(Editor’s note: The author received a press copy for review via Harper Collins.)
In Mark Hoppus’ “Fahrenheit-182: A Memoir” the past really is the future with the lights on.
Hoppus details his own personal history as well as the band’s; from writing songs about beating off to writing about his experiences of beating death, the book (like the band’s music) has a lot of well, I guess this is growing up parts. “Fahrenheit-182” is an engaging and compelling read written by one of the good guys in music, and a must for fans of bilnk-182, pop-punk/ punk, music or pop culture in general.
If you are a fan you already know the story , as blink’s history told with brevity, but does provide keen insider information. If you ever wondered what the song “Go” was about the clues are all there. As a medium , the book serves as arguably a just as important piece of the band’s identity as the music itself.
Hoppus gets personal on his journey to overcome cancer that includes excerpts from his journals during the time period that are raw and revealing. Isolation, and anxiety that have also haunted Hoppus as a youth are addressed. Historically, the book takes you right up to the band making their return to the stage at Coachella, an unlikely place for a punk rock act to headline. The last line of the book is perfect and poetic; a little darkness mixed with hope and optimism just like Hoppus at his finest.
By MIKE DAMANTE
If you are a fan of pop-punk, Mike Damante’s book “Hey Suburbia: A guide to the emo/pop-punk rise” is out now, and features exclusive interviews with blink-182, New Found Glory, Alkaline Trio, Descendents, and others.
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