How Mark Hoppus sang an unreleased Linkin Park song
Behind the scenes of rock history often involves more drama than the stage itself, and the recent exchange between Mark Hoppus and Mike Shinoda perfectly illustrates the playful, yet deeply rooted, relationship between Blink-182 and Linkin Park.
The revelation came during a recent Q&A following the Los Angeles premiere of Linkin Park’s documentary Unshatter. While discussing the journey of coming back together after the passing of Chester Bennington, Hoppus brought up a fascinating piece of history: he had recorded vocals for an unreleased Linkin Park song.
The conversation quickly turned into lighthearted confrontation when Hoppus jokingly pressed Shinoda about why the track never made the cut. The banter escalated into some funny demands, including a pointed question about his own vocal contributions and even a humorous dig about the liberal use of the phrase “God dammit” during the recording session.
Shinoda’s response was pure gold, offering a flattering explanation that suggested Hoppus’s talent overshadowed the material: “You were greater than the song.” This exchange, which drew laughter from the rest of the band, highlighted the comfortable, witty dynamic that exists between these two iconic groups.
The context for this playful moment is rich. Hoppus was featured in Unshatter, which chronicles Linkin Park’s seven-year hiatus and their painstaking return to making music. The film documents the intimate studio sessions that led to their comeback album, From Zero.
When the documentary explored the creation of From Zero, it showcased the gradual process of the band rebuilding. The music itself, particularly tracks like Unshatter, serves as a powerful narrative of resilience and reinvention.
The atmosphere of the documentary itself was electric. Hoppus and Shinoda watched the track unfold, and Hoppus was visibly moved. He described hearing the music and the new incarnation of Linkin Park with raw emotion, noting that the voice of new vocalist Emily Armstrong felt like “fucking steel.”
Shinoda echoed this feeling, stating that the emotion was undeniable: “Goosebumps, you can’t fake.” This moment captured the essence of what these musicians shared—a profound, unshakeable connection forged through years of shared history and artistic evolution.
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