Darts Star Josh Rock Stands Firm on Rangers Walk-On Song Ahead of Glasgow Clash
Premier League Darts competitor Josh Rock has declared he will not change his walk-on song, despite the risk of a hostile reception from Celtic supporters in Glasgow. The Northern Irish player, a devoted Rangers fan, enters to "Welcome to the Party" by DJ Krissy, a tune strongly linked to Rangers' 2020/21 Scottish Premiership title win.
Potential Backlash from Rival Fans
With the Glasgow audience expected to include many followers of Rangers' bitter rivals Celtic, Rock's song choice could create an edgy atmosphere at the OVO Hydro arena. However, Rock remains unfazed, stating he has no plans to alter his selection. "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]," Rock joked. He added, "I'm not going to change it because my kids love my walk-on song."
Rock's Performance and Upcoming Match
Rock is still chasing his first victory in this season's Premier League Darts, having lost in the quarter-finals on Nights 1 and 2. He faces former world champion Luke Humphries in the first round on Night 3 in Glasgow. So far, Rock has claimed only four legs in his debut Premier League season, with 6-2 defeats to Jonny Clayton in Newcastle and Michael van Gerwen in Antwerp.
Despite losing his last three matches against Humphries, Rock can draw encouragement from a previous streak of three consecutive wins over him between 2022 and 2024. With no Scottish players in this year's Premier League lineup, Rock was asked if his Rangers ties might make him a local favourite. "I hope so," he said. "It's been two or three years since the last Scottish player took part. I'm close to Scotland, it's literally a two-hour boat or a short flight over the water. I would love it [to have a big Scottish support] to happen, but I don't know what to expect from the crowd."
Previous Attempt to Change Music Blocked
This stance follows Rock's revelation that he was prevented from switching his walk-on music before last year's World Matchplay. He had intended to introduce a different track but later said the change was blocked by the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC). "I didn't change my mind, I just wasn't allowed in the end," Rock explained after his opening-round win against Ross Smith. "But I'm not going to go on about it."
The situation highlights the intense rivalries in Scottish football and their potential spillover into other sports events. Rock's defiant attitude sets the stage for a potentially charged atmosphere in Glasgow, as he balances personal pride with the pressures of professional darts.
