Desert Island Discs: Ian Wright
“As time goes by people realise you’re an honest bloke who will stand in your corner, it suits some people to sling mud, but they can’t take away what I’ve done. I just want to be remembered for being a hard-working, honest professional, who did the best he could, with the opportunity he got.”
Two minutes into Ian Wright’s Desert Island Discs I knew I wouldn’t make it to the end unscathed. By minute four I felt the lump forming in the back of my throat and the first tears pricking behind my eyes came just shy of minute sixteen. So, at twenty-two minutes, when Wright broke down himself, I wept. Great big tears as I walked through Hyde Park, deeply moved by this castaway’s conversation with Lauren Laverne, and I know I won’t be the only one, for Wright’s reflection of his life and career is as poignant as it is profound.
Speaking openly throughout, he discusses the challenges he faced growing up, with the absence of a father figure and the premature death of his friend and teammate David ‘Rocky’ Rocastle as well as issues of racism on and off the pitch. Along with the struggles, Wright shares memorable anecdotes from his playing days, his first track, a nod to his time at Arsenal; a piece he would play to prepare before a game, to “be calm and build to a crescendo”. The music is from Mozart’s Marriage of Figaro, which Wright explains he first heard in the film Shawshank Redemption, noting “people would never, ever guess this one”.
What makes Wright’s episode particularly special, is his thoughtful consideration of his chosen tracks. He stays true to selecting the music that has shaped him, even if it forces him to relive uncomfortable moments from his past. He recognises this in the choice of his third track, Tina Turner’s River Deep which reminds him of the domestic abuse his mother endured, admitting that hearing it is “horrible” but acknowledging he must “own it and deal with it, as hard as it is”.
Recalling when he was reunited with the teacher that changed his childhood is undoubtedly the most affecting moment in the episode. Wright weeps as he remembers how delighted Mr Pigden was of his success, his voice breaks as he explains, “he was more proud of the fact I played for England than him flying over Buckingham Palace”. The story is uplifting in the rawness of Wright’s retelling, an inspiring tale of an excellent teacher recognising talent and nurturing it.
Despite the tears, Ian Wright maintains the clear and commanding voice he has established through his broadcasting career and his candid conversation is decorated with joyful tracks, including Kirk Franklin’s Looking For You and soulful Mysteries of the World by MFSB. Other records are from household names Stormzy and Mary J Blige and timeless Bob Marley. He also chooses Randy Crawford’s Endlessly, which, he explains was the song he chose for his beloved wife, Nancy, to walk down the aisle to. He speaks of her affectionately, explaining, “she makes me a better person”. He also notes the importance of his children and touches on the benefit of therapy too, declaring honestly, “it’s the best thing that’s ever happened to me”.
As a celebrated player and pundit, many were surprised and disappointed by Wright’s performance in last year’s I’m A Celeb. This episode, however, is sure to defy even the most stony-faced critics and demonstrates what is so brilliant about the programme. Its simple premise showing the evocative power of music, uniting audiences and castaways in its ability to transport us back to memories of old whilst simultaneously taking us to the heart of people’s life stories. It is no wonder therefore, that the celebrated programme has been named ‘the greatest radio show of all time’, and, Ian Wright certainly contributes to this well-deserved accolade.
Cover image copyright from BBC Radio 4