The memoir opens with what Mark Hoppus describes as a mostly happy childhood, one in which music was part of everyday life and helped shape who he is. He describes how music helped him cope with his parents’ divorce, and how he became exposed to alternative music and culture while living a life uprooted by frequent moves. Mark details meeting Tom and how that friendship changed the trajectory of his musical career, as well as gives details about Blink’s early touring days.
Hoppus continues by highlighting the band’s transition to Travis as drummer and chronicles the band’s quick rise to fame. He also describes his experiences with depression and anxiety, the pressures of fame, and the feeling that the weight of the world was resting on his shoulders. He’s open about his later cancer diagnosis and treatment, and explores some dark themes in a really honest way.
In addition to the band's history, the memoir includes a lot of personal anecdotes and pictures from recording sessions and tour dates. It's also filled with nostalgia, including references to TRL, the VMAs, and bands that defined the early 2000s. The book has a satisfying amount of inside information about conflicts within the band, and handles it without sensationalizing. It manages to be funny, sad, gripping, and a great story all at once.
4.75/5 stars. Honestly a good read, I just wish the pictures had been in color.
Hoppus continues by highlighting the band’s transition to Travis as drummer and chronicles the band’s quick rise to fame. He also describes his experiences with depression and anxiety, the pressures of fame, and the feeling that the weight of the world was resting on his shoulders. He’s open about his later cancer diagnosis and treatment, and explores some dark themes in a really honest way.
In addition to the band's history, the memoir includes a lot of personal anecdotes and pictures from recording sessions and tour dates. It's also filled with nostalgia, including references to TRL, the VMAs, and bands that defined the early 2000s. The book has a satisfying amount of inside information about conflicts within the band, and handles it without sensationalizing. It manages to be funny, sad, gripping, and a great story all at once.
4.75/5 stars. Honestly a good read, I just wish the pictures had been in color.