Barry Hearn On The Next Ronnie, Saudi Arabia & Snooker's Future

The immeasurable boss of snooker, Barry Hearn joins us this week to play a frame for the first ever time against Stephen! In this brilliant episode, nothing is off the table. The pair speak about legends such as Steve Davis, Alex Higgins, Jimmy White, John Higgins and Ronnie O'Sullivan, whilst also taking a deep dive into the state of snooker. Barry speaks about who will replace Ronnie, whether the World Championships will stay at the Crucible and snooker's next steps into China and Saudi Arabia. The conversation even gets into how Eddie will manage snooker when his time comes. This is an absolute barnstormer of an episode, let us know in the comments what you think!
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[@DrShakamoto9]

He should worry about the lack of snooker halls in the UK. The drop off is crazy over the last 20 years

[@brenthall5147]

It was much the same in Canada but 40 years earlier. Used to be a billiard hall in every little town and snooker was the most popular game in those small town poolhalls up to and including the seventies. I miss the atmosphere of those days and places.

[@alanoshea2132]

​@@brenthall5147my town in Ireland had 4 decent sized snooker halls 10+ years ago and now we have none, such a huge loss to any community.

[@mickyreadman5980]

We had leisure centres everywhere in Middlesbrough full of snooker tables 20 odd years back..... 15 tables in one place! Problem has always been making money from snooker. Tables take up so much space & dont generate profits. Many reasons behind why this is the case. Cheers.

[@chrishutch2387]

Smoking ban killed a lot of snooker clubs

[@maxington26]

@@mickyreadman5980 "Problem has always been making money from snooker. Tables take up so much space & dont generate profits" Wasn't a problem 20 years ago. Not sure what point you're trying to make here....?

[@jblogas599]

“Jammy little Scottish bastard”😂🤣😂 The most entertaining episode by 147 miles. And Stephen actually played ok for once😂 👌

[@MikeBarratt-lk3gt]

It's probably what he called him through out the 90s😂

[@garrettkelly5568]

Yea, that was a boy over the top 😂

[@heidilohrengel4444]

GOOD morning ich wünsche dir einen schönen Friday mit viel Humor und guter Laune bleib gesund LG baby@ 🥭🍊

@@heidilohrengel4444 Back at ya baby 😎🌞✌

[@thisandthat871]

Uncle Barry knows best Absolutely legend 😂 And the wild card thing was such a great thing to hear

[@juchetony1910]

you could see Stephen was a bit intimidated: Barry's a big, no nonsense character. Reminds me of Alex Ferguson in a way.

[@game4alaughman]

Uncle Barry, made sure it was told & not edited oot 😂😂😂 gives people things to talk & argue about, which makes money 👍🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿👍

[@thisandthat871]

@juchetony1910 yeah takes 0 bs from anyone just like fergie and a serial winner

[@thisandthat871]

@@game4alaughman Very true 👍

[@54dbruno]

@@juchetony1910 its probably becuase he's seen the real barry hearn and knows what he's capable of lol

[@cosmojonesmusic]

I can listen to Barry all day long. What a legend. Natural charisma.

[@Gaz-84]

Enjoyed this one more than any other tbh. Really good stories and very funny. Barry is a proper character

[@briandobson450]

I can listen to Barry all day. So positive and inspirational. Stephen has done a brilliant job with this channel 👏

[@123BrodaZak]

@azopbdbbbdker1

[@obi-potobi790]

Agreed. Peeps in the boxing circle online give Eddie a really hard time and hate him. But I like him he's like his dad. Boxing is better with him in it, as was Snooker better with Barry in it. Though I know he's retired now, I should think he has a say in what goes on.

[@henrysmith883]

You wouldn’t have much choice cos he talks all day. Never shuts up especially about himself.

[@PlayMoreGolf-RipOff]

needed to talk about STEPHEN LEE...

[@jakeabrahams154]

Can only imagine the amount of the stories that he can’t tell

[@daveallott3467]

His friendship with Jeffrey epstein perhaps...

