Mark Hoppus is about to part ways with a very special piece of art history. The Blink-182 bassist is putting his Banksy painting, Crude Oil (Vettriano), up for auction, where it’s expected to fetch between £3 million and £5 million. But this isn’t just another expensive artwork changing hands—it’s a piece that’s been part of the Hoppus family for over a decade, and its sale will help support the next generation of artists.
From Breakfast Table to Auction Block
Hoppus and his wife, Skye Everly, purchased the painting in 2011, and since then, it has lived in their homes in London and Los Angeles. “We loved this painting since the moment we saw it. Unmistakably Banksy, but different,” Hoppus shared.
For the Hoppus family, Crude Oil (Vettriano) has been more than just décor. It’s been a silent witness to years of family moments. “It’s seen laughter and tears and parties and arguments. Our son has grown up in front of it,” he said. “Now, I’m excited for it to be out there in the world, seen by as many as possible. Go get ‘em, godspeed.”
Funding the Future of Art
The sale isn’t just about profit—Hoppus plans to use the proceeds to expand his own art collection by investing in emerging artists, carrying on the punk rock tradition of supporting the next generation. “One aspect of the community I always hold dear is, if you get lucky enough to gain success, you bring your friends with you,” he explained. “Larger bands bring smaller bands on tour. We support one another from within. I want to take some of the money from this sale and use it to buy works from younger, upcoming artists. We were lucky enough to find Crude Oil (Vettriano) in our lives, and it’ll help us support more art and artists. I want to be a f***ing Medici.”
A portion of the funds will also go to charity, including the California Fire Foundation, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, and Cedars-Sinai’s Haematology Oncology Research—causes that hit close to home for Hoppus, who battled stage four diffuse large B-cell lymphoma in 2021 and was declared cancer-free later that year.
A Banksy Masterpiece With a Message
Crude Oil (Vettriano) first appeared in Banksy’s 2005 Crude Oils: A Gallery of Re-Mixed Masterpieces, Vandalism, and Vermin exhibition. It’s a subversive take on Jack Vettriano’s The Singing Butler, a famous 1992 painting, but with a deeper commentary on pollution, capitalism, and environmental issues.
The painting will headline Sotheby’s Modern and Contemporary Evening Auction on March 4 in London, with previews at Sotheby’s New York (February 18-20) before making its way to London for exhibition from February 26 until the sale.
Hoppus’ 2024: Art, Music, and a Memoir
Beyond this major art sale, Hoppus is keeping busy. Blink-182, the band he co-founded in 1992 with Tom DeLonge and Travis Barker, continues to dominate the pop-punk scene. And in April, he’ll release his memoir, Fahrenheit-182, detailing his life, music career, and battle with cancer.
For now, all eyes are on Sotheby’s, where Crude Oil (Vettriano) is set to take its next step—leaving the Hoppus home and helping fuel the future of art.
