take up the instrument and influenced his technique and songwriting approach. Additional influences included Bad Religion and the Cure, which he practiced to develop his skills before forming any bands.

Music career

Mark Hoppus co-founded Blink-182 in 1992 in , as the band's bassist and co-lead vocalist alongside guitarist and drummer . Initially operating under the name "blink," the group released independent recordings before signing with Cargo Records. Hoppus contributed to songwriting and shared vocal duties with DeLonge, establishing the band's humorous, adolescent-themed style focused on themes of youth, relationships, and irreverence. The band's debut studio album, , arrived on February 17, 1995, featuring Hoppus's bass lines and co-written tracks like "M+M's" and "Dammit," which gained traction on college radio despite modest initial sales of around 300,000 copies. Follow-up Dude Ranch (June 17, 1997) marked their major-label debut on , with the single "" peaking at number 11 on Billboard's Tracks chart and propelling sales to over 1 million units. In mid-1998, replaced Raynor amid reported personal issues, forming the lineup of Hoppus, DeLonge, and Barker that defined Blink-182's commercial peak. Breakthrough came with Enema of the State on June 1, 1999, which debuted at number 15 on the Billboard 200 and eventually sold over 15 million copies worldwide, driven by MTV rotation of videos for Hoppus-co-written hits "What's My Age Again?" (number 4 Modern Rock) and "All the Small Things" (number 1 Modern Rock). The album's success, bolstered by extensive touring and a deal with Geffen Records, cemented Blink-182 as pop-punk leaders, with Hoppus's melodic bass and shared vocals integral to singles like "Adam's Song." Take Off Your Pants and Jacket (June 12, 2001) followed, reaching number 1 on the Billboard 200 and yielding "The Rock Show" (number 2 Modern Rock). Internal strains over maturity and creative direction surfaced during sessions for the self-titled album (November 17, 2003), which experimented with darker tones and peaked at number 1, but tensions escalated, leading to a February 22, 2005, breakup announcement after a final performance on August 21, 2004, at the Reading Festival. Post-breakup, Hoppus and Barker formed +44 while DeLonge pursued . The trio reunited on February 8, 2009, for Grammy performance and subsequent tours, releasing the Neighborhoods album on September 27, 2011, after delays from creative differences. DeLonge's January 2015 departure, attributed to his UFO interests and business conflicts by Hoppus and Barker, led to of joining as touring and then full-time guitarist. This configuration released (July 1, 2016), debuting at number 1 on with over 100,000 first-week sales, and Nine (September 20, 2019), peaking at number 3. Hoppus handled primary vocals during this era, adapting DeLonge's parts. In June 2021, Hoppus disclosed a non-Hodgkin lymphoma diagnosis, undergoing chemotherapy and announcing remission on September 29, 2021. DeLonge rejoined in September 2022, restoring the original trio, who released single "Edging" on October 14, 2022, followed by album One More Time... on October 6, 2023, which debuted at number 1 on Billboard 200. The band has since toured extensively, including headlining Coachella in April 2023, with Hoppus continuing as bassist, co-vocalist, and co-songwriter amid sales exceeding 50 million records worldwide.

Formation and early recordings (1992–1998)

Blink-182 formed in Poway, California, in August 1992, when guitarist Tom DeLonge met bassist Mark Hoppus through Hoppus's sister, who introduced them while DeLonge was dating her friend. DeLonge, already jamming with drummer Scott Raynor from high school, recruited Hoppus to join on bass, completing the initial lineup. Operating initially as Blink, the trio performed at local San Diego-area venues, backyard parties, and skate parks, honing a fast-paced punk rock sound influenced by bands like The Descendents and Bad Religion. The band self-released early demo tapes in 1993, including tracks that captured their juvenile humor and energetic style, distributed informally to build a following. In , they compiled and released the Buddha cassette, limited to about 1,000 copies, featuring songs such as "," "," and "Ben Wah Balls," many of which Hoppus co-wrote with DeLonge. These recordings, produced independently, emphasized Hoppus's rhythmic bass lines and shared vocal duties with DeLonge, establishing the band's dual-vocalist dynamic. Signing with independent label , Blink-182 recorded and released their debut full-length album, , on February 17, 1995. The self-produced effort re-recorded several tracks and introduced staples like "Suck You Dry," with Hoppus contributing bass, backing vocals, and co-lead on select songs. To resolve a naming dispute with an Irish act, the band added "-182" before the album's promotion, appending it permanently. Extensive U.S. and international touring followed, including slots on , boosting visibility despite modest sales of around 50,000 copies initially. By late 1996, after relocating sessions to Encinitas, the band worked with producer on Dude Ranch, released June 17, 1997, through Cargo and . This album polished their formula, with Hoppus's songwriting evident in introspective tracks like "Josie" and the breakthrough single "," which peaked at number 11 on Billboard's chart. Dude Ranch sold over 100,000 copies in its first year, signaling commercial momentum, but mounting tensions culminated in Raynor's firing in mid-1998 amid alcohol issues and creative clashes, after which replaced him. Hoppus remained central, handling bass, co-vocals, and much of the lyrical content throughout this formative period.

