Mark Hoppus, the bassist and co-lead vocalist of the Poway-bred rock band blink-182, revealed Wednesday that he has cancer.
The 49-year-old singer-songwriter, who moved to San Diego in 1992 to attend Cal State San Marcos, initially posted an Instagram story showing himself hooked up to an IV, saying: “Yes hello. One cancer treatment, please.”
Hoppus then confirmed the cancer diagnosis in a statement on social media. He did not say what type of cancer, nor did he reveal its stage.
His statement reads:
“For the past three months I’ve been undergoing chemotherapy for cancer. 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 hopefully near future. Love to you all.”
The Ridgecrest, Calif.-born Hoppus is the only original member still in blink-182, which was founded in 1992 by guitarist and vocalist Tom DeLonge and drummer Scott Raynor. The band’s current lineup includes Hoppus, drummer Travis Barker, and guitarist and vocalist Matt Skiba.
DeLonge, who still lives in San Diego, acknowledged Hoppus on Twitter, saying: “I too, have been aware of @markhoppus’s cancer diagnosis for awhile now. 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.”
DeLonge left blink-182 in early 2015 and was replaced by Skiba of the band Alkaline Trio. A new blink-182 album is now in the works, and as of late, speculation had been mounting regarding a possible reunion that would bring DeLonge, Hoppus and Barker together again — in time for the band’s 30th anniversary next year.