[@mitch1862]

Like the Epstein one

[@samclark6077]

Lots of people were friends with Jimmy savil doesn’t make them pedos tho does it

[@mitch1862]

@@samclark6077 and they talk about those times in savills company but anyone who knew and spent time with Epstein keeps it completely zipped as there's more of a excuse to be around saville could make up anything. Can't really do the same with Epstein.

[@kevinsayle766]

Absolute gold, Steve your top draw for a jock 👍😂😂😂

[@Ayaaruen]

I am sooo f***ing glad this channel exists on KZbin

[@Camberwell86]

This is brill 😅 it's normally Stephen apologising to the guest for putting them off by chatting constantly... but Baz is like a budgie who's had a line of charlie you cannot shut him up he's got stories for days I love it haha 😂

[@No1.SPEAKINGTHETRUTH]

😂😂😂😂😂😂 Brilliant comment, absolutely love it!!!!!

[@hariboproductions]

😂😂😂

[@windowclean6818]

Watched him on dodge woodals podcast great viewing

[@robdielemans9189]

Charlie Brooker --> Snooker? I don't get the cockney rhyming slang, I mean what Charlie is referred to. Please enlighten me.

[@tomwhite5868]

​@@robdielemans9189Charlie = cocaine

[@vinylrulesok8470]

Gotta admire Barry's drive and enthusiasm. He and Davis changed the game.

[@TiredofEarth]

indeed. especially impressive given hes worth around 90 million, he could easily retire and live a life of luxury

[@joncanem920]

Alex Higgins made the game how popular it is now, he put bums on seats

[@PlayMoreGolf-RipOff]

He robbed Davies blind!

[@lakmeister]

@@PlayMoreGolf-RipOff I wouldn't say 6M is being robbed shag?

[@jakehope6811]

@@PlayMoreGolf-RipOffI don’t think that’s the case because Steve Davis is quite an Intelligent man he’s no idiot plus him and Barry have been friends since the 70s and are still the best of mates still to this day

[@roadtonowhere497]

Just finished the video... found I'd been smiling all the way through. I'm 47 so grew up watching snooker. Not a bad player,80 clearance my best...had to get that in lol...I sometimes play at mark Williams snooker hall and I potted a great ball and he was sat down having a break and said good shot. I was beaming inside. Love these guys

[@juchetony1910]

I remember we used to go to our local club in Brigg whenever uncle Maurice came to visit. I must have been about 9, full size table, a group was just coming in and I slammed a yellow in the corner pocket, full length of the table, they all stopped and gaped. Only time I've ever done it, mind.

[@roadtonowhere497]

@@juchetony1910 it's a great buzz when playing well or potting a good ball for sure. Wish my eyes hadn't gone as bad as they are. Find it hard playing with glasses

[@juchetony1910]

@@roadtonowhere497 have you tried using a cue?

[@roadtonowhere497]

@@juchetony1910 never thought of that lol. I'll try it😉

[@Deeznutsmynamejeff21]

i was playing on the table between marks star table and the bar, potted a pink and was straight on the yellow, mark lets me play my shot and i damn near hit him with the cue ball from a terrible miscue haha

[@AidanMillward]

Forget those still begging for more Ronnie content, more Barry!

[@Acidulantes]

I didn't think there would be an episode I'd enjoy more than Ronnies but that was brilliant. Never really been a fan of the guy but that kind of insight into the man was fantastic, really inspiring to see someone thinking however many steps ahead, and still doing that so many years into the game. Really incredible, thank you so much Stephen.

[@markcampbell3521]

These shows get better all the time . Well done stephen loved it

[@thewoosp2782]

Easily the best guest so far, unsung legend of snooker, total lad, brilliant.

[@alialyosha296]

We have alot to thank for this amazing person. Thank you Barry for all the things you have to done to this beautiful sport and thank you Stephen for having this interesting chat with this incredible personal!

[@yorkshireladtakes3726]

He's made the game worse. Let me ask you this when Ronnie retires who replaces him? Or infact with the current state of the game who actually gets inspired to reach those levels before getting bored to death.

[@donovanreimer2324]

Hearn is always fascinating, these videos are getting better too. Great fireside chats and broken up with the casual play. Keep them coming!