Commercial breakthrough and internal tensions (1999–2005)

Blink-182 attained widespread commercial success with their third studio album, Enema of the State, released on June 1, 1999, by MCA Records, which sold over 15 million copies worldwide and more than 4.5 million in the United States. The record's lead singles, including "What's My Age Again?" and "All the Small Things," reached high positions on the Billboard Modern Rock Tracks chart, with the latter becoming the band's biggest hit to date, while "Adam's Song" addressed themes of depression and suicide, broadening their appeal beyond adolescent humor. Mark Hoppus contributed co-lead vocals on several tracks, such as "Adam's Song" and "All the Small Things," alongside his bass lines and songwriting collaboration with guitarist Tom DeLonge. The album's breakthrough propelled extensive touring, including the Warped Tour in 1999 and the subsequent Mark, Tom and Travis Show Tour in 2000, supporting a live album of the same name recorded in late 1999. The band followed with Take Off Your Pants and Jacket on June 12, 2001, which debuted at number one on the —the first for a punk rock album—and sold 350,000 copies in its first week. Singles like "The Rock Show" and "First Date" maintained their pop-punk formula while incorporating subtle maturation, though the album faced pressure to replicate Enema's sales amid label expectations. Hoppus handled vocals on tracks such as "Everytime I Look for You," emphasizing the band's collaborative lyricism rooted in personal relationships and everyday frustrations. This period included the co-headlined with in 2002, which drew large crowds and solidified their arena-level status. By their untitled self-titled fifth album, released November 18, 2003, Blink-182 shifted toward darker, more introspective material, debuting at number three on the with over 313,000 first-week sales. Tracks like and "I Miss You" featured Hoppus's prominent vocals and explored emotional vulnerability, diverging from prior juvenile themes, though the album received mixed reception for its heavier tone. Extensive touring, including the 2004 Tour, exacerbated fatigue among members. Internal strains emerged from relentless schedules and diverging visions, with DeLonge prioritizing family and side projects; the band announced an indefinite hiatus on February 22, 2005, citing a need to "enjoy the fruits of their labors with their loved ones" after canceling shows due to unspecified circumstances. Later accounts from Hoppus and indicated DeLonge's reluctance to continue under the band's pace contributed to the break.

Breakup, reunions, and recent activities (2005–present)

In February 2005, Blink-182 announced an indefinite hiatus following internal tensions during rehearsals for a , with guitarist citing a desire for more family time and creative pursuits outside the band. The split left Hoppus struggling emotionally, later revealing in interviews that he experienced amid the void of the band's dissolution. The band reunited on February 8, 2009, with the original lineup of Hoppus, DeLonge, and drummer announcing their return at the 51st , followed by plans for a new album and tour. They released their sixth studio album, Neighborhoods, on September 27, 2011, marking their first new material in eight years and featuring Hoppus's continued contributions to bass, vocals, and co-writing. DeLonge departed again in January 2015 after failed album planning, with the band describing his behavior as "disrespectful and ungrateful" in a public statement confirming the split. Alkaline Trio's Matt Skiba joined as DeLonge's touring and recording replacement, debuting live in March 2015 and contributing to albums California (July 1, 2016) and Nine (September 20, 2019), during which Hoppus handled lead vocals on several tracks amid the lineup shift. Hoppus's stage 4 diagnosis in April , publicly revealed accidentally via an Live stream, prompted a grueling that achieved cancer-free status by September . This facilitated reconciliation with DeLonge, leading to the latter's return announced on October 11, 2022, alongside new single "Edging" and a global tour. Skiba amicably exited to accommodate the original trio. The reunited lineup released One More Time... on October 6, 2023, Blink-182's ninth studio album, with Hoppus co-writing and performing on all tracks. In 2025, the band announced the "Missionary Impossible" U.S. tour commencing in fall, supported by Alkaline Trio, while Hoppus confirmed demoing new material for a follow-up album that summer. Hoppus also promoted his memoir Fahrenheit-182, released April 8, 2025, detailing the band's history and his cancer battle, via a solo U.S. book tour.

