The undisputed kings of pop-punk, blink-182, are back and they’re playing not one but two massive dates at Manchester’s AO Arena.
And when we say back, we mean properly this time: Tom DeLonge returning on guitar and vocals and everything. This is going to be so mint.
The American outfit — which was recently restored to its original lineup of DeLonge, Mark Hoppus and Travis Barker — announced their new record, One More Time… back in September, which is the band’s ninth studio album all-told and the first in 12 years since the trio last recorded together.
We think we speak for everyone when we say it’s going to be a big night at the Arena. Or two. With that in mind, here’s everything you need to know about blink-182‘s Manchester double-header this Sunday and Monday.
Are their tickets left for either of Blink 182’s nights at the AO Arena?
If you’re looking to grab a last-ditch ticket to see the Blink boys do their thing, you’re in luck: there are still plenty of tickets available for both nights on this occasion, however, this fortunate situation does come with a catch…
ADVERTISEMENT
We’re not going to lie to you, these aren’t the cheapest gig tickets you’ll ever buy. In fact, it was a bit of a story when they were first released as some people were paying over the odds to secure theirs. The cheapest seats you’ll find start from £64.95, whereas standing tickets on the main floor and the inevitable pit will set you back upwards of £166. Crikey.
If money’s not an issue then happy days; should that be the case, you can even spring for one of the extremely premium ‘Beautiful North’ packages — these things are more expensive than the usual Electric Lounge VIP boxes and will set you back a whopping £380.75. Nope, not joking.
On the other hand, we would argue the one thing these ticket prices do have to their name is overall value for money when you look at the calibre of blink-182’s support acts on this tour.
Pop-punk and rock royalty demands only the best of warm-up acts and, in this case, the place will be literally scorching long before the main event gets underway.
ADVERTISEMENT
Manc fans will get also to see contemporary favourites of the genre, The Story So Far, who recently released their first new music in half a decade.
These are two bands most people would happily pay a significant sum to see on their own, let alone together in a huge arena setting where they’re sure to be on top form.
Doors open at 6pm and The Story So Far will kick things off around 7:30pm. While we’re still not too sure how long their set is going to be, blink-182 are scheduled to take the stage at 8:45pm.
As for the California rockers themselves, they typically play 90-minute sets judging from what we’ve been hearing from other shows on this European tour so far, and AO will have an 11pm curfew as it does with most gigs.
Oh, and if you hear any word of an after-party somewhere in town, you best let us know!
ADVERTISEMENT
What’s the setlist going to be?
When it comes to what the seasoned pros will be playing for their long-awaited reunion, there will of course be a sprinkling of the tracks from the new album but they know as well as we do that everyone wants to hear the hits.
Fortunately, Setlist.fm has come in handy as usual and according to their most recent shows, the lads will be playing a staggering 27 tracks in total including an encore, so you’re really getting the full spectrum no matter what night you pick.
Here’s the running order as far as we know:
Anthem Part Two
The Rock Show
Family Reunion
Man Overboard
Feeling This
Violence (where Travis plays blindfolded)
Up All Night
Reckless Abandon
Dumpweed
More Than You Know
Edging
Dance With Me
Aliens Exist
Happy Holidays, You Bastard (played twice, the second time at double-speed)
Stay Together for the Kids
Always
Down
Bored to Death
I Miss You
Adam’s Song
Ghost on the Dance Floor
What’s My Age Again?
First Date
All the Small Things
Dammit (they have brought out a special guest at this point in the past)
Encore:
One More Time (the title track off the new record)
blink-182’s new album, One More Time…, releases on October 20 and from the glimpses we’ve heard so far, Mark, Tom and Travis are really enjoying being back playing and making music together.
ADVERTISEMENT
It goes without saying that we love seeing them in each other’s company again too and whether you’re lucky enough to be seeing them on Sunday, 15 October or starting off your week right with the gig on Monday, 16 October, we beg you scream ‘All The Small Things’ at the top of your lungs.
To find out more about all the other big gigs taking place in Manchester, check out our trusty October gig guide down below:
A 5k charity event where runners dress up as Pitbull is coming to Manchester city centre
Danny Jones
Yep, you read it right the first time – a regular 5k charity run returns to Manchester this month, only this time, those taking part will be dressed up as Pitbull for some reason…
Don’t ask us, we just thought it was funny and it’s for a good cause, so why the hell not?
For a little context, this is the latest idea from Slow Run Club: a local running organisation that takes place weekly at three different locations across Greater Manchester.
We know ‘Mr Worldwide’ himself has been and gone, having played a couple of nights in Manchester earlier this year, but these lot have decided two nights of yelling ‘Timberrrr’ still wasn’t quite enough and asking those joining the October fundraising 5k to dress up like the one and only Pitbull.