[@eringobreathtiocfaidharla1446]

Fascinating how? A dirty money mongrel

[@psegre]

Great channel, you need more shows with Barry! I’m 🇺🇸, but lived in Scotland in mid 90’s and became hooked on Snooker big time. My personal highlight being driving down to the Crucible in ‘95 to see early rounds of world championship. I hope Barry’s right and the game keeps expanding, even if I can only see it on KZbin now.

[@paulstephenson2872]

best 1 yet barry honesty just shining through as old school as you can get

[@jpsnetworkingchannel3430]

Absolutely brilliant, enjoyed this so much more than I thought I would.

[@crypticpower]

You don't get that kind of brutal honesty anymore. Good interview/ insight into the man

[@1sonnysdad]

Brilliant. I look forward to these every week. Never liked Hendry as a player, but what a top bloke he is. Love it!

[@ryanh5580]

No school like the old school. What a man. Had the pleasure of meeting Barry and he was an absolute gentleman. Thanks for your service to beautiful game x

[@Tipps72]

Stephen is 100% correct, so many snooker clubs have now disappeared, I used to play a couple of times a week going back 20 years ago, since then all my local snooker clubs have closed down & I have no idea now if there are any clubs left in the area! Even pubs with pool tables have all disappeared so there’s hardly any pool tables around now so virtually no kids will be able to play any cue sports! And I don’t see this getting any better in the UK.

[@fuckwitt007]

Hearn couldnt give a monkeys about clubs closing as he doesnt make any money from them i can understand how ronnie and barry dont get on .Hearn thinks he owns the game .He's got far too much power as an individual imop . It's the players we go out to see .Still it's encourging to see the prize money going up and as for wild cards heard would be daft not to include Jimmy he still puts bums on seats

[@bottlecap57]

Britain is a graveyard for snooker now unfortunately

[@lifeschool]

Snooker Halls, Pub Darts, Swimming Pools, Dance Halls, and even Night Clubs, all closed down, thanks to the internet. Who needs to go out for entertainment anymore? Where I live in East lancs, there are two snooker halls in my home town. I know the manager of one of them, complaining about the price of heated tables these days.

[@Tipps72]

@@lifeschool Heated tables?!? That must be one posh snooker hall, no such thing when I used to play😂

[@JakeMay]

​@@lifeschoolthanks to the internet? 😂 What about chronic underfunding of public services by the Tories?

[@radams581]

LOVE the way Barry always calls him ‘Davis’!

[@junaidiqbal7567]

The best cue tip video so far! Could listen to Barrys stories all day long, what a legend! - Please get Eddie Hearn on in the future! 👏

[@juchetony1910]

boxers playing snooker, and snooker players boxing. TV dynamite. Davis vs Hendry in the ring.

[@ravivarman2020]

Joy to watch this chat. Never get tired of Barry Hearn and his stories.

[@williamcallaghan2023]

excellent interview with Barry, always enjoy listening to him, many thanks Stephen, some terrific stories from Barry

[@jackcousin657]

Didn't think the Steve Davis episode would be topped but this has done just that! Quality content

[@ads998]

I love Barry Hearn (and Stephen of course). Just listening to Barry and his anecdotes reminds me watching an old episode of Minder 😂It's easy to forget that it wasn't just the talented players who took snooker out of the clubs and made it what it is today, it was Barry's and drive mixed with a shameless determination to commercialise the game that's got us where we are. Thanks for everything you've done for the game Uncle Barry!

[@deboxmethod]

I could listen to you 2 for hours! So many memories and stories! Golden times. I even practiced with you for a few hours Stephen at Camden in about 1990/91. Your regular haunt when the masters was on :)

[@timallsopp8656]

What a pleasure to see and listen Mr. Hearn. I have always admired his energy and business acumen. Well done for having him on your channel!

[@since-jx1ix]

One of the best yet. Keep it going as an excellent format.

[@MalcolmMXTaylor]

Davis, Hendry, and Hearne put snooker on the map!! A great interview and both of you so honest and brutal as well

[@overthewebb]

@@wayneanthonyholmes4437 Hendry wasn't a boring player, he was the first to attack every percentage shot and play quickly. His personality at the time is why he was deemed boring, but that was because he had utter focus to win no matter what, but we can see on this channel his real personality

[@sonicrules666]

Gotta love Barry Hearn, what a character, laughed many times through this, they don't make em like him anymore, awesome to watch

[@don-qb4xb]

Becoming my favourite youtube channel. Superb insight into snooker.

