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2 Promoters, 1 Pod

<p>ArcTanGent and Damnation organisers, James Scarlett and Gavin McInally, discuss the good, the bad and the downright ridiculous of promoting festivals.<br/><br/></p>

ArcTanGent & Damnation

Gav and James dust off the ATG hangovers to dive back into what will go down in the history books as a festival for the ages.A nervy pod show, the best set ever at Fernhill Farm and of course, that bloody bus. Strap in.Your pod merch: www.nomad-stores.com/collections/2-promoters-1-podWe go again, every Thursday morning.

Justice For The Bus - The ATG Review

Well, it happened!Our biggest live pod (by some distance) took place at 10am on the final morning of ArcTanGent and the listeners packed the Yokhai Stage for it. Gav and James discuss one-way mishaps, memorable sets and asking Julie Christmas awkward questions.Before Julie herself and Johannes of Cult of Luna join the pod to remind Gav he needs subtitles.Your pod merch: www.nomad-stores.com/collections/2-promoters-1-podWe go again, every Thursday morning.

Do You Drink Milk? - Live at ATG

ATG is now and you’re either waking up hungover this morning on a farm, making your way here or wishing you were.Gav and James dive into the mailbag to get you through until the bands start.Your pod merch: www.nomad-stores.com/collections/2-promoters-1-podWe go again, every Thursday morning.

Loyalty Schemes, Tribute Dreams & Ed Gamble - Q&A 24

Are you ready to get hyped? ATG build is underway, James is living in a field and the good times have started!! Just a week until ATG 2026 opens and it’s going to be a banger. The last at Fernhill Farm. So get yourselves hyped, it’s nearly here!Your pod merch: www.nomad-stores.com/collections/2-promoters-1-podWe go again, every Thursday morning.

ATG Preview: The Last Fernhill

James is in the midst of the ATG site build and Gav has pissed off to Turkey for his “10th holiday of the year”.But those small hurdles can’t stop 2 Promoters talking about ATG’s big move in 2027.Why? Where? How? And will we get a Forest Stage in the new gaff.James answers all your questions.Your pod merch: www.nomad-stores.com/collections/2-promoters-1-podWe go again, every Thursday morning.

Revealed: The New ATG Site

Some might say that you’d need to be crazy to start a festival, but that didn’t stop the team behind Hayrock giving it a go with a special tribute theme bash.“However, things started to unravel quickly as bands pulled out, photographers became stage managers and the “bin bag” stage caught the wind.Thankfully Stiff Bizkit’s Fred Thirst survived the experience to tell the tale…Your pod merch: www.nomad-stores.com/collections/2-promoters-1-podWe go again, every Thursday morning.

Hayrock Headaches (with Fred Thirst)

Another magnificent Trees is in the books and for many it was the best yet.But how did things look from behind the scenes, from 500 litres of water to photo booth mishaps. And how do you top it for the big 20th anniversary next year?James is on hand with all the answers.Your pod merch: www.nomad-stores.com/collections/2-promoters-1-podWe go again, every Thursday morning.

The Trees Debrief

Live from the Saturday of 2000 Trees…James dishes on booking Don Broco to headline (in one day) and Gav comes out as an England supporter…Your pod merch: www.nomad-stores.com/collections/2-promoters-1-podWe go again, every Thursday morning.

How to book a headliner (in 5 hours) Live at 2000 Trees

James is broken in a caravan. He tried his best.Your pod merch: www.nomad-stores.com/collections/2-promoters-1-podWe go again, every Thursday morning.

Q&A#23

It’s almost Trees Time and the boys are getting giddy.James has his clean fridge stocked and reporting live from Upcote Farm about putting the finishing touches to the beautiful site. While Gav is packing the sun cream and tearing through the Trees playlist in anticipation.Before all that though, what’s this about ArcTanGent moving home next year?Your pod merch: www.nomad-stores.com/collections/2-promoters-1-podWe go again, every Thursday morning.

The BIG Trees Preview (& ATG move)

Gareth Kelly from the Music Venue Trust joins us to untangle the mystery of PRS and explain how your favourite bands actually get paid. It'll all make perfect sense... probably.Gav delivers some all-time premium waffle and the excitement for Trees reaches fever pitch.Oh, and how did Gav end up in an American's basement at 4am on a Thursday??Your pod merch: www.nomad-stores.com/collections/2-promoters-1-podWe go again, every Thursday morning.