+44 (2005–2009)

Following Blink-182's announcement of an indefinite hiatus on February 22, 2005, Mark Hoppus and Travis Barker initiated +44 as an experimental electronic project that evolved into a full alternative rock band. Hoppus handled lead vocals and bass guitar, while Barker contributed drums, percussion, and electronics. The duo recruited rhythm guitarist and backing vocalist Craig Fairbaugh from The Matches and lead guitarist Shane Gallagher, solidifying the lineup by mid-2006. +44 self-produced their debut album, , recorded at the band's Opra Music studio in and released on November 14, 2006, via . The 13-track record featured singles such as "Lycanthrope," released September 12, 2006, and the title track, issued on September 25, 2006, blending pop-punk energy with electronic influences and introspective co-written by Hoppus. Hoppus's contributions emphasized themes of relationships and personal reflection, drawing from the emotional fallout of Blink-182's dissolution. The band supported the album with extensive touring in 2006 and 2007, including headline shows and opening slots for acts like Fall Out Boy and an appearance at the on June 10, 2007. Despite critical mixed reception and modest commercial success—peaking at number 10 on the with initial sales of around 65,000 copies in its first week—+44 maintained a low media profile to prioritize the music. +44 entered hiatus in 2009 following Blink-182's reunion announcement on February 8, 2009, with Hoppus shifting focus back to his original band; no further material was released during the active period.

Simple Creatures (2019–present)

is an American duo consisting of Blink-182 bassist/vocalist Mark Hoppus and vocalist/guitarist . The project was announced on January 24, 2019, via , with the duo describing it as an exploration of new sounds blending , electronic, and hip-hop influences. The duo released their debut EP, , on March 29, 2019, featuring five tracks including the title song and "Drug Trip Down South Hill." A second EP, Everything Opposite, followed on October 11, 2019 (digital) and November 15, 2019 (physical), with songs such as "Thanks, I Hate It" and "Am I a Snake or a Shark?" produced by and Andrew Goldstein. No full-length albums have been released as of 2025. Simple Creatures conducted a limited tour in 2019, starting with U.S. dates in and May, followed by European shows including a debut performance at London's on October 24, and appearances at festivals like Japan's Summer Sonic on August 17. They also performed at Australia's Good Things Festival in December 2019. Activities paused after 2019 due to Hoppus' diagnosis in 2021, though he achieved remission by October 2021; Gaskarth noted in 2025 that new material remains in development but was delayed by the illness.

Other collaborations and guest appearances

Hoppus provided guest vocals on the track "Elevator" from Box Car Racer's self-titled album, released on May 14, 2002, a project led by Blink-182 bandmate featuring drummer . He has made additional guest vocal appearances on pop-punk tracks, including "That Special Girl" by from their 1999 album Blue Skies, Broken Hearts...Next 12 Exits, "I'd Do Anything" by from No Pads, No Helmets...Just Balls (2002), and "The Empire" by from Before It's Too Late (2003). Later examples include "Tidal Waves" by from the 2015 compilation Future Hearts (Deluxe) and "Thank You & Goodnight" by from their 2016 self-titled album. As a , Hoppus worked on Motion City Soundtrack's third album Commit This to Memory (2005), co-producing with singer , and New Found Glory's fifth studio album Coming Home (2006). His production credits extend to other acts in the genre, such as and , contributing to their early-to-mid-2000s releases through co-writing and studio oversight.

