Last week, The Manc had the exquisite and rare pleasure of talking to one of the most recognisable faces from TV and film over the past 20 or so years, the one and only Steve-O.
The man synonymous with the hit show and movie franchise Jackass, self-inflicted bodily harm and pretty much all things outrageous, Steve-O built an entire career out of making out of doing some of the most dangerous stunts known to man and making a fool out of himself for other peoples amusement.
Us Brits love someone who isn’t afraid to make an arse out of themselves from time to time, so it was no surprise that we got on like a house on fire in the 20 minutes or so that we had with him.
Rocking up to the UK for his multimedia ‘Bucket List’ tour at the end of this month and playing his Manchester show at the Academy on 1 July, we learned all about his live show, what fans can expect and so much more about this enigma of a man than we ever expected. Well, stuff like this:
The call began in the most surreal circumstances I could have expected, with the screen switching on to show a dimly lit Steve-O, wearing shades and barely lit by a single light in the back of a car at 12:15am in LA having just come from somewhere in the US.
Right from the off, there was very little formality and professionalism on both sides, as we struggled to find the best spots for our connection and the 49-year-old worried about waking up his missus on the way inside his house.
After introducing him and asking him how he was doing that day in the most professional manner I can muster, he immediately jumped into mocking me by replying, “I’m great man. Are we on the radio?”
Strong start.
Maybe it was the nerves of meeting a genuine cultural icon but I had clearly misread the room as the 49-year-old was basically horizontal the entire time whilst cuddling with his dogs as they licked his face and he chatted to this random lad from Stockport like two people who’d just got chatting in the pub.
Jumping straight into the story about how he came to adopt his dog, Wendy, he regaled me with the tale of how he rescued the doe-eyed street dog from a village in Peru whilst climbing the Andes Mountains for the 2018 show, Ultimate Expedition — as you do.
Admitting that she became the star of the show and revealing how the YouTube video of getting her home earned more views on Facebook than any other piece of content he’s ever created, I quickly understood that, first and foremost, this was a very loving and caring bloke at his very core.
Bringing the craziness of ‘The Bucket List’ tour to the UK
Chilling with dogs throughout the interview, we moved on to his global phenomenon of a tour which he describes as a real “multimedia show” filled with everything from stand-up, interactive elements, pre-recorded stunts, reminiscing and general hijinx. Spoilers: we laughed, cringed and recoiled at just hearing about it.
“It’s unbelievably epic, dude”, says Steve-O, “It’s a multimedia show, which features videos that could never have been filmed for Jackass. It’s called The Bucket List and the things on my bucket list were so outrageously inappropriate and just ridiculous that they were never supposed to happen.
“I found myself confronting middle age and having gotten into live comedy and wanting it to be multimedia, so I just found these crazy things [to do].
Without going into too much graphic detail, he told about everything from trying to ride a bike through a field while under general anaesthesia to masturbating whilst jumping out of an aeroplane and plenty more.
We can see why they weren’t allowed on Jackass but that, after some of them, he was actually “sobbing with tears of joy over how delicious it was to genuinely raise the bar from where Jackass left it”, adding, “I am the only guy in the world who could make that video, screen it for large audiences and truly feel good about it.”
Crowds either cringe, throw up or pass out
Asking how some of the pre-recorded stunts that he told us about have been going down in front of a live audience, he admitted that there’s some “pretty gnarly stuff” and that “at more shows than not, audience members would have to walk out or “were passing out cold in their seats”.
He explained to us that the show is banned in a lot of places around the world — Delaware being the only US state he hasn’t been able to play yet — and even in the places that do permit the show, getting a ticket comes with a “legal disclaimer that you entered this theatre at your own risk”. Crikey.
What became abundantly clear is that despite all the years of ridiculous and downright dangerous things he’s done, there isn’t a single inch of Steve-O that has slowed down even after being sober for 15 years now — congrats, by the way, mate.
Steve-O gave the impression that The Bucket List is a cut above the craziness of Jackass (Credit: Supplied)
What the new show will do, as opposed to the stuff you might’ve seen on telly before, is combine live comedy that he’s been trying since 2006 and properly honing since 2010, with the storytelling and the stunts your normally associate himself with.
In his words, the stories in the act are patently absurd but after each story I literally provide the receipt playing the footage… it’s so much fun because the story is just coming out of my mouth sounds like such implausible fiction but it’s all completely true and proven to be true.
Growing up in Britain and memories of Manchester
This being his third comedy special to date, he also wanted to pick a meaningful place to record it, which just so happens to be London on 13-14 July, where it turns out he actually spent many of his formative years and which we’re ashamed to admit we did not know.
“I was born in London and lived there from the ages of nine all the way through 18 with the exception of a year and a half in Canada; I attended the American School in London in St. John’s Wood… so this is very much a homecoming for me.”
As for any lasting memories of our beloved city, he said, “I do remember Manchester as the most outrageous and disruptive at a 2003 show on my ‘Don’t Try This At Home’ tour, so I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t a little bit intimidated about the Manchester stop”.
