Fahrenheit-182: A Memoir

Humor and comedy are central to Mark Hoppus’s identity and to the ethos of blink-182 as a band. Mark uses humor throughout his memoir both to illuminate his personality and to communicate more difficult topics. In this way, humor functions as both a defense mechanism and a narrative strategy, softening the blow of trauma while reinforcing his core ethos. Humor thus becomes part of Resilience and Defying the Odds, as it also helped Mark through the darkest points of his life. Mark grew up listening to comedy records by George Carlin and Richard Pryor, which shaped not only his worldview but also his approach to performance and writing. This comedic influence became a keystone of the band’s public image, exemplified in the “What’s My Age Again?” music video, where the band runs naked through city streets, symbolizing their refusal to take themselves seriously or conform to expectations. This irreverent tone became a subversive act, challenging pop-punk’s growing commercialization while amplifying their authenticity. Throughout his memoir, Mark continues with this tone, writing with a mix of levity and self-deprecation that makes even the most painful topics feel grounded and human.