A Life in Liverpool Red and Rhythm: George Sephton’s The Voice of Anfield | OneFootball

George Sephton: The Steady Voice Behind Anfield’s Soundtrack

This is an abridged version; the full article is available free on our ‘It Was Always… Liverpool’ Substack page:

From Kop Kid to Anfield Icon

George Sephton’s journey began like many fans, as a lad on the Kop watching greats like Billy Liddell and Alan A’Court. In 1971, after pointing out an error on the stadium Tannoy during a match, he was challenged by his future wife to do better. He wrote to the club, and soon after, was offered the chance to shape the sound of matchdays. What followed was over fifty years as Anfield’s announcer, curating music and moments that defined generations of Liverpool supporters.

Memories Shaped in Music

Sephton’s love for music went hand in hand with football. From vinyl records to USB sticks, his pre-match playlists were more than background noise, they were part of the ritual. Whether it was Elvis, Oasis or local Liverpool bands, his choices set the tone. One memorable night in 1977, he arrived late for a European match against St Etienne, only to witness what he called the greatest ten minutes of his life. His passion for sound made Anfield a place where football and culture collided.

Stories From Legends and Lifelong Fans

George tells stories not just of famous players, but of the fans and the quiet heroes. He recalls moments with Shankly, Dalglish and Gerrard, not with ego but with warmth. There’s humour, humility and nostalgia throughout. His anecdotes are filled with subtle detail, giving life to moments most would forget. He captures Liverpool not just as a club, but as a living, breathing community.

Courage in Tragedy

Sephton does not shy away from the hard days. His account of Hillsborough is deeply personal, with his son present that day. The pain and waiting are told with raw honesty. At Heysel, he was ordered by UEFA to make an announcement after the tragedy unfolded. He refused, choosing principle over protocol. It remains one of the book’s most powerful moments, showing his character when it mattered most.