Musical style and technique

Songwriting and vocal contributions

Mark Hoppus has been a primary songwriter for Blink-182 since the band's formation in 1992, collaborating closely with and to craft , melodies, and structures that blend energy with humorous and introspective themes. He typically writes the for songs or sections featuring his lead vocals, contributing to hits such as "" from the 1999 album , which peaked at number one on the Tracks chart, and "" from the same album, addressing themes of isolation and based on personal experiences with depression. His songwriting often draws from adolescent angst, relationships, and later maturity, as seen in "I Miss You" from 2003's Blink-182, co-written amid band tensions and reaching number two on charts. Vocally, Hoppus delivers lead and backing parts in a register spanning D2 to D5, characterized by a fast-paced, melodic style with a distinct nasal quality that complements DeLonge's higher , creating the band's signature dual-vocal dynamic. This approach emphasizes energetic, rhythmic phrasing suited to punk tempos, as evident in tracks like "What's My Age Again?" where his verses juxtapose irreverent humor with catchy hooks. Following for in 2021, Hoppus reported needing to rebuild his vocal technique, relearning breath control and pitch accuracy for subsequent recordings. In side projects, Hoppus took greater lyrical control; for +44's 2006 debut , he penned most lyrics exploring loss and recovery post-Blink hiatus, while in with , he co-wrote the 2019 EP , incorporating electronic influences and themes of disconnection. These efforts highlight his adaptability, shifting from Blink-182's punk simplicity to more experimental forms while maintaining melodic accessibility.

Bass playing style and influences

Mark Hoppus employs a bass style rooted in conventions, featuring driving root-note patterns that provide rhythmic foundation while integrating melodic passing lines and chunky chords to enhance harmonic texture. His technique relies on pick playing with alternate upstrokes and downstrokes for speed and attack, initially focused on consistent eighth-note rhythms but later incorporating to interlock precisely with Travis Barker's kick drum patterns, bridging the band's guitar riffs and vocals. Hoppus describes his approach as "imperfect but solid enough," prioritizing ensemble cohesion over technical flash, as evidenced in lines like the "" introduction, which he considers his favorite riff and still finds demanding during live performances due to its origins in a misfired attempt to replicate Beethoven's "." Hoppus's influences draw from punk and bassists who emphasized energy and simplicity. of inspired him to play bass after Hoppus observed Gallup wielding a in the 1987 "Just Like Heaven" , prompting him to adopt the instrument as his primary role in early bands. The dual-bass configuration of , particularly their use of one for notes and another for high-string chords on albums like Grey Cell Green (1991), revolutionized his conception of bass texture, leading him to incorporate chord voicings and melodic fills beyond standard root-fifth progressions. Additional cited influences include of the , reflecting Hoppus's affinity for melodic punk bass lines that support fast-paced, humorous songwriting. This blend of influences manifests in Blink-182's catalog, where Hoppus's parts—such as the punchy, mid-boosted tones on Take Off Your Pants and Jacket (2003)—deliver the genre's requisite propulsion without overshadowing the dual vocals.

Equipment preferences

Mark Hoppus has predominantly favored Fender bass guitars throughout his career, beginning with a black Mako Precision-style bass acquired in 1987 for his initial band efforts, followed by a black used on early Blink-182 releases including the Flyswatter demo, , and . During the recording sessions in 1998, he switched to a purchased hastily from a , re-tracking most bass lines on the album with it to achieve a punchier tone. His signature , introduced in versions from 2000 onward, features an ash body, maple neck, and a single Quarter Pounder pickup in the bridge position with volume control only and no tone knob, often in surf green, hot pink, or blonde finishes; this model has been a staple for live performances and recordings since the early . In recent years, Hoppus has adopted customized Basses, including a hot pink "Pinky" model with skull inlays used for over two decades and a limited-edition signature version with reversed pickups for consistent string balance—providing bite on lower strings and depth on higher ones—paired with a neck. He occasionally employs a for its guitar-like playability tuned an octave low and has used Music Man basses in the mid-1990s for tracks like "." For strings, he prefers Super Slinky or Hybrid Slinky sets in 45-105 gauge to maintain clarity and tension suitable for his fast-paced style. Hoppus's amplification setup evolved from SVT-CL heads powering 8x10 cabinets, which handled the entirety of the 2003 album Take Off Your Pants and Jacket and defined his early aggressive, mid-forward tone with a "frowny face" EQ curve—boosted mids for punch, attenuated bass and treble. Post-2005 hiatus, he transitioned to a New Vintage Undertow 300 head driving multiple custom 8x10 cabs, including ones with graphics, before adopting digital modeling in 2016 with Kemper Profiler units for their tube-like response verified in blind studio tests at . By 2023, he fully shifted to Neural DSP Quad Cortex for Blink-182's arena tours, citing its portability—reducing his rig to a single —as modelers achieved indistinguishable tone from traditional tube amps without the logistical burdens of shipping heavy gear worldwide. Effects pedals in Hoppus's rig include the Boss DD-3 Digital Delay for subtle time-based modulation, Electro-Harmonix for fuzz, MXR Bass DI+ for direct signal and compression, and occasional units like Fulltone Bass-Drive or MXR 117 Flanger for specific songs such as ""; a Boss NS-2 Noise Suppressor manages hum in high-gain setups. His core tone philosophy emphasizes simplicity—a single pickup engaged via the bridge position into a direct amp path with EQ adjustments for midrange growl—reflecting influences from players like of , prioritizing reliability and punch over complex processing.

