The Bristol Evel Knievel stunt that never was

May 26 is the 40th anniversary of Evel Knievel’s ill-fated Wembley Stadium jump in 1975, when around 80,000 fans saw him crash after clearing 13 buses. Unfortunately for Bristolians, the crash deprived them of the chance to see the famous stuntman up close and personal.

After the main event in London, he was due to tour the country with other daredevils, with 5,000 of 15,000 tickets for an Ashton Gate show on Saturday June 7 sold before the Wembley event.

Fast-forward to 9.30 for the jump itself:

Despite Knievel suffering new pelvis damage (adding to an existing injury), a vertebral compression fracture, concussion and a broken hand in the capital, his management assured fans he would still be coming to Bristol.

Comfortable but under sedation at a London hospital, he was not reported to have eaten solid food – ice cream – until Thursday May 29, at which time Bristol medical opinion ruled out any chance of him coming to the city.

He had no hunger to meet royalty; in the week leading up to Wembley, Knievel declined dining with the Duke of Edinburgh at a Variety Club £20-a-head charity event at Bristol’s Grand Hotel on May 28, opting instead to make plans to open a care home in Georgia.

The week after the crash ended with the announcement of the daredevil performing in Bristol a week later than planned, on the weekend of June 14-15, John Daly of promoters Hemdale (and also a legendary film producer) conceding that although his turn would have to be modified: “The doctor now says his back is not as bad as anticipated… he will definitely be taking part in Bristol.”

By the date of the original show, Knievel’s manager Brian Cartmell was promising he would come to Bristol, albeit to provide microphone commentary while his protégé, 23-year-old stuntman Gary Davis, provided the derring-do. Despite remaining in severe pain, Knievel had discharged himself from his £250-a-week private hospital room. 

Alas, Knievel flew back to the US, strapped to a stretcher, on June 10, leaving the six-strong German acrobatic and stunt-riding Traber family, in Bristol for two weeks, to provide the main attraction. By this stage it was reported around 10,000 tickets had been sold but refunds were also available to those seeking them.

Saturday June 14 saw a reported crowd of 6,000 attend a two-and-a-half hour afternoon show at Ashton Gate. The Trabers were joined by high divers Roy Fransen and Henri LaMothe and Leicester’s eight-woman Motor Birds stunt team.

A personal message from Knievel, promising, “I’ll be back to see you in May”, drew rapturous cheering. At this stage Knievel also announced his hope of returning to London in the autumn to jump 13 buses successfully.