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Mark Hoppus Memoir Exposes Deep Despair Following Blink-182 Separation
In his newly released memoir, “Fahrenheit-182,” musician Mark Hoppus, known for his work with Blink-182, details the profound emotional toll of the band’s 2005 dissolution. The 53-year-old artist confesses he experienced suicidal ideation during this period, highlighting the significant impact of the Blink-182 breakup on his mental well-being.
Losing Direction and Self-Worth
According to People, Hoppus writes in his memoir about the devastating aftermath of the band’s initial split: “When Blink fell apart, I lost everything. I lost my direction, I lost my confidence, I lost my sense of self.”
He further elaborates on the depth of his despair, recalling, “I didn’t know what I was supposed to do or who I was supposed to be. I’d hear one of our songs playing in a store and have to walk out. I sank lower and lower. I could tell I was near the bottom when I started finding comfort in the thought of suicide: If it gets bad enough, I can always just kill myself.”
Band Tensions and Tom DeLonge’s Departure
The departure of guitarist Tom DeLonge, after more than a decade with Blink-182, stemmed from escalating friction between DeLonge, Hoppus, and drummer Travis Barker.
This division deeply affected Hoppus, triggering a downward spiral and suicidal contemplations. However, he eventually sought professional help to navigate his mental health crisis.
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Seeking Help and Recovery
“I started talking to a psychiatrist who put me on medications, which helped a lot,” Hoppus revealed. “It let me take a breath. It allowed me the space in my own head to say, ‘You’re being a d–k, Mark. Knock it off.’”
Blink-182’s Subsequent Chapters: +44, Reunions, and Tours
Following DeLonge’s initial exit, he established Angels & Airwaves, while Hoppus and Barker formed +44. In 2009, Blink-182 reformed, releasing the album “Neighborhoods” two years later.
DeLonge again left the band in 2015, but rejoined once more in 2023, marking another reconciliation for the iconic group.
Memoir Details Childhood and Cancer Battle
Beyond the band’s fluctuating lineup, Hoppus’s memoir also delves into his early life before fame and his public fight against cancer in 2021.
Cancer Diagnosis and Dark Thoughts
The “All the Small Things” singer previously disclosed that a stage 4 lymphoma diagnosis also led him to contemplate suicide.
“I was in our living room crying and telling my wife [Skye Hoppus], ‘I don’t know if I can do this,’” he recounted in a 2022 interview with People. “She was like, ‘Well, what are you going to do, kill yourself?’ And that’s exactly what I was thinking. It was pretty dark.”
Wife’s Support and Cancer-Free Status
Hoppus credits his wife, Skye, with helping him navigate those agonizing thoughts. He announced he was cancer-free in September 2021.
Chemotherapy and Renewed Friendships
In an interview with The Guardian promoting his memoir, Hoppus reflected on the intense chemotherapy treatment, stating he “really thought I was going to die.”
“And, in a way, it absolutely was so freeing,” he admitted. “I’d spent my whole life hypervigilant, thinking: what’s the worst thing that could happen? And, oh, it’s here now, I’m dealing with it and it still sucks.”
Hoppus described the cancer experience as physically and emotionally crushing, but noted an unexpected positive outcome: the healing of his friendship with DeLonge.
Reconciliation with DeLonge
“[DeLonge] was like: ‘What do you need? I’m there,’ from day one,” Hoppus shared. “In that friendship and the love and support of people around me, I thought: you know what? I’ve had a pretty awesome life.”
Blink-182’s Future: 2025 Tour Announcement
Adding to the positive trajectory, Blink-182 recently announced their 2025 US tour, “Missionary Impossible,” signaling a vibrant future for the band and its members.