[@Pickers19725]

Come on hendo we snooker fans are waiting for you to invite the whirlwind jimmy white that would be amazing to see you two legends

[@seanrochford3161]

Jimmy turned him down sadly. I hope jimmy reconsiders or maybe jimmy is going to wait till he retires idk

[@sonicdiablo8968]

@@seanrochford3161 where did you hear that?

[@seanrochford3161]

@@sonicdiablo8968 Stephen was on one of the golfing KZbinrs channels playing jimmy Bullard and it was said on there

[@raptorheli2]

​​@@seanrochford3161spot on, was mentioned on golf life few weeks back. Jimmy said no unfortunately, probably couldn't put his stories on YT!

[@seanrochford3161]

@@raptorheli2 it's a shame really I hope jimmy eventually comes on

[@phillace]

Yes Stephen , you have done it again with another quality video !!!!

[@TEFLLemon]

Best one I've seen. A little look into the darker side of snooker, love it!

[@klezmorim1980]

This interview is gold. Fascinating to hear from Barry. Thanks for this Stephen.

[@ASH18YEARS]

Awesome episode Stephen! Keep these coming, they're great

[@HansFormerlyTraffer]

Wow what a classic revealing conversation. Barry Hearn is a genius of the highest level. That man should run ALL sports in the world.

[@andymcloughlin3105]

Without doubt the best guest you’ve had on, could listen to him chat for hours!

[@david83ryan]

Brilliant video, one of the best yet. Barry is a character in fairness!

[@stevenmcphillips3156]

Definitely the best Steven episode . Barry a character could tell a million stories

[@dangermouse8466]

Barry is a legend. Snooker is super lucky to have him. This was the best interview ever. Thanks Stephen.

[@Joker-yw9hl]

Is this Barry's burner account

[@Luic1987]

Spent my teenage years at romford snooker club....Great to see yous playing on a table I've played on many a time. Live in Newcastle these days, not been upstairs there in a good decade or so, great to see it all looking exactly the same as I remember though. And as always another great episode.

[@ewanjamie1171]

Brilliant absolutly brilliant. Fantastic stuff lads. Great to see Barry looking so well. Well done Stephen and Barry for an excellent 39 minutes of fun, humour and a game of snooker. Brilliant channel.

[@AminAramoon]

Can't wait to see Barry's tough table challenge attempt 😅

[@scienceevolves4417]

Reportedly had 18 attempts, the whole video was 5 mins long😅

[@juchetony1910]

can't be worse than Davis fouling on the first shot...

[@patrickcrowther9195]

Barry will want to beat Steve Davis in the hope that he'll stop sending him Magma box sets every Christmas.

[@Jackaljkljkl]

He'd talk the balls into the pockets...

[@samadbaksh]

They say it went on for days so they run out of space in their digital camera

[@flucazade]

the Davis and Hearn interviews are so darn good, probably my favourite cue tips to date

[@SkarzMusic90]

Barry....What a legend!

[@Axispaw1]

Listening to the old guy with all the stories, the other guy singing the balls. Brings me back to the 80s/90s as a kid hanging out at the snooker hall. Love it!

[@torquesteer2657]

This was hilarious - Barry “You jammy little Scottish barrstard” 😅 Enjoyed it

[@tam1381]

Being a Scot myself I nearly peed myself laughing.

[@skakdosmer]

Wonderful. BH is not exactly my type of person, but he's so much for real, and that I like and respect.

[@andrewphillips4847]

Thank you so much, Stephen and Barry. Some great laughs and stories. What you have done for snooker is just incredible. Cannot wait for the European Masters in late August. Snooker loopy! 😂❤

[@jonnowocky8179]

Feel like Steve being told by Barry he won’t be back in the crucible might’ve been exactly what he needed to hear to get there, would love to see it - great chat this, Barry is a force of nature

yeah that was brutal.... but then he elaborated the truth which stevie knew - he just won't put in the hours!...He's done it all so who gives a shit and now he's successful as a pundit and the utube ch is through the roof!! 😎✌

[@thedefender1064]

"You jammy little Scottish bastard" had me in bits 😂😂😂

[@videosmurf]

Thanks for all these fantastic videos that brings back so many memories and unheard of content.

