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…
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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.
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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!
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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.
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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:
The funds will help improve the already incredible music scene in Manchester, benefitting staples likes Night and Day Café, Matt and Phred’s Jazz Club, SOUP and more.
All of the donations will be distributed across six independent music venues and will be used for various instruments, PA equipment, backline technology and other necessities depending on the requirements of each site.
Elbow have teamed up with Co-op Live in aid of supporting Manchester grassroots venues.Credit: Supplied
This initiative has been keeping Manchester’s Northern Quarter in the forefront of people’s minds when it comes to live music as well as the impressive Co-op Live.
Alongside providing vital resources for these local institutions, Elbow teaming up with Co-op Live also helps cement the North West as one of the main powerhouses in relation to live music.
The latest efforts from the largest indoor arena in Manchester fall in line with celebrating one year of bringing some of the best live music to the city, being officially open for 12 months in May.
Co-op Live have made a commitment to the people and the planet, promising to donate £1 million annually to the Co-op Foundation.
The stunning Co-op Live venue, Manchester’s largest indoor arena.Elbow performing at Co-op Live, marking history as the first act to grace the venue.Credit: Audio North/Supplied
Manchester’s latest live music venue also contributed significantly to selected charities, including Happy Doggo – chosen by Liam Gallagher and Eric Clapton’s addiction recovery centre, Crossroads.
As Elbow teams up with Co-op Live, even more money is making its way to necessary resources, this time in the likes of crucial live music establishments.
Elbow front-person Guy Garvey says: “Playing Co-op Live’s opening night will stay with us for a lifetime, not least because of how incredible the room sounded.”
“When the venue donated funds in our name to support the city we love, it made complete sense to carry that through to the Northern Quarter and to venues that have meant so much to my bandmates and I throughout our career.”
Guy Dunstan, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Co-op Live, adds: “In the past year, I have been proud to see Co-op Live become an integral part of such an incredible city.”
“Teaming up with Elbow to directly support the venues that first put Manchester on the map, and to share something so intrinsic to us as venues – proper sound – is something truly special.”
Michael Ball and Alfie Boe at AO Arena, Manchester – tickets, times, setlist, and more for tour
Thomas Melia
Michael Ball and Alfie Boe are bringing their Together At Home tour to Manchester, here’s everything you need to know for their AO Arena gig.
The boys are back in town, and by the boys we mean multi-million selling vocalists Michael Ball and Alfie Boe, who are heading to Manchester this month.
This duo are no stranger to each other’s company making six collaborative albums since 2016 covering songs from The Greatest Showman, The Lion King and New York, New York.
Their latest release ‘Together At Home’ which doubles as the name for the tour sees the pair back to their good old tricks covering hits like ‘He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother’ and ‘Ferry Cross The Mersey’.
These two powerhouses know how to sing in style and that’s why they’ve chosen the impressive AO Arena to host their brand new show.
Michael Ball and Alfie Boe UK tour dates
Sat 29 March – Cardiff, UK – Utilita Arena
Sun 30 March – Bournemouth, UK – International Centre
Tue 1 April – Nottingham, UK – Motorpoint Arena
Wed 2 April – Newcastle, UK – Utilita Arena
Fri 4 April – Manchester, UK – AO Arena
Sat 5 April – Liverpool, UK – M&S Bank Arena
Mon 7 April – Aberdeen, UK – P&J Live
Tue 8 April – Glasgow, UK – OVO Hydro
Thu 10 April – Leeds, UK – First Direct Arena
Fri 11 April – Birmingham, UK – BP Pulse Live
Sun 13 April – London, UK – The O2
Mon 14 April – Brighton, UK – Brighton Centre
Michael Ball and Alfie Boe tickets for AO Arena gig
Anyone looking at tickets for Michael Ball and Alfie Boe’s upcoming tour have plenty of opportunity to see these two singing their hearts out.
Fans of the duo better act fast as these tickets are very limited, starting from a reasonable £47.75 and reaching £98.75.
If you want to go all out on this occasion tickets are also available for The Mezz, which is the arena’s fine dining experience covering you before and throughout the show at a fixed price of £206.25.
What are the stage times for Michael Ball and Alfie Boe in Manchester?
AO Arena has a curfew of 11pm meaning you’ll still be able to make it home and pop the kettle on before you get your forty winks.
Their support act comes in the form of another duo, however these two mighty performers are magicians rather than singers.
The Conjurors are a worldwide renowned act famed by audiences and A Listers for their talents which they will be showing off in Manchester on the night.
How to get to AO Arena
Tram
For those of you heading to AO Arena, luckily it’s in Manchester Victoria Station and its integrated Metrolink stop.
Head along the pink, light blue or yellow lines directly to the Victoria stop and you can get off the tram literally spitting distance from the arena. You can find the full map HERE.
Train
Considering this live entertainment venue is situated right in the middle of one of Manchester’s most frequented stations, concertgoers should find no problem getting to the arena wherever they are.
Bus
A variety of buses cover AO Arena andVictoria Station on their route such as the 2 bus which stops a one minute walk away from the venue.
A full list of buses and their routes can be found HERE.
Getting there by car and parking
The Arena have their own official parking partners CitiParkwith 958 spaces including 40 Blue Badge parking bays, which can be booked in advance.
Alternatively, anyone attending a gig can park at their nearest train station and jump on a train service or the various Metrolink park and ride facilities.
Walk/cycle
Greater Manchester now also offers the option to hire bikes through the Beryl, with riders able to locate, unlock, get to their destination and then safely lock up the bike all through an easy-to-use app.
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About the AO Arena
The AO Arena has a few strict policies to keep gig-goers safe, so make sure to check entry requirements carefully before you travel.
For example, only one small bag per person is allowed, and bags like backpacks, travel cases and laptop bags are not permitted inside the arena.
All bags are scanned on entry to check for prohibited items like laser pens, flares, projectiles, weapons, drugs and alcohol, and even selfie sticks.
Danny Jones -
13th October 2023 
