“Most of the European countries have issues going to England... you need to adjust” – Martin Schindler addresses growing concern from top British darters over travel

Martin Schindler has made a notable change to his stage presentation. The current world number 16 has decided to switch his walk-on music in an effort to win over the British crowd, despite growing difficulties in travelling to and from the UK for events.

Schindler, nicknamed ‘The Wall’, has parted ways with his previous Rammstein walk-on and will now use In the End by Linkin Park. A choice he says is not only strategic, but above all personal. “Linkin Park is the band I’ve listened to in my life the most,” Schindler explains. “This is Martin Schindler, I have to say. Obviously, Rammstein was something, I felt it as well. I’m a rocker, I enjoy rock music. I enjoy this hard stuff and [am] passionate about it, but Linkin Park is 100%, Martin Schindler.”

With that statement, he underlines that the change is not just a marketing ploy. On the contrary, it’s a way to stay closer to his own identity while also connecting better with the crowd, especially in the United Kingdom, where most of the major PDC tournaments are staged.

The German, who has had a somewhat disappointing start to the season, noticed that his previous walk-on didn’t always have the desired effect with British fans. “I reckon in England, even though I know Rammstein is famous in England as well, I figured all the times I went to the Matchplay, to the Grand Prix and everything that the crowd wasn’t going with it,” he says candidly.

That experience made him think. Especially because he regularly appears on big stages at tournaments like the World Matchplay and the World Grand Prix, where interaction with the crowd plays an important role. “So probably there’s something I need to change,” Schindler says. “Maybe it’s the best I take something that works in Europe and England, Wales and Scotland if we’re going there as well.”

With In the End by Linkin Park, he believes he has found that balance. The track is known worldwide and has a strong connection with a broad audience, while also fitting perfectly with his love of heavier music.

Beyond his musical preferences, Schindler also spoke about another hot topic in the darts world: the travel issues players face, particularly when heading to European Tour events. In recent years, several British players have complained about logistical challenges, such as limited flight options and delays. But Schindler has little sympathy for that criticism and takes a pragmatic view.

“Before Covid, it was much easier for us to get to Players Championships and to get away from them because we had more flights,” he explains. “Nowadays, not only Germany but probably most of the European countries have issues going to England and maybe getting away.”

According to Schindler, however, that’s no excuse to complain. He points out that European players have dealt with the same challenges for years when travelling to the United Kingdom for tournaments. “My personal opinion, you need to adjust to all these things that are put in front of you,” he states firmly. “You need to deal with the facts, you need to adjust to anything that is going to be in front of you because if you don’t, you’re not going to be a professional dart player.”