Shame’s Charlie Steen Went Viral for the Lift Incident That’s Equal Parts Hilarious and Heartfelt

Charlie Steen’s unforgettable lift mishap story has captured fans’ hearts, blending humor and friendship in a viral moment.

When a Lift Ride Became an Epic Tale of Friendship

Sometimes, the most memorable stories come from the most unexpected places—and for Shame’s frontman Charlie Steen, that place was a slow-moving lift in London. Recently, Steen went viral for recounting a wild night when, after a heavy bout of drinking, he couldn’t hold it in and ended up defecating in a lift. Yes, you read that right. But before you wrinkle your nose, this tale is less about the incident itself and more about the bond it reveals.

This story was shared in a video from the series A View From A Bridge, where participants pick up a red phone and spill a story that’s usually emotional or profound. However, Charlie’s story takes a hilarious detour while still touching on loyalty and friendship. Notable names like Jacob Collier and Simon Neil from Biffy Clyro have also lent their voices to this series, adding a bit of star-studded charm.

A Night Out in Central London Turns Legendary

Charlie sets the scene for us: “We were living in central London, four floors up in an old building. It was January, cold, bleak, and wet.” The night began with a call from Paul, one of the band’s managers and Charlie’s former flatmate, seeking solace in a pub over some Guinness. What followed was a classic London pub crawl vibe—more pubs, more drinks, and finally the Polish Club, where vodka entered the picture.

Paul decided to grab beers to keep the party going at the flat, telling Charlie they’d meet back there. What happened next is a classic case of “hold my drink” gone wrong: Charlie stepped into the notoriously slow lift, only for his stomach to betray him.

The Slowest Lift and the Moment of Truth

“I knew there was nothing I could do. You know, I just needed the toilet and the lift was going and I couldn’t open the doors. And it was just climbing slowly and I just had to face the reality that I was gonna shit the lift.”

That’s the moment where many would simply lose it—literally and figuratively. Charlie humorously describes how he lifted his overcoat “penguin style” to contain the disaster. But the real kicker? The lift finally reached the fourth floor, where the horror awaited Paul and Charlie in their shared flat.

Friendship Tested—and Passed—with Bleach and Paper Towels

What could have been the end of a friendship turned into a testament to true camaraderie. Charlie rushed to grab bleach and paper towels, scrambling to clean up the mess before Paul arrived.

“I hear Paul coming up and the clinking of beer bottles... He turns the corner and I just hear the bag drop and the beer bottles break. He goes, ‘What have you done? The smell, the smell… what have you done?’ And I’m like, ‘I’m so sorry, I’m so sorry Paul!’”

Paul’s reaction was a mix of shock and disbelief, but instead of cutting ties, he jumped on his knees and helped tidy up. The next morning, Paul’s dry remark—“That was a big night, wasn’t it? You shat the lift.”—sealed the story as legendary among friends.

The Viral Fame and Fans’ Reactions

This candid, raw, and funny story struck a chord online, racking up over 14,600 likes on Instagram. Among those appreciating the tale was Ellie Rowsell from Wolf Alice, who praised it as “beautifully told.” It’s a reminder that behind the punk-rock bravado and edgy music lies genuine human moments—awkward, messy, and all.

Shame’s Musical Journey and ‘Cutthroat’ Album Highlights

While Charlie’s lift story has stolen the spotlight for a moment, Shame continues to impress on the music front. Their fourth album, Cutthroat, released in September, showcases the band’s growth and willingness to experiment. The album blends electronic textures, artsy spaghetti-western vibes, and pristine jangle-pop in tracks like “To and Fro,” “Lampião,” and “Spartak.”

Critics have hailed Cutthroat as a bold, multifaceted record that stays true to Shame’s signature style, proving they’re not afraid to take risks while keeping their unique identity intact.

A Lift Story That Will Live on in Punk Rock Lore

In the end, what makes Charlie Steen’s story so unforgettable isn’t just the mishap itself—it’s the friendship that weathered the storm (or should we say, the lift). It’s also a glimpse into the off-stage lives of musicians who, despite their fame, face hilariously human moments just like the rest of us.

Whether you’re a long-time Shame fan or just here for the laugh, this tale is a perfect blend of punk rock grit and heartfelt loyalty.

FAQ

• How did Charlie Steen end up defecating in the lift?
  After a heavy night of drinking involving Guinness and vodka, Charlie’s stomach flipped while riding an extremely slow lift, leaving him no time to reach a toilet.
• Who helped Charlie clean up the lift?
  Paul, one of the band’s managers and Charlie’s former flatmate, helped him clean the mess despite the shocking situation, showcasing true friendship.
• What is the A View From A Bridge series?
  It’s an online video series where participants share personal and often emotional stories by picking up a red phone on a bridge.
• How did fans react to the viral lift story?
  The story received thousands of likes on Instagram, with notable musicians like Ellie Rowsell from Wolf Alice praising its storytelling.
• What style does Shame explore in their album Cutthroat?
  The album blends electronic music, spaghetti-western influences, and jangle-pop, highlighting the band’s versatility and willingness to experiment.

If you’re a fan of Shame or love iconic music moments, why not bring a little of that punk spirit into your space? Shop your favorite album cover poster at our store and celebrate those unforgettable stories and sounds. Explore the collection here.