Darts professional Charlie Manby is advocating for a significant change in PDC Pro Tour events: the introduction of background music. Having experienced the electrifying atmosphere of major stages like Alexandra Palace, Manby finds the current silent Pro Tour venues a stark contrast. He believes music would enhance the overall environment, making it more akin to other sports and even his own practice routine, though he notes it doesn’t drastically alter his on-board performance.
The Striking Silence of Pro Tour Darts
For players like Charlie Manby, the transition from the roaring crowds of a televised major tournament to the quiet intensity of a PDC Pro Tour event is a dramatic one. Manby, who has spent considerable time on the Pro Tour circuit, highlights this profound difference.
“You are allowed one guest per person and it is silent as well,” Manby explains, contrasting it with his experience on the big stage. “Coming straight off a crowd of 3,000 people at Alexandra Palace, it was different.”
This quiet environment, often described as a constant, low whisper, creates an atmosphere far removed from the high-energy spectacles darts fans are accustomed to seeing on television.
A Call for Atmosphere: Learning from Other Sports
The argument for introducing music isn’t unique to darts. In live sports, atmosphere plays a crucial role in the overall experience for both competitors and observers. Advocates for music in darts often point to other sports that successfully integrate background sound:
- Pool: Many professional pool tournaments feature ambient music, adding to the relaxed yet competitive vibe.
- Tennis: While main courts often maintain tradition, outside courts at major tennis events frequently play background music between points or games.
These examples demonstrate that background music can coexist with serious competition, enhancing the mood without necessarily distracting from the focus required by athletes.
Charlie Manby’s Personal Preference: Music as a Practice Aid
Manby’s desire for music stems partly from his own habits. “If I am practising at home, I will always have something on in the background. I can’t practise in silence,” he states. This personal connection suggests that music isn’t just about creating an external atmosphere, but also about a comfort level that can aid concentration and flow for some players.
He acknowledges that the Pro Tour room isn’t entirely devoid of sound – “The room is not entirely silent, but there is not much noise going on. It is just like a constant little whisper from everyone” – but he clearly misses the presence of structured background audio.
Performance vs. Preference: The Big Stage Allure
Despite his strong preference for music, Manby is quick to clarify its impact on his actual performance. He asserts that the absence of music hasn’t had a major negative effect on his game.
“It is different in many ways. But I think if it is just you and the dartboard and you are playing your darts, you can perform the same,” he explains. However, his heart clearly lies with the grander events: “But I like the big stage events. I think it brings the best out of me.”
This indicates that while the silent environment doesn’t hinder his technical ability, the electrifying atmosphere of a packed arena, complete with crowd noise and walk-on music, truly ignites his competitive spirit and allows him to perform at his peak. The call for music in Pro Tour events, therefore, seems to be more about elevating the overall experience and player comfort, rather than a direct necessity for performance.
Source: Based on an article from Darts Planet TV.