Non-musical pursuits

Online presence and social media

Mark Hoppus maintains an active presence across multiple social media platforms, where he shares personal updates, band-related content, and interactions with fans. On Instagram, under the handle @markhoppus, he has approximately 2 million followers and has posted over 1,600 times as of late 2025, featuring a mix of family photos, tour glimpses, and casual commentary. His Twitter/X account, @markhoppus, boasts around 2.5 million followers and serves as a primary outlet for real-time thoughts, including humorous memes and direct fan engagement, reflecting his involvement in online meme culture. Hoppus has utilized these platforms notably for health disclosures, particularly during his 2021 lymphoma diagnosis and treatment. In June 2021, he announced his Stage 4 cancer via , stating, "For the past three months I've been undergoing for cancer. I have cancer," emphasizing the challenges while expressing determination. Subsequent posts detailed treatment progress, such as a July 2021 update confirming 's effectiveness via scans, and a September 2021 declaration of being cancer-free after 40 rounds of chemo and . This transparency fostered direct fan support and contrasted with more guarded narratives. Beyond major networks, Hoppus streams on Twitch as MarkHoppus, with over 62,000 followers, focusing on video games across Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 5, alongside occasional acoustic music performances, such as Blink-182 covers during the 2020 pandemic lockdowns. His YouTube channel, @MarkHoppus, has around 12,000 subscribers and hosts limited content, primarily Twitch session archives like solo renditions of tracks such as "Online Songs" and "Cynical." On Facebook, he has a smaller following of about 73,000, used sporadically for band promotions. Overall, his online activity underscores a candid, fan-oriented approach, prioritizing unfiltered communication over polished promotion.

Podcasts and broadcasting

Hoppus launched his first , Hi My Name Is Mark, in 2005 amid Blink-182's hiatus, featuring discussions on music, personal anecdotes, and guest interviews from the scene. The series ran irregularly through 2006 before pausing, with episodes often blending humor, band updates, and song features. It briefly revived in later years, including episodes around 2012–2015 that covered collaborations like vocals for All Time Low tracks and interviews with producers such as . From 2010 to 2012, Hoppus hosted the television A Different Spin with Mark Hoppus, later rebranded as Hoppus on , airing on Fuse and focusing on panels, artist interviews, and debates on genres like metal. Episodes typically included celebrity guests and comedic segments, such as bloopers and live performances, emphasizing discovery of new and established acts. The program provided a platform for Hoppus to engage fans through informal yet structured conversations on musical passions. In August 2020, Hoppus debuted After School Radio on Hits, a weekly and accompanying exploring post-2000 alternative music, cultural shifts, and artist spotlights. Airing Tuesdays at 2 p.m. PT, it features curated playlists, listener requests, and interviews with figures like and , maintaining a nostalgic yet forward-looking tone on genre evolution. The show has garnered consistent episodes, with over 100 available by 2025, solidifying Hoppus's role in .

