He was once the undisputed king of the green baize, a six-time world champion who dominated snooker throughout the 1980s. But Steve Davis has traded his cue for something far more unexpected: a pair of turntables and a passion for experimental electronic music.
The Unlikely Conversion
In a remarkable career transformation that would astonish his former snooker rivals, Davis has become a respected figure in Britain's underground music scene. His journey began not in a recording studio, but during the peak of his sporting fame.
"I was driving back from a tournament, probably in 1989, and I heard this track on the radio," Davis recalls. "It was 'Voodoo Ray' by A Guy Called Gerald. It completely blew my mind."
From Crucible to Clubland
This chance encounter with acid house music sparked a passion that would eventually rival his love for snooker. While still competing at the highest level, Davis began immersing himself in electronic music, collecting obscure vinyl and even learning to DJ.
Davis's musical alias, DJ Thundermuscle, became his creative outlet away from the intense pressure of professional snooker. What began as a private hobby has evolved into a legitimate second career, with regular DJ sets and radio appearances.
The Music Takes Over
Since retiring from professional snooker, Davis has fully embraced his musical ambitions. He co-hosts the acclaimed podcast "Interesting People Saying Interesting Things" and regularly performs DJ sets featuring his beloved experimental electronic music.
"People are sometimes surprised when they see Steve Davis behind the decks," he admits. "But the music community has been incredibly welcoming. They judge you on your taste and passion, not your previous career."
A Tale of Two Passions
Davis sees surprising parallels between his two careers. "Both snooker and music require intense concentration and dedication," he explains. "In snooker, you're trying to achieve perfection through repetition. In music, you're searching for that perfect track or mix."
The former world champion now finds equal satisfaction in creating the perfect playlist as he once did in compiling century breaks. His story serves as an inspiring reminder that it's never too late to pursue a new passion, no matter how unexpected it might seem.
