Mark Hoppus on Cancer, Banksy, and the Search for Life Beyond Earth
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Blink-182’s Mark Hoppus reflects on a life encompassing everything from beekeeping and farming to a brush with mortality and the enduring mysteries of the universe.
Mark Hoppus, the bassist and vocalist for the iconic pop-punk band Blink-182, has lived a life of surprising contrasts. From idyllic rural landscapes to the high-stakes world of art auctions, and from a harrowing battle with cancer to pondering the existence of extraterrestrial life, Hoppus’s experiences are as diverse as they are compelling.
From Somerset Farms to London Art Sales
Hoppus’s past reveals a surprising pastoral side. He once maintained a 25-acre farm in Somerset, England, complete with a Georgian farmhouse dating back to 1750. The property was a haven for both agriculture and animal husbandry, including a flock of chickens playfully named after women from Blink-182 songs – Wendy, Holly, and Josie among them. He also pursued beekeeping, collaborating with a local church worker from the British Beekeeping Association to harvest up to 150 jars of honey per season, which he described as “the best honey I’ve ever tasted.”
This rural existence contrasted sharply with his life in London, where he found himself navigating the world of fine art. In March 2025, Hoppus was photographed with Banksy’s ‘Crude Oil (Vettriano)’ at Sotheby’s in London, shortly before it was auctioned for £4.3 million. The artwork’s increasing value, however, brought with it a growing sense of anxiety.
“People would come over, lean in way too close with a glass of red wine and say: ‘Is that really a Banksy?’” Hoppus recalled. The stress of protecting the valuable piece ultimately led to its sale, with proceeds benefiting haematology oncology research, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, and the Firefighters Association following the devastating wildfires in Los Angeles. He also used a portion of the funds to invest in emerging artists.
A 60% Chance: Battling Cancer
The sale of the Banksy wasn’t the only significant life event prompting reflection. Hoppus faced a life-threatening battle with cancer, a diagnosis that left him stunned. “I am very surprised I’m not dead,” he admitted. His doctor presented a stark reality: R-CHOP chemotherapy was the sole treatment option, but came with a sobering prognosis. “You only have a 60% chance of living through this and never having to deal with it again,” the doctor reportedly said.
Hoppus described the chemotherapy as a brutal experience, involving massive doses of steroids and a sensation of being “on fire from the inside” as the drugs targeted the cancer cells. The treatment was physically and mentally taxing, inducing periods of “hyper-crazy” behavior.
UFOs, Conspiracy Theories, and a Childhood in the Desert
Beyond health scares and art world dealings, Hoppus’s interests extend to the realm of the unexplained. He’s been influenced by his Blink-182 bandmate, Tom DeLonge, and his long-held fascination with UFOs. Hoppus recounted how DeLonge would spend nights scanning the skies while on tour, fueled by a deep dive into conspiracy theories after the advent of the internet.
While skeptical, Hoppus remains open to the possibility of life beyond Earth. “I don’t presume that the only life in the universe is here on this one little planet out in the middle of nowhere,” he stated. He even acknowledged hearing theories about a faked moon landing and a secret structure discovered on the dark side of the moon, though he conceded that these ideas “sound a bit crazy.”
Hoppus’s formative years also shaped his worldview. He grew up on a military base in the desert, experiencing a sense of isolation that was compounded by his parents’ divorce. He found solace and community in skateboarding at age 13, embracing the outsider culture and expressing himself through alternative goth fashion, emulating The Cure’s Robert Smith. “I felt like I needed to plant my flag and say: ‘I’m not like the rest of you guys,’” he explained.
Finding Emotion Onstage and Appreciating Musical Foundations
Even amidst a successful career, moments of vulnerability persist. Hoppus revealed he recently cried onstage, an embarrassing experience given the size of the audience. He also paid tribute to his musical influences, naming Peter Hook from New Order, Simon Gallup from The Cure, and the two bass players from Ned’s Atomic Dustbin as his top three bass players, praising their ability to serve as “the glue” that connects the different elements of a song.
Reflecting on the current state of the US, Hoppus expressed a sense of global confusion. “I think the whole world feels confused by what’s going on in the US right now,” he said. He lamented the prevalence of “clickbait” and sensationalized headlines, making it difficult to discern factual information. He noted that even casual conversations with people from other countries quickly turn to questions about American politics.
Finally, Hoppus recalled a memorable encounter with Liam Gallagher of Oasis early in Blink-182’s career. Gallagher, after visiting their dressing room, told the band, “You’re the best I’ve seen in America,” before clarifying, “No, I didn’t say I like your music. I just think you guys are cool.” A testament to the band’s early impact, and a uniquely British compliment.
