Pens PA announcer John Barbero passes away

[Hockeytown0001 7,652]

John Barbero, the longtime public address announcer at Civic and Mellon Arena has died following a lengthy battle with brain cancer. He was 65.

According to a Penguins official, Barbero began calling Penguins games during the 1972-73 season.

In addition to his duties with the Penguins, Barbero also served as a principal in the Central Greene School District before retiring in 2004.

EN Says: Think of what John Williams' music meant to the Stars Wars trilogy. That's what John Barbero meant to a Penguins game at Civic/Mellon Arena.

He was the soundtrack to a live Penguins game in person.

For anyone who attended a Penguins game, you surely caught yourself speaking along with Barbero, "The Pittsburgh Goal. His 50th of the season. No. 66. Maarrrrrrrrrrrrrrreeeeeooooo..... Leeeeeeeemmmmmewwwwwwwwwwwwwwww......." anytime the Penguins' captain scored a goal.

You really couldn't help yourself. The easy, smooth way Barbero had of announcing a goal was so intoxicating. It was exciting, yet he didn't deliver it as if he were screaming a monster truck rally.

If you were a really hardcore fan, you probably even found yourself adding, "Assisted by... No. 68 Jaromir Jagr and No. 77 Paul Coffey. Time of the goal..."

And go ahead and admit that in your private moments, you wondered what your name would sound like if Barbero were announcing one of your own goals.

Barbero was as much a part of the experience of a Penguins game at Mellon/Civic Arena as the ice, the cramped seats or gigantic dome.

A few seasons ago, FSN Pittsburgh put together a nice piece about Barbero:

I've never liked the Penguins, but I always thought he was a pretty cool announcer. RIP.

[titanium2 867]

Damn that sucks. My sympathies to his family and pens nation.

[titanium2 867]

It pains me to hear the new guys voice at the Joe announce the names. When Budd Lynch says, "Last two minutes of the third period" I feel like things are right again. I don't really have anything against the new guy (even though his voice sounds like it's trying to be trendy; which is actually quite bad, remember Fedorov's "I'm really trying to stand out" white skates? Similar concept to me). But Budd Lynch is classic and it's really going to suck when he passes.

[Hockeytown0001 7,652]

It sure will be one sad day when Budd passes. The NHL has too many "cheerleader" announcers these days. Washington's PA announcer is just ridiculous, screaming into the microphone.

[jollymania 162]

It sure will be one sad day when Budd passes. The NHL has too many "cheerleader" announcers these days. Washington's PA announcer is just ridiculous, screaming into the microphone.

that was how barbero was, the highest, most overly exuberant voice.

[Hockeytown0001 7,652]

that was how barbero was, the highest, most overly exuberant voice.

I think he was able to do it with dignity, however. Listen to him and then compare him to the Capitals PA announcer, who is basically just trying to shout as loud and as undecipherable as possible.

[jollymania 162]

I think he was able to do it with dignity, however. Listen to him and then compare him to the Capitals PA announcer, who is basically just trying to shout as loud and as undecipherable as possible.

I cant stand either, but i try to pay attention as little as possible to pa announcers on TV, those 2 are easily noticeable, in the wrong way. As far as in arena, the balckhawks guy is pretty shallow, faux, and crappy, I was able to hear bud lynch as the reg guy and the new guy, the new guy doesn't have a nostalgic voice but he also isn't overly exuberant and doesn't really get annoying, I hardly pay attention though when I'm at the game.

[Guest EZBAKETHAGANGSTA]

Surprised. At first I just read announcer, and thought it was the guy who made the air plane joke.

[Hockeytown0001 7,652]

I cant stand either, but i try to pay attention as little as possible to pa announcers on TV, those 2 are easily noticeable, in the wrong way. As far as in arena, the balckhawks guy is pretty shallow, faux, and crappy, I was able to hear bud lynch as the reg guy and the new guy, the new guy doesn't have a nostalgic voice but he also isn't overly exuberant and doesn't really get annoying, I hardly pay attention though when I'm at the game.

I remember an old interview with Budd Lynch, where he explains his style is simply relaying information to the crowd and that he isn't paid to be a cheerleader. Those kinds of classy announcers are a thing of the past in today's sports world. John Barbero would be enthusiastic while announcing goals, "Thaa Pittsburgh goal..." but he wasn't a ****** about it.

[jollymania 162]

I remember an old interview with Budd Lynch, where he explains his style is simply relaying information to the crowd and that he isn't paid to be a cheerleader. Those kinds of classy announcers are a thing of the past in today's sports world. John Barbero would be enthusiastic while announcing goals, "Thaa Pittsburgh goal..." but he wasn't a ****** about it.

the way he said sidney crosby just totally irked me, and yeah, i prefer guys like lynch who don't say much

[titanium2 867]

It sure will be one sad day when Budd passes. The NHL has too many "cheerleader" announcers these days. Washington's PA announcer is just ridiculous, screaming into the microphone.

Well, I was mainly trying to do some perspective taking on what it would be like to lose a guy like Barbero that's done more than a serviceable job for an organization. Of course I hate the Pens and everything but I feel like now's not the time for that. I'm sure he was a decent enough man and it always sucks when a decent person loses their life. It shouldn't be that hard to develop some kind of empathy for anyone when a death happens.

[Hockeytown0001 7,652]

Well, I was mainly trying to do some perspective taking on what it would be like to lose a guy like Barbero that's done more than a serviceable job for an organization. Of course I hate the Pens and everything but I feel like now's not the time for that. I'm sure he was a decent enough man and it always sucks when a decent person loses their life. It shouldn't be that hard to develop some kind of empathy for anyone when a death happens.

This, which is why the thread was created.