Blink-182’s Mark Hoppus Says His Memoir Doesn’t Make Tom DeLonge Out to Be a ‘Villain’: ‘He’s My Best Friend’ (Exclusive)

Blink-182 Frontman Mark Hoppus Reflects on Memoir and Friendship with Tom DeLonge

In a recent interview with PEOPLE magazine, Mark Hoppus, the legendary frontman of Blink-182, shared insights into his newly released memoir, “Fahrenheit-182,” and his enduring friendship with bandmate Tom DeLonge. The iconic rocker, who recently battled cancer, revealed that the idea to write a memoir stemmed from a pivotal moment in his life when he received a devastating cancer diagnosis. Hoppus poured his heart and soul into the book, chronicling the highs and lows of his musical journey with Blink-182, along with the profound impact of his friendship with DeLonge and drummer Travis Barker.

Throughout the interview, Hoppus emphasised the importance of portraying his bandmates in a positive light, particularly DeLonge, whom he described as his best friend. Despite touching on darker moments, such as contemplating suicide after Blink-182 disbanded in 2005, Hoppus aimed to highlight the bond of camaraderie and support that has defined the band’s dynamic over the years.

Reflecting on the book’s content, Hoppus shared that he chose to include celebrity anecdotes not for gossip value but to illustrate the surreal nature of his rise from a humble background to rubbing shoulders with Hollywood stars. Stories involving personalities like Alyssa Milano and Melissa Joan Hart are portrayed as moments of wonder and gratitude rather than sensational fodder.

One of the poignant revelations from the interview was Hoppus’ candid discussion about his battle with cancer and how it profoundly impacted his perspective on life. Writing about his struggles and triumphs not only served as a form of therapy but also allowed him to appreciate the simple joys of existence and cherish his most cherished relationships, including his wife and son.

When asked about DeLonge’s role in cheering him up during his cancer treatment, Hoppus shared a lighthearted anecdote about receiving unconventional text messages from his bandmate, showcasing the quirky and playful side of their enduring friendship. Despite the challenges they’ve faced together, Hoppus reiterated his admiration for DeLonge’s creativity and energy, emphasizing the mutual respect and understanding that underpin their partnership.

Looking towards the future, Hoppus teased Blink-182 fans with hints of a new record in the works, revealing that the band plans to start working on new music during the upcoming summer. While the tour name “Missionary Impossible” elicited laughs, Hoppus remained tight-lipped about any potential album titles, expressing his eagerness to delve into the creative process once more.

As the interview drew to a close, Hoppus reflected on his marriage to Skye Everly, sharing words of wisdom on the fluid nature of relationships and the importance of open communication. He underscored the transformative power of writing his memoir, acknowledging the catharsis and joy that the process brought him, hinting at the possibility of penning more books in the future.

In conclusion, Mark Hoppus’ intimate interview with PEOPLE magazine offers a glimpse into the personal and professional milestones that have shaped his journey, from facing life-threatening challenges to celebrating the enduring bonds of friendship and creativity that define Blink-182’s legacy. As fans eagerly await new music from the band, Hoppus’ memoir serves as a poignant testament to resilience, camaraderie, and the transformative power of storytelling.