Memoir and literary work

In 2025, Mark Hoppus published his debut memoir, Fahrenheit-182: A Memoir, co-authored with music journalist Dan Ozzi and released by Dey Street Books on April 8. The book chronicles Hoppus's life from his childhood in the California desert during the 1980s, where he navigated his parents' contentious divorce as a latchkey kid immersed in punk rock, skateboarding, and MTV culture, through his formation of Blink-182 and the band's ascent to pop-punk stardom. It details personal struggles, including family instability and early influences like Black Flag and Descendents, alongside band dynamics such as internal conflicts within Blink-182 and rivalries with groups like Green Day. Hoppus's writing style in the blends sharp humor, raw candor, and self-deprecating anecdotes, emphasizing themes of resilience amid chaos, from adolescent to the pressures of fame. Ozzi, known for his work on like Sellout: The Major Label Feeding Frenzy That Swept Punk, , and Hardcore, collaborated to structure the narrative, drawing on Hoppus's personal archives and interviews. The audiobook version, narrated by Hoppus himself, extends this intimate approach, allowing his voice to convey the emotional weight of events like his diagnosis and recovery, though the core focus remains on pre-fame origins. The received positive reception for its refreshing honesty and avoidance of , achieving New York Times bestseller status shortly after release, with reviewers praising its inspirational tone for fans reflecting on culture. A deluxe limited edition, featuring additional volumes and custom packaging, was also issued for collectors, underscoring its appeal beyond standard literary markets. Prior to this, Hoppus had not authored other standalone literary works, though he contributed and essays to Blink-182 releases.

Personal life

Relationships and family

Hoppus married Skye Everly, a fashion designer, on December 2, 2000, after the couple began dating in July 1999. The pair marked their 22nd wedding anniversary in December 2022 with shared throwback photos from their ceremony. Hoppus and Everly have one child, a son named Jack Hoppus, born on August 5, 2002. Jack, who shares a physical resemblance to his father, has occasionally appeared in family posts celebrating milestones such as his 18th and 21st birthdays. Hoppus was raised by parents who divorced when he was eight years old, an event he has described as having a profound impact on his childhood demeanor, shifting him from "pretty mellow" to more unsettled. His father, George William "Tex" Hoppus, worked as an engineer for the U.S. Department of Defense, while his mother is Kerry Hoppus; he has one younger sister, Anne.

Health struggles and resilience

In April 2021, Hoppus was diagnosed with stage IV (DLBCL), an aggressive form of , after noticing a lump on his shoulder and undergoing medical evaluation. He began shortly thereafter, enduring a regimen that included rituximab and other standard treatments for DLBCL, which caused significant physical exhaustion, pain, and side effects such as and . By July 2021, scans indicated the was effectively reducing the tumors, providing early encouragement amid the grueling process. Hoppus publicly disclosed his diagnosis on June 23, 2021, via , revealing he had been in treatment for three months and expressing both fear and determination: "It sucks and I'm scared, but I am blessed to be surrounded by incredible doctors and family." He completed his final session in early September 2021 and was declared cancer-free later that month, after approximately five months of treatment, though he noted ongoing scans every few months to monitor for recurrence. The for DLBCL is approximately 58 percent with standard therapies, underscoring the severity of his stage IV classification. Demonstrating resilience, Hoppus resumed musical activities soon after remission, rejoining Blink-182 for performances by February 2022 and contributing to the band's 2023 reunion tour, which he credited in part to the perspective gained from his illness. As of September 2025, four years post-remission, he reported continued clean scans and expressed gratitude for his recovery, while acknowledging the mental toll of the experience, including private struggles with depression exacerbated by the diagnosis. His openness about the ordeal, including in his 2025 , highlighted a commitment to vulnerability as a mechanism, aiding both personal healing and fan support.