In case you missed it when ‘Dale’ fever took over the city streets this past summer, bald caps, sunglasses, black felt goatees and drawn-on moustaches descended upon central Manchester as they have been all over the UK and beyond for his live shows.
Was it utterly daft? Yes. Was it still one of THE best gig crowds we’ve seen in yonks? Absolutely.
The 44-year-old Floridian rapper and resurgent pop star played multiple nights at the Co-op Live, and they were brilliant, but we’re not going to pretend that the best wasn’t seeing the sea of shiny bald heads and shades in suits and ties.
It’s rare that you see such a shared moment of abandoning inhibitions and embracing the silliness; it was genuinely so great to see, and it’s that same energy that these guys are trying to tap into. Put simply, it’s about letting go and dancing like no one’s watching.
Teaming up with fellow charity-focused running group, Run The Streets MCR, Slow Run Club (SRC)’s Pitbull fancy-dress-themed run is just the latest in a growing trend of alternative ways to get some exercise in.
After you’ve gone all ‘305’ at the Pitbull run, these Manchester runners are worth looking into as well.
Having done everything from the regular fancy dress Halloween runs to Oasis, Sabrina Carpenter, ABBA-themed runs, and many more, you’d be surprised how much you don’t care about what people think when you’re running around and dancing to tunes – especially when it’s for charity.
Once again, the Slow Run Club x Run The Streets MCR ‘Pitbull Edition’ 5k charity run takes place this month on Wednesday, 22 October, from 6:30pm onwards outside The Tap House on Circle Square, just off the Oxford Road Corridor, before setting off at a laid-back social pace.
This is the same place and time you’ll find SRC’s city centre regular meet-up every week; speaking to The Manc, founder Holly Spiers said: “We run from The Taphouse every Wednesday (just not usually dressed as Pitbull) and offer an inclusive pace as well as rest stops.”
Speaking of fancy dress, if you haven’t seen the group of four mates who made history at the 2025 Manchester Half, stop what you’re doing and read this:
These legends set an incredibly fun, wholesome and amusing world record at this year's @ManchesterHalf – all whilst raising money for @andysmanclubuk. 👏
Courteeners set for huge hometown event at Wythenshawe Park in Manchester
Danny Jones
The latest artist due to play Wythenshawe Park has been announced, with hometown heroes Courteeners set to take the stage in Manchester.
Now that is a big booking.
The Middleton-formed Manc band remain one of the biggest contemporary names to come out of Greater Manchester, and having already played to record-breaking crowds at Heaton Park, Old Trafford, and most venues in the region over the last two decades, this is just the next one to tick off.
Better still, they’re bringing some brilliant acts along with them for Live From Wythenshawe Park 2026, with the one-day festival becoming more established every year.
Courteeners, Wythenshawe Park, Manchester. Saturday 29th August 2026 +special guests @thevaccines(performing debut album 'What Did You Expect From The Vaccines?' in full),@thecoralband,Getdown Services & Girl In The Year Above. Tickets:10am Friday 24th Oct https://t.co/AYk3UlTdlkpic.twitter.com/vQAw2ZEpd0
Who is supporting Courteeners at Wythenshawe Park?
As well as openers, Getdown Services and Girl In The Year Above, who’ll be representing Bristol and the Irish delegation respectively, there’s no chance of the warm-ups not doing their job before the headliners get underway.
The two big support acts scheduled to join the St. Jude stars for the massive outdoor gig are none other than Merseyside veterans, The Coral, as well as fellow indie favourites, The Vaccines.
Get. IN.
As if that lineup wasn’t already one of the best Live From Wythenshawe Park has seen to date, the latter are set to play their debut album, What Did You Expect From The Vaccines?, in full – 2026 marks a whole 15 years since it was first released, if you can believe that.
You won’t be surprised to hear that their headline UK tour celebrating the same milestone has sold out pretty much across the board, with a second Manchester date added AND now an extra chance to see them live supporting Courteeners.
General admission for the show goes on sale 10am on Friday, 24 October 2025, with tickets available via Gigs and Tours.com as well as Ticketmaster; Courtneers are also donating £1 from every ticket sold directly to the Music Venue Trust, the UK charity protecting and improving grassroots music venues.
That’s what we like to hear.
Contributions like this really do go on to help keep local venues open, support up-and-coming new artists on tour, not to mention it serves as an investment in the future of live music in what is an increasingly challenging industry.
With Courteeners set to follow another big and even more iconic indie rock band already confirmed, Live From Wythenshawe Park 2026 is shaping up nicely.
Danny Jones -
13th October 2023 
