St Landrew Posted 19 January, 2010 Posted 19 January, 2010 The true voice of Rugby Union, for 50 years, has gone for good. I started watching Rugby purely because Bill made the game interesting to me. He'd always been there on Grandstand, commentating on the matches, and his voice was so distinctive, I couldn't help but listen, and in the end I learned the game. When he stopped commentating, I stopped watching. It was like turning off a light. Bill was 86, when he died this morning, in hospital, in his hometown of Hawick. We'll never hear that someone does a Garry Owen, ever again.
explorer saint Posted 19 January, 2010 Posted 19 January, 2010 I grew up listening to Bill on the TV my dad was a rugby fanatic, Bill was the voice,very sad news. In those days it didn't seem to matter even to me that he did seem to get more excited about Scotland than he did England. Another to follow the likes of Eddie Waring and Jonners when sport commentary is not quite the same any more. Oh yes I am just getting old I know and dont know if they will be dancing in the street in Hawick tonight
AndyNorthernSaints Posted 19 January, 2010 Posted 19 January, 2010 Very sad news. A great commentator. RIP
Kingsland Codger Posted 19 January, 2010 Posted 19 January, 2010 When will we hear his like again. R.I.P.
Foxstone Posted 20 January, 2010 Posted 20 January, 2010 The greatest sports commentator bar none ! It feels as though I have lost a favourite uncle with his passing ! May he rest in peace and that they will be "dancing in the streets of heaven tonight" !
mightysaints Posted 20 January, 2010 Posted 20 January, 2010 Went to an England game a fews years ago and met Bill. He was a true gent and will be missed by all.
Dimond Geezer Posted 20 January, 2010 Posted 20 January, 2010 Sad news indeed. Always enjoyed his commentries, as a youngster who started watching & playing in the early 80's, I always found them informative and helpful for a young lad learning the game. RIP Bill McClaren - They'll not be dancing on the streets of Harwick tonight
bungle Posted 20 January, 2010 Posted 20 January, 2010 An excellent commentator, really made the games entertaining AND knew what he was talking about. RIP.
Johnny Bognor Posted 20 January, 2010 Posted 20 January, 2010 RIP. Each sport has a commentator that is synonomous with the said sport, Bill is to rugby what Murray Walker is to F1 or Richie Benaud is to cricket....
St Landrew Posted 25 January, 2010 Author Posted 25 January, 2010 A BBC tribute you may have missed: Bill McLaren, The Voice
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