Stephen Bunting explains inspiration behind iconic walk on after being paid to change song

Stephen Bunting has named his son the inspiration behind his Titanium walk-on song. The tune supplants his old choice of ‘Surfin’ Bird’ by The Trashmen, which the 39-year-old claims he was paid "thousands" to use.

Having won the Masters in 2024, Bunting has risen rapidly through the darting ranks, and so has his levels of fandom. Thanks to David Guetta and Sia’s hit Titanium, The Bullet now sees all in attendance sing along when his number is played and he enters proceedings.

This wasn’t always the case, however, as the 2014 BDO World Champion explained the real reason behind his much-beloved song switching and the payment he received to use his previous tune.

“My son is a massive fan of Sia, David Guetta, and obviously Titanium. So, the big thinking behind that is to get away from the ‘Bird is the Word’ song and incorporate a song with ‘bullet’ in it,” Bunting told The Bunting Effect YouTube channel.

“It’s just gone from strength to strength. Everyone seems to sing it now on my walk-on, and it’s got the fans on my side, so I’m really happy with the choice.”

Bunting’s previous use of The Trashmen’s 1963 number originated from his resemblance to cartoon character Peter Griffin from the animated show Family Guy. An episode airing in 2008 included the song, and a viral clip of Bunting emulating the comedy went viral over a decade ago.

“The Bird Is The Word, I got paid a lot of money to change my walk on to that,” Bunting told Wayne Mardle on Club 501. “It was all well and good at the time but I was more nervous in thinking more about the walk-on than I was about playing. So, it sort of affected my game.”

Though Bunting didn’t reveal an exact amount, he did reveal that it rose to "multiple thousands of pounds". Yet, with The Bullet’s change to his current 2011 hit and newfound fandom has come an improved game - something he puts down to increased confidence and a lot of work behind the scenes.

“I'm playing the best I've ever played, more consistent, believing I can win titles,” Bunting admitted after winning a World Series event in Bahrain. “Coming off the back of the semi-finals in the Worlds, I've come in full of confidence. From where I was last year to up in World No.5, I've got a lot of people to thank for that. It all definitely helps to the rise of Stephen Bunting.

“It's taken a lot of hard work. The hypnotherapy behind the scenes, the psychology in the past, from feeling down in the dumps to being World No.5, is an incredible feeling. It's made me really strong, to be honest. To go from where I was to where I am now. I've got a great team behind me. Hopefully, the only way up.”