PRS Explained! (And more Gav antics)

Gav checks in from Boston to share stories from Scotland’s World Cup adventure, with the Tartan Army turning the city into a week-long party. From sold-out bars and viral fan moments to Scotland’s chances of progressing, it’s a lively update from the heart of the tournament. Back in the festival world, James talks Trees Festival preparations, 2027 booking progress, the fallout from last week’s PRS discussion, and new music from Cult of Luna. As always, there’s plenty of industry chat, listener questions and the usual festival banter. Your pod merch: www.nomad-stores.com/collections/2-promoters-1-podWe go again, every Thursday morning.

No Scotland, No Party (Gav's World Cup)

New music, accidentally booking bands onto the podcast, navigating the baffling world of PRS, who actually gets paid when it comes to music venues, and just how much does it cost to truck water into a festival site?James is fully immersed in Trees season, while Gav is busy firing out Damnation announcements, and with the year already at the halfway mark, it's time to see how those Album of the Year contenders are stacking up?Your pod merch: www.nomad-stores.com/collections/2-promoters-1-podWe go again, every Thursday morning.

New music, PRS and cold hard cash

Gav and James delve back into the mailbag to discuss venue upgrades, manageable festival growth and their favourite pod moments. But before that, Gav takes the chance to gloat about the extreme metal coup of the year… booking The Berzerker outta nowhere!Your pod merch: www.nomad-stores.com/collections/2-promoters-1-podWe go again, every Thursday morning.

Booking The Berzerker & How To Grow a Festival - Q&A #22

Gav hopped on and back off the best tour of the year quicker than you can say “you don’t have a bunk”. But bus dramas aside, the We Lost The Sea, Overhead, The Albatross and Dimscûa package delivered in spades. Meanwhile, housebound James secured some exciting 2027 bookings and updated his favourite albums spreadsheet.Your pod merch: www.nomad-stores.com/collections/2-promoters-1-podWe go again, every Thursday morning.

Tour Tales, Festivals Fails & Angine de Poitrine

The stacked We Lost The Sea, Overhead, The Albatross and Dimscûa UK tour starts tomorrow. Mr Departure Songs, Mark Owen, joins the pod from Paris to discuss playing Europe before arriving on these shores for their debut UK run. Selling out cities, sacrificing profits for crew, early load ins and bigger production and where they sit in the post rock landscape. Do not miss this tour.Buy your We Lost The Sea tickets: https://www.seetickets.com/tour/we-lost-the-seaAnd your pod merch: www.nomad-stores.com/collections/2-promoters-1-podWe go again, every Thursday morning.

The Debut UK Tour with We Lost the Sea

Security. The festival job that should be invisible. And sometimes, they’re completely missing…This week, we finally get to the long-awaited security episode.The people who keep you safe while you’re crowdsurfing, stop you sneaking onto Gav’s balcony, and (ideally) keep the whole festival running without you ever really noticing they’re there — this episode is all about them.Oh, and James’ neighbours drilling? That gets a few mentions too.Buy your We Lost The Sea tickets: https://www.seetickets.com/tour/we-lost-the-seaAnd your pod merch: www.nomad-stores.com/collections/2-promoters-1-podWe go again, every Thursday morning.

The Security Brief

Gav and James dive back into the mailbag to tackle the topics of the day: the importance of grassroots venues, how their “future” headliner predictions panned out and how cancelled are the cancelled?Buy your We Lost The Sea tickets: https://www.seetickets.com/tour/we-lost-the-seaAnd your pod merch: www.nomad-stores.com/collections/2-promoters-1-podWe go again, every Thursday morning.

Grassroots Venues, Headliner Hopes and Being Cancelled… Q&A #21

From a "scrappy" punk kid to a corporate big wig at Marshall, Steph Carter has had an unusual and contrasting journey in the music business.He joins the pod to discuss the shocking rise and unfortunate demise of his old band before using his experience to help guide one of the most recognisable brands in rock n' roll.Buy your We Lost The Sea tickets: https://www.seetickets.com/tour/we-lost-the-seaAnd your pod merch: www.nomad-stores.com/collections/2-promoters-1-podWe go again, every Thursday morning.