Reception and legacy

Achievements and cultural impact

As co-lead vocalist, bassist, and primary lyricist for Blink-182, Mark Hoppus played a central role in the band's commercial triumphs, including worldwide album sales exceeding 50 million units. The group's 1999 release sold over 15 million copies globally, driven by singles such as "" and "What's My Age Again?", which topped charts and earned Video Music Award nominations. Blink-182 garnered multiple honors, including three and ten Music Awards, reflecting Hoppus's contributions to their enduring appeal. In 2017, the band, with Hoppus's involvement, received a Grammy nomination for Best Rock Album for . Hoppus extended his achievements through side projects, co-forming +44 with Blink-182 drummer after the band's 2005 hiatus; their 2006 debut debuted at number 10 on the and featured electronic-infused rock tracks that showcased his production skills. Later, in 2019, he launched with All Time Low's , releasing the EP Everything Opposite, which blended with industrial elements and supported tours opening for major acts, demonstrating his adaptability amid Blink-182's reunions. Hoppus's cultural influence stems from Blink-182's mainstreaming of , where his witty, adolescent-themed lyrics captured millennial angst and humor, easing the genre from underground punk roots into widespread commercial viability. The band's dominance and skate-culture ties popularized irreverent attitudes toward authority and relationships, inspiring waves of acts like and influencing fashion, media, and youth rebellion narratives in the late and early . His bass lines, often melodic and supportive of vocal hooks, became a for accessible punk instrumentation, cited by musicians as formative in blending punk energy with radio-friendly structures.

Criticisms and controversies

In 2015, following Tom DeLonge's departure from Blink-182 to focus on , Hoppus and drummer issued a public statement accusing DeLonge of being "ungrateful" and "disingenuous," claiming he had strung them along while prioritizing other commitments despite repeated attempts to reconcile. The dispute escalated publicly, with DeLonge responding via email that the band had "never been friends" and accusing Hoppus and Barker of lacking honesty, prompting Hoppus to describe the exchange as a long-overdue confrontation. This acrimony stemmed from years of tension over DeLonge's side projects and differing visions for the band's direction, with Hoppus later revealing in his 2025 memoir Fahrenheit-182 that he experienced after the initial 2005 breakup, feeling a profound sense of betrayal and loss akin to a divorce. Hoppus's memoir further detailed internal band dynamics, attributing the 2005 split partly to his bandmates "growing up" and pursuing more mature pursuits, contrasting with Blink-182's signature juvenile humor, a that drew from some fans and observers for oversimplifying DeLonge's ambitions toward serious themes like UFOs and conceptual albums. The book also recounted a "weird" rivalry with during their 2002 , where Blink-182 headlined; Hoppus wrote that he sensed resentment from for opening, interpreting it as ego-driven frustration over billing, though he framed it as mutual competitiveness rather than outright hostility. In June 2023, Hoppus filed a against a neighbor in , alleging a 50-foot 's roots had encroached on his property, causing structural damage to his and foundation, seeking damages and removal; the case highlighted typical suburban disputes but drew minor media attention due to his celebrity status. Separately, in July 2024, after a where fans criticized the setlist for omitting older tracks, Hoppus addressed online backlash via , scolding detractors for ingratitude and emphasizing the band's evolution, which some interpreted as dismissive of fan expectations. Critics have occasionally targeted Hoppus's musicianship, particularly his bass technique—often described as rudimentary and secondary to vocals—arguing it prioritizes simplicity over proficiency, though defenders note this aligns with Blink-182's accessible style and that technical skill was never the band's core appeal. These views remain niche, with broader reception focusing on lyrical content's immaturity rather than personal failings.

Discography

Hoppus co-founded Blink-182 in 1992 as bassist and co-lead vocalist alongside Tom DeLonge and drummer Scott Raynor, contributing to the band's songwriting, recording, and performances on all subsequent releases. The band's studio discography, featuring Hoppus in his core role, comprises nine albums:
  • Cheshire Cat (February 17, 1995, Cargo Music/Grilled Cheese Records), the debut full-length following earlier demos.
  • Dude Ranch (June 17, 1997, Cargo/MCA Records), which included the breakthrough single "Dammit".
  • Enema of the State (June 1, 1999, MCA Records), a commercial breakthrough with hits like "All the Small Things" and "What's My Age Again?".
  • Take Off Your Pants and Jacket (June 12, 2001, MCA Records), the first to top the Billboard 200.
  • Blink-182 (November 18, 2003, Geffen Records), an untitled self-titled release with a darker, experimental tone produced by Jerry Finn and the band.
  • Neighborhoods (September 27, 2011, DGC/Interscope Records), the first post-hiatus album after DeLonge's temporary departure and return.
  • California (July 1, 2016, BMG Rights Management), recorded with Matt Skiba replacing DeLonge on guitar and vocals.
  • Nine (September 20, 2019, Columbia Records), the final album featuring Skiba.
  • One More Time... (October 20, 2023, Columbia Records), reuniting the original lineup of Hoppus, DeLonge, and Barker (drums), with an expanded deluxe edition released September 6, 2024.
Hoppus also contributed to the live album The Mark, Tom and Travis Show (October 17, 2000, ), capturing performances from 1999–2000 tours.

