Darts sensation Josh Rock is set to make a controversial statement at Premier League Night 3 in Glasgow. Despite an expected massive crowd of Celtic football club fans, Rock is steadfastly sticking with his Rangers-themed walk-out song. He aims for his first victory of the season against Luke Humphries, hoping to turn the hostile atmosphere into an advantage and potentially win over some local support, especially with the Premier League heading to Belfast next week.
A Fiery Entrance in a Rival City
The atmosphere at Premier League Darts Night 3 in Glasgow is poised to be electric, with a significant portion of the audience expected to be ardent supporters of Celtic Football Club. This is the passionate crowd that Northern Irish darts star Josh Rock is prepared to face.
Known for his strong allegiance to Rangers FC, Rock’s chosen walk-out song is “Welcome to the Party” by DJ Krissy, a tune famously associated with Rangers’ triumphant 2020/21 Scottish Premiership title-winning campaign. While many might expect a strategic change given the location, Rock has made it clear he has no intention of altering his entrance music.
“I have no plans to change my walk-on… I’m not going to change it because my kids love my walk-on song,” Rock firmly stated, playfully adding, “Luckily, Celtic are playing in the Europa League [on Thursday] so hopefully they [Celtic fans] are all out of there and it will all be Rangers fans [in the arena].” This demonstrates his unwavering commitment to his identity and his family, even in potentially hostile territory.
The Battle on the Oche: Rock Targets First Victory Against Confident Humphries
Josh Rock enters Night 3 in Glasgow with a clear objective: secure his first victory in this season’s Premier League Darts. He has previously exited at the quarter-final stage in both earlier events, making this clash crucial for his campaign.
His opponent is none other than Luke Humphries, who is currently brimming with confidence following a recent tournament win in Wigan. This sets up a compelling first-round encounter, where Rock will need to be at his absolute best to overcome a formidable opponent and the potentially challenging crowd.
Why the Walk-Out Song Matters: Identity and Loyalty
In the world of professional darts, it’s common for players to be passionate supporters of top football clubs. Just as Luke Littler is a well-known Manchester United fan, Josh Rock proudly aligns himself with Rangers. A player’s walk-out song isn’t just background music; it’s a powerful statement of their personality, their roots, and often, their football loyalties. Rock’s choice is a direct reflection of this deep-seated connection.
His steadfast decision to keep his Rangers anthem, despite the overwhelming Celtic presence expected, underscores his strong character and personal conviction. It also highlights an incident from last year’s World Matchplay, where the PDC prevented him from changing his walk-on music. Rock commented then, “I didn’t change my mind, I just wasn’t allowed in the end.” This history further solidifies his resolve to stick with his current choice.
Hopes for “Home” Support, Even Across the Water
With no Scottish players participating in the Premier League this year, Rock, hailing from Northern Ireland, sees an opportunity to potentially garner some local support. The geographical proximity – “it’s literally a two-hour boat or a short flight over the water” – makes him a natural candidate for adopted home favouritism.
He expressed his desire for this connection, stating, “I would love it [to have a big Scottish support] to happen, but I don’t know what to expect from the crowd.” This sentiment is particularly relevant as the Premier League heads to Belfast next week, where Rock undoubtedly hopes to be treated as a true home hero for two consecutive weeks.
Source: Based on an article from Darts Planet TV.
