Blink-182 bassist Mark Hoppus surprised fans in Sydney with a major announcement: Australian rock band Violent Soho are reuniting. The news came during Hoppus’ Fahrenheit-182 spoken-word tour stop at the Sydney Opera House on March 21, where he invited Violent Soho frontman Luke Boerdam and guitarist James Tidswell on stage for an acoustic performance of Blink-182’s hit “Dammit.”
First Appearance in Nearly Four Years
The moment marked the first time Boerdam and Tidswell had performed together since Violent Soho’s farewell show at Brisbane’s Fortitude Music Hall in September 2022. While neither musician addressed the crowd directly, Hoppus assured fans that the reunion was real, saying, “I wasn’t joking by the way, they really are getting back together.”
A Timely Announcement
The timing of the news coincides with the 10th anniversary of WACO, Violent Soho’s landmark fourth album. Released in March 2016, the record debuted at No. 1 on the ARIA Albums Chart and produced six singles that all landed in triple j’s Hottest 100. Songs like “Viceroy,” “Like Soda,” and “Blanket” helped define the band as one of Australia’s most influential rock acts of the decade. A limited-edition vinyl reissue of WACO was also announced this week.
Hoppus’ Longstanding Connection
Hoppus has been a vocal supporter of Violent Soho for years. In 2014, he tweeted his admiration for their single “Covered in Chrome,” and the two acts later crossed paths at Good Things Festival in 2019. His endorsement adds weight to the reunion news, which has already sparked excitement among fans.
What’s Next for Violent Soho?
While the band has yet to release an official statement, the reunion hints at possible new music or live shows. For fans who thought Violent Soho’s journey ended in 2022, the announcement offers hope that one of Australia’s most beloved rock bands is ready to make noise again.
