Barry's Beef

You may recall that a while ago I said that I had the opportunity to e-interview Bobby George, 'the Dazzler'. Well here's the result. What a nice fella, eh? Is kind of cool that Bobby George used to play in my local. Shame he didn't get into the bitchiness of saying who he doesn't like and didn't seem sold on a game of arrows in the Sports. Can't say I blame him, mind. Will hopefully have another interview in the not too distant future, and just to clarify that the 'Alex' mentioned in the last answer does not refer to Mr Monkey, whose extensive network seems to fall short of the competitive world of darts.

Bobby, you only started playing darts when you were 30 (I think), how did you get into it?

I was on a fishing trip in Southern Ireland - the sea was very choppy so we decided to call it a day and go to the pub - some guys were playing darts and the guy I was with persuaded me to play! I found I could hit all the targets he told me to go for - Yes I was 30 years old.

Did you already have all the jewellery?

No, the jewellery came a few years later.

One of my first darts memories was your semi-final against Magnus Caris in 1994. Now you came back from 4-1 down to beat him 5-4. How? I mean this in two ways: 1) do you think Caris choked? and 2) how did you physically do it with your back problems?

Caris missed double 18 to beat me 5-2 - I dont know how I did it but I forced myself through the pain barrier and found myself winning the next 9 legs it physically drained me.

How bad was your back? You were in a corset for the final, if you were fully fit do you reckon you could have done John Part?

It was in my quarter-final against Kevin Kenny that I jumped up in the air came down wrong and heard my back snap! The chiropractor advised me not to play that final - the corset was so tight that I could hardly move and when I did the pain was so bad it felt like I had knives being stuck up my arse! Yes, I certainly do feel that I would have beat John Part - if you look back at the video I was down to a double well before him but couldn't move my body to get them.

We haven't seen you grace the oche of the BDO Worlds for a few years now. Do you think you can rediscover the form for one last charge?

I got to the semi finals of the worlds international play-offs in October so yes I still have something left in the cellar!

Is it true that you used to play darts in the King George V pub in Gants Hill? Just that I drink there a bit and it would be kind of cool if you had. By the way, the board is now only kept firm by plastic fork in the back.

Yes, I played in the King George V, I represented the King George in the News of the World Championships the first time I won it in 1979 - great pub for darts in them days.

Darts is undergoing soething of a renaissance nowadays. What do you put the increased appeal of darts down too?

There are a lot of youngsters in the game now and the game is buzzing also the entertainment value is being realised.

I think you have referred to the PDC as Phil's Darts Championship. Do you regard Phil Taylor as the best darts player ever? If not, who would you pick?

Phil Taylor is, without doubt, a great player.

Who were/are your mates on the circuit? Who can't you stand?

I only really see the players once or twice a year as I dont do the circuit - I play exhibition darts. I still in contact with Keith Deller.

I was away on holiday and missed the BDO this year. You must be happy that Wolfie finally won through. Who is Phil Nixon?

Wolfie's wheels nearly punctured again - to lose 6 sets after being 6 sets to nil up!! I thought here we go again! Phil Nixon was fantastic. Phil has been around lots of years and there are so many 'Phil Nixons' around waiting for their chance so it was no surprise.

Now the three young Dutch lads have defected to the PDC. Does the BDO have a future? What's your spin on the division. Is it good for darts?

Freedom of choice. Just dont slag off the organisation you leave.

Rumour has it that even in the boozy world of darts, you're a bit of a boozer. What's your favourite tipple?

I like a couple of lagers now and again like everyone else.

How was Celebrity Fit Club? Have you cut out the early morning chocolate and the fags? Was Anne Diamond as close to a nervous breakdown as it appeared on TV?

Fit Club was hard work - have the occasional choco - Anne Diamond was a very clever lady!

You seemed to pal up with Mickey Quinn. I have just read his autobiography. Did he encourage you to write a biography?

Got on great with Mickey - we had loads of laughs together! I started my autobiography about 5 years ago before he started his I believe so no he didn't encourage me.

Did you enjoy playing Dick Caborn at darts. Do you think he could move into darts. Some don't rate him too high in his current job...

Richard was a really nice down to earth guy and seemed very enthusiastic about the game.

Should darts be a sport? Should it be in the 2012 Olympics?

Darts IS a sport! hopefully it will be an Olympic game but I dont think it will happen for 2012 games.

Now when I am not doing my blog, I work in Parliament and we have a Sports and Social bar with a darts board. I fancy myself as a bit of a darts player. What you say?

All walks of life play and enjoy darts - good to hear you do!

You built your own mansion George Hall. I have heard some things about your pad that I would like to clear up. 1) From the sky it is in the shape of a dart; 2) you have your own Chinese take-away on site called Wok this Way and 3) you initially wanted to call it Fuck All rather than George Hall

a) It is the shape of a flight b) yes, I do have my own Chinese kitchen and it is called 'wok this way' c)
prior to building George hall we lived in a portacabin on the land - we asked the council if we could call it fuck'all but they wouldn't let us!!

How did the opportunity to star in One Man and His Dog come up? Is acting a path you see yourself following? I could imagine you as Frank Butcher's younger brother in Eastenders: Bobby Butcher - knocking out a bit of bling on the market and having a flirt with Peggy and Pat.

Whilst doing my punditing on the world darts on BBC I was spotted by a producer who had written a film about gangsters and thought I would be ideal - yes I would love to do more acting - eastenders would suit me down to the ground!

What football team do you support?

I'm not into football but if I had to choose a team it would be West Ham.

If I give you my address is there any chance of a complimentary signed copy of your autobiography?

Alex will arrange the book!!

Bobby you're a top man. Cheers pal.

Thanks mate!

Labels: Bobby George

Some late-breaking news. In the New Year, I hope to have the opportunity to interview two very different people: John McDonnell and Bobby George. I imagine both will be questions and answers over email, but please feel free to email me suggested questions with your name (or preferred nom de plume), location and age (for the desired tabloid effect) to barry.beef@gmail.com - the interviews will not be too serious/detailed, meaning that I have no aversion to asking McDonnell political questions but please don't bollocks on about boring stuff. Interesting question will naturally receive preferential treatment (and hopefully an answer) I look forward to receiving your emails.

Labels: Barry Beef exclusives, Bobby George, John McDonnell

It's Darts galore with the PDC world tournamnet currently underway on Sky Sports. Meanwhile Auntie will be broadcasting her version of the World Championship in the New Year. Sadly, I'll be missing it as I'll be on holiday.
Anyway, what with all this darts and what with all this time off work coming up; I feel it necessary to recommend this little beauty as recommended to me by Beef Source Big Johnny. Bobby 'the Dazzler' George, the original cockney rebel, well not original that was Steve Harley, is releasing his book; his very own life-story. Given that George did not throw his first dart until he was 30 the book kind of takes the form of a Christmas fairytale. But just don't let the big lad hear you comparing him to a fairy.

Labels: Bobby George, books for Christmas, darts