[@fitzroy7054]

You can listen to Barry talk all day . Natural charisma

[@MrJayscinema]

Another really enjoyable video. I wouldn’t trust Barry to hold my pint let alone anything else but cannot deny what he has done for snooker!

[@juchetony1910]

my motorboat Day Skipper instructor was like Barry. Dodgy AF but knew his stuff and got me through the course, despite the boozy sessions in the pub every night.

[@garethparr9482]

That was just great. The irrepressible Barry Hearn. What a character!

[@alexcampbell1027]

What a joy to legends from both ends of the sport. You need to do this again but have both Barry and the Nugget. Barry can score..... I guess Davis would win the frame, with Barry scoring and all.

[@normantaylor5957]

Awesome viewing, Barry really knows his stuff and certainly the boss 😂 brilliant tales and banter and so glad Snooker as reinvented it’s self thanks to him 👏👏👏👏 loved the story about Alex emptying his pockets even the coins then asking to borrow £50 for the train 😂 so many characters 👍 Cannot wait for the next tournament and thanks for entertaining us Stephen and Barry brilliantly 😊

[@paulmartin4971]

Wow Romford snooker hall I used to bunk school and go up there, used to see Steve Davis up there quite a bit playing the defender machine in the corridor. Great times

[@garysmith2845]

Been looking forward to this one!

[@williamwallace184]

Could of listened to these two all night, best one yet.

[@UnlimitedDreams-ui3if]

This was brilliant. I normally hear Barry talking about boxing in interviews. It's great to hear more about snooker which is another sport I love.

I watched the Froch episode yesterday....jeezus christ non stop me me me boxing, 80k, hall of famer etc etc etc....I love the Cobra but it pissed me right off 🤣🤣😎✌

[@michaelmeredith9470]

This channel is brilliant and Barry is one of the best guests yet. I bet he wishes he could have managed Steven

[@AD_Saffa_HD]

The issue I have in snooker relates to my location. I live in Kirkcaldy in Fife, Scotland and my local snooker club is Styx (former Ambassador Snooker Club). It is the only snooker club I know within at least a half and hour to an hour's drive from where I live that doesn't require you to be a member to play snooker. I don't feel like snooker is as readily available for new and upcoming players nowadays. We need more places to play snooker

[@JinxTravel]

absolutely, this is where China has much more opportunity as they have multiple clubs within walking distance of anywhere.

[@CIC-qm9zt]

Try the 147 pub in Rosyth. It's got three tables. Not been in for years tho,it's a bit of a dive. Lol

[@AD_Saffa_HD]

@@CIC-qm9zt how close is that to CJ's? Well, it used to be called Hustler's

[@mmccluskey2867]

It was interesting how quickly he changed the subject when Stephen raised the topic of there not being many clubs around

[@AD_Saffa_HD]

@@mmccluskey2867 he is more focused on the professional game as it makes him money. I don't think he sees casual clubs would make him any money at all, it's a shame really

[@JayDeeChannel]

awesome episode! bot such great characters. thank you!

[@damianleah6744]

I could listen to these two for hours. 🤣👍🏻😎

[@kevinhughes8661]

We to this channel and I’m loving it.loved snooker in the 80’s back in love with it

[@mickyreadman5980]

Thanks Stephen & Barry. Heard these stories a million times & they just get more refined & polished. Typical Bazza! This channel is gonna struggle to get better than its current guise. but, knowing Hendry, no doubt it will always be improving. Stephen. Is there any chance of some kind of Patreon type subscription at some stage?? You know, like after the watershed type of content?? Could be very interesting IMHO, sir. Thanks again, Stephen. Cheers Micky.

[@robertreece3287]

This was my favourite episode of all, Barry comes across as such a lovely guy with so many stories

[@fuseblower8128]

Great episode! Always love to listen to Barry Hearn.

[@DavidLawson007-wg6jn]

This is the best video so far!! Some brilliant stories and insights, loved it!!

