Blink-182’s Mark Hoppus "on total vocal rest" after viral infection diagnosis
He issues a statement this afternoon
Last updated 18th Jul 2017
Blink-182’s Mark Hoppus has given fans an update on his health after cancelling last night’s show in Bournemouth.
Hours before they were due to play a sold-out show at Bournemouth International Centre yesterday, promoters issued SJM issued a statement saying it was cancelled “due to band illness, on doctors advise.”
Mark confirmed he was the ailing band member on Twitter and this afternoon has given further details of his condition.
Confirming he has “a bad upper respiratory viral infection”, Mark said he’s on steroids to reduce the swelling and is “on complete vocal rest” for the time being.
Apologising to 10,000 ticketholders in Bournemouth, Mark ended the note by saying “on to the London shows” – referencing the gigs Blink are playing at The O2 on Wednesday and Thursday night.
The full statement reads:
“Thanks very much for all of your well-wishes. They are greatly appreciated. I saw yet another doctor yesterday, an ENT (Ear, Nose and Throat) specialist. He gave me a proper scope and looked at my nose, sinuses, throat, and vocal cords. Basically I have a bad upper respiratory viral infection, centred in my larynx. My lungs and ears are clear, my nose is fairly clear, my voice is the problem. The cords are irritated and inflamed. Red and swollen. Good news is there are no nodules, hooray! The bad news is there’s not much I can do until the virus runs its course. So I’m on total vocal rest, drinking tons of water, and taking a mild steroid to help reduce the swelling. Since I’ve been fighting this for a while now, I’m hoping that today turns the corner. Apologies for missing Bournemouth. I’d’ve much rather been rocking out with you than having a camera down my throat. Fingers crossed and on to the London shows.”
After yesterday’s cancellation, main support act Frank Turner hastily organised a free show at Bournemouth Old Fire Station for Blink-182 ticketholders.
He thanked those who attended the gig, writing: “Stressful day turned into a lovely evening. Thanks everyone who made this happen.”