Mark Hoppus Says Keeping Blink-182 Secret Was A 'Burden To Carry'

Blink-182 announced that Tom DeLonge officially rejoined the band last night after months of swirling rumours.

The news also coincided with an announcement of a gigantic world tour, with stops in Latin America alongside Wallows, Turnstile joining them in North America, Europe with The Story So Far, and Rise Against joining the fun in Australia and New Zealand. As if the reunion and world tour weren't enough, the trio is releasing new music, with the new single, Edging, out this Friday.

Mark Hoppus has shared his excitement with the world on his weekly Apple Music podcast, After School Radio, revealing that, "Yes, it's happening. blink-182, world tour, new music, new album. Tom's back. Man, I feel like a weight has been lifted off my shoulders. That was a burden to carry that secret for so long."

Just days before making their huge announcement, Hoppus ran into a fan at a Dodgers game who quizzed him about the possibility of the reunion with DeLonge. "He's like, 'Dude, is there any way, any way at all?' And I'm like, 'Any way for what?' And he's like, 'Is there any chance of a blink-182 reunion tour with Tom back in the band at all?' And he had such hope and desperation in his eyes, and I just wanted to put my hand on his shoulder and say, 'My friend, just you wait. Just wait three, four more days.'"

Hoppus then quipped, "I should have taken his name and should have just posted it on Instagram, been like, 'This is for you, Steve. Great idea.'"

In August, Hoppus quashed rumours and denied that DeLonge was back in the band, stating that "there is no news to share. There is no announcement. Today is thirty years of blink-182!" The hype train sped off two days ago when blink-182 wiped their social media accounts. Numerous billboards appeared worldwide with a link to the band's website, a new logo, and the statement, "your future is cumming, in the blink of an eye".

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Following DeLonge's departure from the band for a second time in 2015, Blink-182 released two full-length albums with Alkaline Trio's Matt Skiba, 2016's California and 2019's Nine.

Back in July, Skiba responded to a fan on Instagram who asked about his status as a member of Blink-182, stating, "your guess is as good as mine. Regardless, I am very proud of and thankful for my time w @blink182. We shall see…"

For tickets and more info on the band's 2024 Australian tour, click here.

It's expected that Blink-182's tenth studio album will drop in 2023.