[@dannyboy_dannyboy8274]

Hendry’s having a dream match here. I’ve watched all of these & this is the best he’s struck the ball / played.

[@adamski101]

His mind wanders and his concentration dips in & out (which is no surprise considering he's talking and interviewing at the same time) but he is hitting the ball very well.

[@jamesmillar8047]

Yea and those pockets look a little more forgiving which helps. In my club we have 3 tight tables and 5 tables with buckets for pockets lol

[@TheFlynnnnn]

@@jamesmillar8047 who asked

[@BaldyMakesStuff]

Was thinking exactly the same. The pockets look pretty easy, but even so I think Hendry has been putting in a bit more time on the practice table.

[@jamesmillar8047]

@@TheFlynnnnn it's in response to the comment , why

[@lilchris26]

This video is brilliant, just love it, I will be watching it again. Thanks for the entertainment. Chris.

[@stephenwaterhousecd4505]

Great episode. Good to hear it from Barry's side.

[@Lmtthw8651]

The best accolade I can give to Barry with what he's done for the game if when he speaks you listen, I always want to listen to what he says. I try not to miss if he in the snooker studios.

[@peteruth8054]

This series completely changed my opinion of Steve. Belting stuff, keep them coming 👍

[@rhyshowcutt7407]

looking forward to this, knowing more about ‘the boss’ sounds interesting

[@Coventry_Kiers_1984]

Best episode yet, could listen to Barry all day.

[@MrLinker82]

Amazing, what a legend, best episode ever

[@SmokeandSteam]

Another fabulous episode. Could have listened to hours more of this. Fascinating (and with the Terry Griffiths story - hilarious). Barry Hearn gives a brilliant interview!

[@alkenstein]

What a frame, absolutely brilliant Mr Hendry 👌

[@rcmakingtracks18]

Great job Steven and Barry. Brilliant entertainment... keep em coming. John

[@Marc-xc9uo]

Brilliant video once again Mr Hendry!

[@alancarlton8380]

Sort of video I'll probably watch again has there's nothing better than Barry Hearn giving to everyone straight and glad of them Wild cards seeing the Legends back on the baize! ❤❤

[@RandomHeroXJack]

Absolute character, sporting mastermind, ruthless businessman. Really isn't many people quite like Barry Hearn.

[@michaelrock3239]

Absolute gangster

[@craigfowler7098]

Worth £82'million aged 74 and still keen

[@replicawatchreview4401]

Such a great channel Stephen has created. My era was Steve Davis, Jimmy, Alex etc and into Stephen's. It's just brilliant listening to the many anecdotes of those times and from the current players too. Also seeing the personalities of the players which during matches are hidden behind concentration and determination. Stephen is a great guy and definitely an individual anyone would love to have as a friend. Cue Tips is the best channel for anyone with a snooker interest, no matter what their age.

[@gunner101ism]

Best episode of cue tips yet. So good. When will we get Jimmy White?

come on Jimmi....old grannie cries out in the crowd.... 🤣😂

[@kelvinhandley3392]

Fantastic video - really enjoyable to watch! Love Barry’s positivity!

[@johnflynn7035]

Very enjoyable, good work.

[@MrHadrian71]

Absolutely fantastic! This is a great side to snooker! Please keep em coming!

[@Softlad92]

Class! Humble is Hearn 🙏

[@malcolmsimmons8312]

2 Fantastic geezers,thank you so much❤

[@ledyatttroutfishery]

This is what we want to see in a game. Interactions between players, after all that's what most of us recognize as Snooker.

[@Ed30675]

This was fantastic... As always great banter but even more so on this one....Loved it...and you bounced off each other perfectly... Naturals together...

[@nabeelawan9428]

One hell of a guy Barry is, hahahahah enjoyed each second of it. and listening to this lad's stories. yo Stephen bring him once a month atleast. Barry is the guy who brought this beautiful game to where it is now. best show on this channel so far.

[@juchetony1910]

pro am doubles would make a great video, Stephen: Davis and Hearn vs Yourself and A N Other.

[@musicbro8225]

@@juchetony1910 It's a great idea! I can imagine some of the conversations might get quite juicy :)