Barry George Davies MBE, born on October 24, 1937, has etched his name into the annals of sports broadcasting history as one of the most iconic and distinctive voices in the industry. Known for his eloquent and memorable commentary, Davies’s career spanned decades, making him a household name primarily through his work with the BBC.
While many associate Barry Davies with football commentary, his contributions to the world of sports broadcasting reach far beyond the beautiful game. He has lent his voice to a diverse range of sports, from tennis and badminton to ice hockey, ice skating, gymnastics, field hockey, cycling, beach volleyball, and athletics. His involvement extended to the grandest sporting spectacle of them all – the Olympics. Notably, he commentated on the opening and closing ceremonies of the Summer Games in Sydney 2000 and Athens 2004. Davies also covered both ceremonies for the Olympic Broadcasting Service during the London 2012 games. With an impressive record of covering 12 Summer Olympics, Barry Davies stands as one of Britain’s most prolific sports broadcasters.
Davies’s journey into broadcasting began after his National Service in the British Army of the Rhine, where he served as a second-lieutenant in West Germany. He started at British Forces Broadcasting and later transitioned to BBC Radio in 1963 while working as a sports journalist for The Times. His unforgettable moment came during a Manchester City versus Derby County match in 1974, when Francis Lee unleashed a screamer into the net. Davies’s famous words, “Interesting – Very Interesting – Look At His Face, Just Look at His Face!” became an iconic part of football history.
His career saw him move between ITV and the BBC. He made his television debut on ITV, covering football matches leading up to the 1966 FIFA World Cup. However, his first “live” network football commentary for the BBC came during the 1970 World Cup. During his time with ITV and Granada Television, he commented on a wide range of sports, further honing his craft.
Barry Davies’s most enduring association was with the BBC’s “Match of the Day” program, where he made his debut in August 1969. Over 35 years, he covered nine World Cups and seven European Championships, solidifying his status as one of the foremost football commentators in the UK. His rivalry with fellow commentator John Motson is legendary, but both men maintained a deep respect for each other’s abilities.
Davies’s illustrious career also featured a prominent role in covering European Cup finals. He commentated on twelve finals in total, including victories for Liverpool and Nottingham Forest. While his commentary journey was primarily focused on football, he also covered finals of the European Cup Winners Cup and UEFA Cup, along with the Football League Cup final.
After retiring from regular football commentary in 2004, Davies continued to work as a freelance commentator. He covered a wide range of events, including the 2006 Winter Olympics, Commonwealth Games, Wimbledon Championships, and the 2012 London Olympics. During this time, he also authored his memoirs, titled ‘Interesting, Very Interesting,’ a phrase that epitomizes his commentary style.
Barry Davies is not only known for his distinctive voice but also for his cameo appearances. He made appearances in the BBC sketch show “Big Train” and provided commentary for video games like Actua Soccer and Actua Tennis.
In his personal life, Davies has maintained a low profile. He is married to Penny, a former British Airways flight attendant, and they have two children. Davies was awarded the MBE for his outstanding contributions to sports broadcasting in 2004.
As we celebrate the legendary career of Barry Davies, his eloquent and iconic commentary will forever remain etched in the memories of sports fans worldwide. His voice has been the soundtrack to countless sporting moments, making him an indelible part of the sports broadcasting pantheon.