Gallows to Marshall (with Steph Carter)

And. We’re. Back! Sober and as on the ball as you can expect. Gav and James tackle Damnation’s biggest ever announcement and a surprise promise, if People Power pulls through, before getting caught back up on all the drama from the past three weeks.Buy your We Lost The Sea tickets: https://www.seetickets.com/tour/we-lost-the-seaAnd your pod merch: www.nomad-stores.com/collections/2-promoters-1-podWe go again, every Thursday morning.

Damnation’s Big Six, Kanye & Count Your Blessings…

James is still on the beach and Gav is emotionally on holiday still so it’s Shifty again. Are you ready for this one? From early (surprising) jobs, to first records, this one goes to places 2P1P has never been before…but don’t worry there’s still plenty of festival and music chat. Listener questions, J.D. & rum, whats not to love? Buy your We Lost The Sea tickets: https://www.seetickets.com/tour/we-lost-the-seaAnd your pod merch: www.nomad-stores.com/collections/2-promoters-1-podWe go again, every Thursday morning.

Be Right Back (Thailand Edition)

The boys are away so you’re stuck with me (Shifty). This week is a Q&A beer soaked bonanza.   Book recommendations, holiday tips, balancing friendship and business plus is it OK for James to move bands around so he can watch them?!This ones the warm up to next weeks riot…Buy your We Lost The Sea tickets: https://www.seetickets.com/tour/we-lost-the-seaAnd your pod merch: www.nomad-stores.com/collections/2-promoters-1-podWe go again, every Thursday morning.

Be Right Back (Turkey Edition)

Oceansize to Empire State Bastard, Biffy Clyro to Cardiacs, there’s one talent who connects them all: Mr Mike Vennart.But what’s it like being Mr Dependable, going from the top slot at Reading Festival to Glasgow’s Cathouse? Being recruited by your favourite band, filling in for James on a week’s notice and taking Dave Lombardo to Aldi. The man has seen and done it all.Buy your We Lost The Sea tickets: https://www.seetickets.com/tour/we-lost-the-seaAnd your pod merch: www.nomad-stores.com/collections/2-promoters-1-podWe go again, every Thursday morning.

Oceansize to Dave Lombardo - Mr Mike Vennart

This is not a drill! The mighty Neurosis are back and promoters across the globe are excited, but who will nab them first in the UK? There’s also the sad news of Ginger Wildheart’s diagnosis to digest along with his demand to live the rest of his life to the full.And Gav recounts his trip to the first Ripcord Festival in Glasgow for a day of post metal riffs and far too many pints.Buy your We Lost The Sea tickets: https://www.seetickets.com/tour/we-lost-the-seaAnd your pod merch: www.nomad-stores.com/collections/2-promoters-1-podWe go again, every Thursday morning.

New Neurosis, Wildhearts Wishes & Ripcord Revelries

Being a tour manager at any level is an incredibly challenging role, but when the band schedule you’re responsible for includes headline sets at the likes of Leeds, Reading and Download, it takes a special kind of composure and professionalism to pull it off.So the fact that this week’s guest, Neil Anderson, has literally kept the Biffy Clyro show on the road for the best part of two decades is something to be celebrated.This is his “wholesome” tale, told for the first time.Buy your We Lost The Sea tickets: https://www.seetickets.com/tour/we-lost-the-seaAnd your pod merch: www.nomad-stores.com/collections/2-promoters-1-podWe go again, every Thursday morning.

Being Biffy Clyro’s Tour Manager (with Neil Anderson)

The final (or so you think…) Trees bands are here and it’s time to show the neglected big cousin of the festivals show much needed love. The arena fillers, the older legends and up-and-coming picks not to be missed from the bill. Also, what’s the deal with that Primus tour, weren’t they an ATG exclusive?And did Core festival in Glasgow tell Gav they were moving to the weekend after Damnation and either way, why the hell is he so supportive?Buy your We Lost The Sea tickets: https://www.seetickets.com/tour/we-lost-the-seaAnd your pod merch: www.nomad-stores.com/collections/2-promoters-1-podWe go again, every Thursday morning.

