Clive Everton, legendary commentator and ‘voice of snooker’, dies aged 87
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Clive Everton, the iconic commentator often seen as the unmistakable voice of snooker, has passed away at the age of 87.
After making his debut as a commentator for the BBC at the 1978 World Championship with only 20 minutes to prepare, he remained a key figure in their snooker coverage for over three decades. Once lead commentators Jack Karnehm and Ted Lowe retired in the mid-1990s, Everton emerged as the prominent voice of the sport.
His commentary accompanied Stephen Hendry's reign over the decade and the emergence of legends like Ronnie O’Sullivan, John Higgins, and Mark Williams as the 1990s transitioned into the 2000s.
In the early 2010s, the BBC shifted to featuring a mix of younger presenters and familiar former players in their commentary team, which disappointed Everton fans. Despite this change, he kept commentating on snooker for Sky Sports and later ITV. However, when the Covid pandemic struck in 2020, his battle with Parkinson’s disease made it difficult for him to attend tournaments.
He served as the editor of Snooker Scene magazine for over 50 years, worked as a journalist for publications like The Guardian and The Independent on Sunday, and contributed to BBC Radio Five Live, becoming a well-known figure in the world of snooker.
He was honored with a spot in the snooker Hall of Fame in 2017 and received an MBE for his contributions to the sport two years after that. In 2022, the trophy for the British Open, taking place in Cheltenham this week, was named to pay tribute to him.
David Hendon, a commentator for ITV and Eurosport, shared the heartbreaking news on social media that Clive Everton has died at the age of 87. He described Everton as a significant figure in broadcasting and journalism, a cherished colleague, and a dear friend. Hendon acknowledged the profound impact Everton had on many, stating that while the "Voice of Snooker" may be silent now, his legacy will always be honored within the sport he was passionate about.
The World Snooker Tour announced on Twitter: “Clive Everton, one of the most iconic commentators in snooker history and a true voice of the game, has passed away at 87. Everton dedicated his life to snooker, reporting on some of the most significant moments in the sport as both a broadcaster and journalist.”
Everton's approach to snooker commentary was typically subtle, as he skillfully utilized pauses and carefully selected his words. Despite this reserved style, he managed to deliver several unforgettable remarks throughout his lengthy career in the sport.
When Hendry achieved his unprecedented seventh world title in 1999, Everton commented, “Ray Reardon won the championship six times in the 1970s, Steve Davis also took it six times in the 1980s, but Stephen Hendry's seven victories in the 1990s are truly remarkable.”
When Shaun Murphy achieved his incredible journey to win the 2005 World Championship, Everton expressed their excitement by stating: "Incredible, remarkable, unbelievable."
He started off with some success as an amateur player in snooker and billiards, even clinching the junior national billiards championship. In 1981, he went professional in snooker, reaching a peak ranking of 47th in the world. However, in 1991, he decided to shift his attention entirely to journalism and commentary.
Everton has authored over 20 books on cue sports and competed at the county level in tennis for Worcestershire.