With +44

+44 was an American band formed in by Blink-182 members Mark Hoppus, who handled bass guitar and lead vocals, and on drums and electronics. The project initially started as an experimental electronic side endeavor amid Blink-182's indefinite hiatus but evolved into a full with the addition of guitarist Craig Fairbairn and later Kennedy. The band's sole studio album, , was released on November 13, 2006, via . Hoppus co-produced the record alongside Barker and , contributing to its blend of electronic elements and punk influences. It debuted at number 10 on the chart, moving approximately 66,000 units in its first week. Singles from the album included "Lycanthrope," released digitally in September 2006, and the title track "When Your Heart Stops Beating," which peaked at number 14 on the US Modern Rock chart. The band supported the release with tours, including opening slots for Fall Out Boy, but entered hiatus following Blink-182's 2009 reunion, yielding no further studio output.

With Simple Creatures

In 2019, Hoppus collaborated with of to form , a duo exploring and electro-pop influences beyond traditional . The project debuted with the single "Drug" on January 24, 2019, followed by additional tracks like "Special" on June 13, 2019, and "Adrenaline." The duo released their debut EP, , on March 29, 2019, featuring five tracks including the title song and "GCV." A second EP, Everything Opposite, followed on October 4, 2019, with songs such as "One Little Lie" and "Thanks, I Hate It," emphasizing themes of frustration and relationships through electronic production and dual vocals. Hoppus contributed bass, keyboards, and vocals, complementing Gaskarth's guitar and lead vocals in a live setup supported by additional musicians. Simple Creatures toured extensively in 2019, performing 16 concerts across and , including festival appearances and headline shows that showcased their high-energy, synth-driven sets. The project generated no further releases after the second EP, entering hiatus amid Hoppus's 2021 diagnosis and subsequent focus on Blink-182. As of October 2025, Gaskarth indicated uncertainty about resuming activity, stating, "I don't know," while affirming the collaboration's value but prioritizing individual band commitments.

Selected collaborations

Hoppus has contributed guest vocals to several tracks by other artists. On Simple Plan's 2002 debut album No Pads, No Helmets...Just Balls, he provided the bridge vocals for "I'd Do Anything," a about that became one of the band's early hits. He also sang background vocals on MxPx's "The Empire" from their 2005 compilation , blending pop-punk harmonies with the band's punk rock style. In 2012, Hoppus featured on Owl City's "Dementia" from , adding punk-inflected verses to the electronic pop track. More recently, he appeared on All Time Low's "Tidal Waves" from 2015's , delivering rapid-fire rap-style verses, and on A Day to Remember's "Re-Entry" from their 2022 rarities collection, contributing energetic backing. As a producer, Hoppus has worked on full albums for multiple bands, often emphasizing tight rhythms and melodic hooks reflective of his pop-punk roots. He produced Motion City Soundtrack's Commit This to Memory (2005), which featured the single "Everything Is Alright" and helped establish the band's synth-punk sound, and their follow-up My Dinosaur Life (2010). For New Found Glory, he helmed Not Without a Fight (2009), recorded at his OPRA Studios and noted for revitalizing the band's aggressive pop-punk energy with tracks like the title song. Hoppus co-produced Idiot Pilot's Wolves (2007) alongside Ross Robinson, aiding the electronic rock duo's experimental edge. He also produced The Matches' Decomposer (2006), incorporating percussion and drum programming to enhance their post-hardcore flair. Hoppus has extended collaborations into songwriting and features for diverse genres. On Avril Lavigne's 2022 punk-leaning album , he co-composed and provided vocals on multiple tracks, bridging revival with Lavigne's established style. With (later ), he contributed production, engineering, and vocals to songs on Young Dumb Thrills (2020) and Growing Up (2022), including drum programming and bass. Earlier, he guested on Box Car Racer's self-titled 2002 album with vocals on "," a led by Blink-182 bandmate . These efforts demonstrate Hoppus's versatility in supporting emerging and established acts across punk, pop, and alternative scenes.

References

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