Violent Soho Reunion Hinted at During Mark Hoppus Sydney Show

During a stop on his Fahrenheit-182 spoken word tour in Sydney, blink-182’s Mark Hoppus made comments that strongly suggest the dormant Australian rock band Violent Soho is preparing to reunite. The most direct hint came when Hoppus brought Violent Soho’s Luke Boerdam and James Tidswell onstage, telling the audience, “Violent Soho are getting back together.”

The context was a collaborative, acoustic performance of blink-182’s 1997 single “Dammit.” The moment, captured in fan videos, shows Boerdam sharing vocals with Hoppus while Tidswell provides backing guitar. The appearance and Hoppus’s statement represent the most concrete public indication of activity from the beloved Brisbane group since they entered an indefinite hiatus in late 2021.

Violent Soho’s hiatus followed a prolific period anchored by their breakthrough album “Hungry Ghost” (2013) and its acclaimed follow-up, “WACO” (2016). Their brand of heavy, melodic grunge revival earned a fervent domestic following and significant international cult status. Their absence has been felt acutely in the Australian alternative scene, where their influence on a generation of guitar bands remains pronounced.

While no official announcement has been made by the band or their management, Hoppus’s onstage remark carries considerable weight. His credibility as a peer and the specific nature of the claim move the situation beyond mere rumor. The collaboration itself also underscores the mutual respect between the acts; Violent Soho have long cited blink-182 as an influence, and Hoppus has been a vocal supporter of the Australian band.

The news aligns with subtle hints of movement from the band’s camp in recent months. In late 2023, the band’s social media profiles, long dormant, were quietly updated with new profile imagery, sparking initial speculation among fans. This latest development, however, provides a tangible, human source for the reunion talk.

For the Australian music landscape, a Violent Soho return would be a significant event. Their music captured a specific, suburban Australian angst with anthemic power, and their complete withdrawal left a notable gap. A reunion would likely involve new music and major tour dates, both of which would be met with considerable demand. The band’s last shows were sell-out arena events, demonstrating their commercial peak prior to stepping away.

As it stands, the confirmation rests on Hoppus’s word during a live show. The next step is formal verification and details from Violent Soho themselves regarding the scope and timing of their return. For now, the credible prospect of their reactivation has shifted from hopeful question to likely reality.