
One of the most important bands of the last three decades for fans of any guitar-based genre is blink-182. Though they might not be as hard or heavy as many punks, goths, and metalheads would like, blink-182 have been championing loud, tattooed dirtbag culture for twenty-plus years now, and for that we all owe them a nod and a tip of our trucker caps. Now, vocalist/bassist Mark Hoppus has revealed to the public that he’s been diagnosed with cancer, and is undergoing chemotherapy.
“For the past three months I’ve been undergoing chemotherapy for cancer,” Mark announced late yesterday via social media. “I have cancer. It sucks and I’m scared, and at the same time I’m blessed with incredible doctors and family and friends to get me through this.
“I still have months of treatment ahead of me but I’m trying to remain hopeful and positive. Can’t wait to be cancer free and see you all at a concert in the near future. Love to you all.”
Mark also posted an Instagram story of him at the hospital with the caption, “Yes hello. One cancer treatment, please.”
https://twitter.com/markhoppus/status/1407822798190383109
It’s unsurprising, given the work they’ve done together over the years, how hard Mark’s bandmates in blink-182 have rallied behind him. “Mark is my brother and I love and support him,” said drummer Travis Barker in a statement to E! News. “I will be with him every step of the way onstage and off and can’t wait for us to play together again soon.”
“I too, have been aware of Mark Hoppus’ cancer diagnosis for awhile now,” said former blink-182 guitarist Tom DeLonge via social media. “And to add to his own words that he used today, I would also like to say that he is strong, and a super-human who is pushing through this difficult obstacle with a wide-open heart. #WeHaveHisBack”
https://twitter.com/tomdelonge/status/1407851919901544448
Everyone at The Pit sends their heart out to Mark during this difficult time. We’re rooting for you, dude.
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Words by Chris Krovatin