Us Mancs never disappoint — we even put a bit of fear in a man who famously tightrope over a pool of alligators. 0161 was also the first place to sell out on the UK leg of his tour as well, just saying.
The best/worst stunt ever?
Speaking of daft and dangerous stunts, we obviously couldn’t end the call without discussing some of his most insane moments from the Jackass years and beyond, at which point we both seemed to agree that his most ridiculous and inadvisable feat was the ‘Invisible Musical Chair’.
For anyone unaware, the stunt basically ended with an entire arm being engulfed in the fuel and leaving him with burns so severe he needed skin grafts on 15% of his body. Ouch.
Warning: do not watch this if of a squeamish disposition…
If the Bucket List has anything like this then we can see why people are passing out at Steve-O shows.
It was naturally the injuries that stuck with him the most, noting how he once “shattered [his] ankle and got it all screwed together with like two plates and 11 screws” following a stunt, but that it’s the one that cause lasting pain that he remembers the most.
And with that, I was genuinely exhausted from just hearing about the amount of frankly ridiculous things he’s done even in the 13 years he’s been doing his live comedy and multimedia shows, let alone when it was his full-time job on MTV.
Not only did we end the call with a genuine feeling that I could have listened to him recall stunts and stories for hours, but which a genuine sense of envy for anyone going along to see Steve-O’s The Bucket List tour, which now feels appropriately named as I don’t wanna die without having seen it for myself.
Even from the familiarity and comfort he conveyed over the course of a 20-min Zoom call, I also got the sense that this show is also a very personable one where it feels like an intimate little invite into his self-confessed “triple X-rated” world and we want ours in the post like yesterday.
So if anyone ever asks me what it was like interviewing Steve-O and what I made of him, I have my answer ready: a sweet and funny man who just happens to have made a living off doing outrageous things that require a ‘do not try at home’ warning. You can get tickets to his remaining shows HERE.
We got to see a music legend from the best seats in the house – here’s how you can too
Danny Jones
We recently went to one of the biggest gigs of the year here in Manchester and got to see the show from the luxury of a VIP suite for less than the standard price – here’s how you can do the same.
The idea of watching not only one of the greatest musicians of all time, but doing so from hospitality or a posh box at an arena, might seem far too out of pocket for plenty of gig-goers; however, after stumbling across a criminally unknown hospitality provider, we’re here to tell you you’re wrong.
We’re talking about Sport and Music, a promotion company that specialises in corporate, hospitality and VIP tickets to some of the biggest live entertainment dates across the UK and beyond.
Heading for our first visit on one of these tickets, we went to see none other than the legend that is Bruce Springsteen, and this is what greeted us when we arrived:
Stylish and well-situated.We managed to catch a wave and some brief eye-contact from our swanky balcony spot.Credit: Audio North
Not a bad place to watch a concert, eh?
What you’re looking at is the view from one ofCo-op Live VIP suites, where we were hosted by Sport and Music team as well as the venue’s wonderful hospitality staff.
Although there are plenty of boxes located around the arena, this particular has the advantage of not only being located nice and near to the stage – seriously, Brucey was so close we could practically smell him – but even before sitting in the luxurious seats, there was a really nice cosy atmosphere to the room.
Perfect for getting a small to medium-sized group of mates together, you and your family, or perhaps a fun idea for a work outing, there was plenty of room, storage, and even a sofa nook tucked behind a curtain in the corner.
As well as a full TV and speaker set-up to suit all your AV needs before and after your event of choice, there was a fully stocked fridge and a designated server just for us.
Besides being greeted with a drink on arrival, you can obviously keep topping up your drinks throughout the night without ever having to leave the comfort of your seat.
That being said, the wider VIP area and the likes of the arena’sBackstage Club promise a cool and vibrant atmosphere, making this extra special experience more value for money.
Also, there is, of course, room to order yourself some food to keep you ‘Dancing In The Dark’ long into the night; offerings include stonebaked pizzas, loaded fries and plenty more.
Or, you know, if you just want a simple snack, you can always make the most of Co-op’s ironically convenient little mini-convenience stores located around the arena.
Nothing keeps you grounded like grabbing a quick sausage roll from the bakery as well.
Cocktails from the Backstage Club at Lionel Richie’s show.We had some solid slices on our next visit.(Credit: The Manc Group)
All in all, our review of the Sport and Music hospitality experience is a glowing one: not only was it nice to spoil ourselves with some special treatment (we all deserve it from time to time), but the attractive deals available make it a genuinely viable way to make your night extra memorable.
Especially if you’re then going to split the cost of, say, aVIP suite at Co-op Live between you and even just one friend.
You can find out more information and see what events they currently have ticket availability forHERE.
Oh, and if you’re wondering if ‘The Boss’ is still up to the job at 75, we think this picture proves that his ‘Glory Days’ are far from over…
Family-friendly places watch the 2025 Women’s Euros in Manchester
Danny Jones
It’s not just festival season we’re right in the midst of enjoying; a fantastic summer of sport is well underway, and with the 2025 UEFA Women’s Euros having now kicked off, we thought we’d round up some of the best places to watch the games in central Manchester.
