#1 MARK HOPPUS, ENTERTAINER
As the 20th Century drew to a close, a young family member emerged from obscurity to become perhaps the best-known Hoppes of all time. Markus Allan Hoppus was born on March 15, 1972, the son of Hoppes Generations website member George William “Tex” Hoppus, who in turn was the son of George Wilbur Hoppus, who was the son of 2133121 Milo Defest Hoppus born January 30, 1894 in Kosciusko County, IN.
Mark’s path to
notoriety began in 1993 after he and his San Diego buddy Tom DeLonge stopped playing at
weddings and birthdays with their mariachi bands named “El Cuatro” and “the
Cajones” and founded a punk rock band called “Blink”. Their trio consisted of Mark as bass
guitarist/vocalist, Tom as guitarist/vocalist, and drummer Scott Raynor. That year the group released their first record Fly
Swatter, followed by their albums Buddha in 1994 and Cheshire Cat in
1995. About this time, the group changed
their name to blink-182 when another band claimed rights to the name Blink
and threatened them with a lawsuit. The name
change had little effect on the trio’s popularity during 1996 – 1997
engagements. Their successful 1997 LP album Dude Ranch brought them international
attention and their smash MCA album Enema of the State released in 1999 sold over
four million copies. After acquiring a new
drummer Travis Barker, their fame continued to grow in the new millennium.
Mark has played a key role in composing the lyrics and music of many of the group’s hits. Reportedly, he is a gifted songwriter composing the lyrics to such songs as Going Away to College and Dammit in only five minutes. The group’s music is directed toward teenagers and college students struggling to find their way in life. Although blink-182 is controversial to many adults who do not appreciate on-stage displays of vulgarity and nudity, the group continues to be very popular with today’s youth.
While making a 1999 video, Mark met his future wife Skye Everly. They were married on December 2, 2000, in
Carlsbad, CA, and she currently is expecting their first child. In October 2001, Mark’s younger sister Anne
Hoppus published the entertaining book: Blink-182 Tales
from Beneath Your Mom about the band's founding, juvenile sense of humor, and
outrageous antics on the road and backstage.
In fall 2001, while I was recovering from my hip surgery, my wife Riki and I had a
delightful visit from Mark’s father Tex during his trip east to visit cemeteries and
sites related to his Hoppus ancestors. Our
discussions naturally included the accomplishments of his two children Mark and Anne
Hoppus. “You know”, Tex confided, “Mark never behaved the way he does on
stage while he was growing up at home.” To
which I replied, “ I think Mark is a superb entertainer. The whole world loves a real showman!” Tex
also mentioned that when Mark’s grandmother attended one of his concerts she was
asked what she thought of Mark’s performance. Her
smiles and nods were interpreted as a sign of her approval.
“Actually, she’s a bit hard of hearing”, Tex explained.
Mark on stage Þ
Harry's Corner
Hall of Fame Introduction
Hall of Fame # 2 - Lowell Hoppes
Hall of Fame # 3 - Dr. Dale D. Hoppes
Hall of Fame # 4 - Walter (Doc) Hoppas
Hall of Fame # 5 - John J. Hoppes
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