B.J. LISKO 2 years ago

Former “Jackass” Star Bam Margera Bolts Rehab Again

Original Photo Credit: www.instagram.com/p/CiHOTxVuT3y/

Former “Jackass” star Bam Margera recently gave his first interview since completing a year-long treatment program (a few snags aside) for substance abuse. On an episode of “Steve-O’s Wild Ride,” Margera talked about the last few years and said his infatuation with goth rocker Ville Valo of HIM influenced how he became an alcoholic. Margera directed a number of HIM music videos and HIM was heavily featured on “Jackass” and “Viva La Bam,” before Bam and band had a falling out.

“I am an alcoholic. I have been for a long time,” Margera told Steve-O. “I remember when I was probably 24, I was so mesmerized by Ville Valo from HIM… he would just walk down the street in Finland and girls would literally faint, sometimes guys too. So I would just follow his lead. I’m like, ‘He’s buying a pack of cigarettes, I’m buying a pack of cigarettes. He’s getting a beer, I’m getting a beer. He’s doing a shot of Sambuca, I’m doing a shot of Sambuca.’ Once he cracked open a beer when he woke up, that was the first time I’m like, ‘You’re drinking in the morning? In the daytime?’ He’s like, ‘Yeah, why not? Want one?’ I’m like, ‘Well I’m not gonna let you do it alone, but this is f*cking crazy.’ It was the first time I ever day drank.”

Earlier this year, Margera fled a Florida rehab and was reported missing. TMZ reports that he’s done it again and was spotted at a bar in Sarasota late Monday. TMZ also alleges that Margera has cut off communication with his parents, who earlier this year had staged an intervention on the former “Viva La Bam” star. The site reported: “Sources close to Bam tell TMZ … he left treatment Sunday and has been telling friends and family he met a new lawyer friend in rehab who told Bam he could help him get out of his court-ordered rehab by leaving the state.” TMZ claims Margera is staying at a family friend’s house in Florida, and that he has not heard from his estranged wife or seen his sone since he returned to rehab at the end of June.

“Our sources say once this treatment center reports Bam missing — likely in the next few days — police and an intervention team will search for him, with the ultimate goal of getting him back to rehab,” TMZ reported. “They are hoping they can get him back into treatment on his own.”

The “Jackass” franchise and Margera share a close connection with hard rock, punk and heavy metal, having featured various artists in their shows and movies. Some of Margera’s favorite bands were featured in “Viva La Bam” including HIM, CKY, Cradle of Filth, Clutch, Turbonegro, Slayer, Gwar and more. Billy Idol also made an appearance on an episode. “Jackass” also had a close connection to rock and punk and even released compilation albums featuring bands used for the show. Artists featured on the show and in “Jackass” movies included Andrew W.K., Agent Orange and The Misfits, among many others.