With the Lionesses still reigning European champions following that unbelievable final against Germany back in 2022, we can’t wait to see if they can retain England’s first major trophy since 1966.
One of our favourite parts about the Women’s Euros is that it tends to attract a much more family-friendly crowd, meaning that wherever you choose to watch it here in the city centre, out into Greater Manchester or anywhere else for that matter, it’s a safe, wholesome and wonderful atmosphere.
So, without further delay, here are 10 of the best places to watch our girls bring football back home once again – because you’re damn right we’re winning it.
10 of the best places to watch the Women’s Euros in Manchester
1. Tony Wilson Place – First Street
First up, rather fittingly, we’re returning to one of our go-to spots pretty much every summer: the big temporary lawn laid out over on the square at Tony Wilson Place. A sun-trap with deck chairs and plenty of places for food and drink around you – what more could you ask for?
The ever-thriving First Street complex has been paving the way for free social listening/watch parties here in Manchester, especially when it comes to utilising public open-air spaces, and it’s sure to be backed once again for this year’s Women’s Euros too. Trendsetters, they are. It’s also the biggest screen.
Heading out of the city centre for a spell – though only a tram ride away – the waterside viewing zone at the similarly titled ‘Screen on the Docks’ over at Media City is back for summer 2025 with a wide range of live sport, including the F1, Wimbledon, cricket and, of course, this year’s Women’s Euros.
Situated on the steps right next to the old harbour area, turned home of Greater Manchester mainstay, Box on the Docks, there are all kinds of entertainment to catch for free. Make sure you check their socials for the regular schedule this summer, even after the tournament is over.
Next up is another regular favourite for any big sporting competition: the ever-busy, family-friendly and massive screens at Freight Island. Not only is it right next to Piccadilly station for those who are travelling into Manchester city centre, but you have all the food and drink vendors you’ll ever need.
With an entire room dedicated to watching live sports all year-round, not to mention quieter, family-friendly spaces like the ‘Plant Room’, outdoor spaces and so on, the Depot’s neighbour is always set up perfectly for big competitions like this, and you can bank on the big room being filled with England fans.
Heading over towards Castlefield direction and the emerging area known as New Jackson, next on the list of family-friendly places to watch the Women’s Euros in Manchester is Deansgate Square, where property developers Renaker have set up a special dedicated section for a jam-packed summer of sport.
Simply called ‘Screen on the Square’, the viewing zone not only sits in the shade of the city’s now skyline-defining towers but also catches plenty of rays throughout certain periods of the day. This space will also be doubling up as a free outdoor cinema throughout the season.
Heading across to the other side of Castlefield and over to the back of St John’s, Aviva Studios – a.k.a. the home of Factory International – are also showing the women’s football this tournament season as part of their current Football City, Art United. exhibition, which began on Thursday, 4 July.
Tickets are available for just a tenner, and children 16 or under go completely free. As well as getting to view the incredible installation as part of this year’s Manchester International Festival (MIF), there are also areas dedicated to watching the 2025 Women’s Euros. Sorted.
Perhaps one of our favourite options this summer is The Cartlon Club’s collaboration with Baller FC, who host accessible, inclusive football watch parties all over the country, but have a particular strong following here in Manchester and down in London.
In this case, FC doesn’t just mean for football club: it stands for ‘Friends Collective’, as the idea is that everyone is welcome, serving as a reminder that the beautiful game is also the people’s sport and no one should feel excluded. You can grab tickets for the games HERE.
With two floors to choose from, kid-friendly games like pool and shuffleboard to be enjoyed, as well as plenty of pub classic food to keep everyone’s bellies full for 90 minutes, it’s pretty much one of the perfect spots to watch all the action.
Moving over to the other side of town towards Victoria now, the National Football Museum is one of the best family-friendly and, most notably, completely FREE places to watch some of the best female players in the world shine on the European stage.
While the local institution and home of Manc footy culture will be open as normal throughout the day as normal, since many of the games are being broadcast during the evenings here in the UK, 2025 Women’s Euros matches will be screened after hours at no extra charge. Find out more down below.
The penultimate stop on our list of the best places to watch Euro 2025 might surprise some of you, but North Bat over on Circle Square – formerly known as North Taproom (just off Oxford Road Corridor) – has quietly become a great place for watching live sport with a more chilled atmosphere.
It might night have the box on all the time, but when they do for big occasions like this, we do sometimes whisper it is an alternative suggestion among friends to avoid the rowdier pub scenes. Maybe give it a try this month and decide for yourselves – and grab some street food from Koto while you’re at it.
And finally, this may be one of the least-known options in the city centre, but the free screenings inside the Hyatt Regency Manchester are also some of the best family-friendly places to watch football, making them a perfect out-of-the-way spot to enjoy the Women’s Euros too.
Danny Jones -
27th June 2023 