It's Tree Time

Man of many talents, Kevin Douch, joins the pod to discuss setting up and running the Big Scary Monsters record label over the past 25 years, band management and organising the madness of ArcTanGent and Trees’ merch tents.But first, what’s in the box?Buy your We Lost The Sea tickets: https://www.seetickets.com/tour/we-lost-the-seaAnd your pod merch: www.nomad-stores.com/collections/2-promoters-1-podWe go again, every Thursday morning.

Big Scary Label Boss (with Kevin Douch)

It’s another pod exclusive ATG band drop, this time in the shape of the final 16 acts with some absolute belters and a few surprises in store. Gav and James also chat the latest HRH mishap and the strength of this year’s Download line-up before sinking their teeth into their favour subject: Take That.Buy your We Lost The Sea tickets: https://www.seetickets.com/tour/we-lost-the-seaAnd your pod merch: www.nomad-stores.com/collections/2-promoters-1-podPhoto from Jez PenningtonWe go again, every Thursday morning.

ATG’s Final Names, HRH Headaches & Download Drops…

With a rum and a beer in hand, James Scarlett is welcomed back to 2 Promoters, 1 Pod to tackle the neglected mail bag in a tipsy fashion.First aid stats, Deftones live, silent disco turnouts, Yndi Halda love, news scoops, Converge’s new record, Happy Dimscûa Day and streamlining the booking process, all tackled. With a smile.Buy your We Lost The Sea tickets: https://www.seetickets.com/tour/we-lost-the-seaAnd your pod merch: www.nomad-stores.com/collections/2-promoters-1-podWe go again, every Thursday morning.

First Aid Stats, Live Pods & Deftones... Q&A #19

Last week’s podcast discussing the current state of music journalism ruffled some feathers, to put it mildly. So this week Gav and James invite former Kerrang! editor-in-chief Sam Coare on to address the fallout. “Round Two. Fight!”Buy your We Lost The Sea tickets: https://www.seetickets.com/tour/we-lost-the-seaAnd your pod merch: www.nomad-stores.com/collections/2-promoters-1-podWe go again, every Thursday morning.

The Music Press Fight Back Round 2 (With Sam Coare)

Gav has had plenty to say on the pod about the declining quality of ballsy music journalism in the UK with talented scribes being reduced to hired hacks, used for the whims and wants of overbearing PR agencies, record labels and the bands and they represent. But now it’s time for those wordsmiths to fight back and have their say on how they view the industry in which they ply their trade.Part one, in what will no doubt be a series of pulling back the curtain on music journalism, features former Independent writer, serial podcaster and Metal Hammer talent Remfry Dedman.Buy your We Lost The Sea tickets: https://www.seetickets.com/tour/we-lost-the-seaAnd your pod merch: www.nomad-stores.com/collections/2-promoters-1-podWe go again, every Thursday morning.

The Music Press Fight Back  Part One (with Remfry Dedman)

45 ATG bands are here, and four hours before the rest of the world finds out - Arcane Roots aside! Gav and James discuss ripping up the promo plan when Radio 1 come calling, ATG bands taking off and Jamie Lenman being the first artist ever to ask to go DOWN the bill.Then they get stuck into to as much geeky goodness as possible; playing tent Tetris with camping allocations, the chaos of organisational timelines, relationships with suppliers and what impact a Glasto fallow year has on the rest of the summer’s events. With a completely unnecessary and likely provocative AI grenade tossed in for good measure. Enjoy!Buy your We Lost The Sea tickets: https://www.seetickets.com/tour/we-lost-the-seaAnd your pod merch: www.nomad-stores.com/collections/2-promoters-1-podWe go again, every Thursday morning.

ATG Exclusive & Geeking Out

After a long break from the mailbag, Gav and James dive back in for the first Q&A since October.And what do the masses want to know about? If spotting and booking up and coming talent is luck or talent, how to weed out shit live bands before they hit your stage and what would James rob from Gav if his name were to be plucked from the Jug of Joy?Buy your We Lost The Sea tickets: https://www.seetickets.com/tour/we-lost-the-seaAnd your pod merch: www.nomad-stores.com/collections/2-promoters-1-podWe go again, every Thursday morning.

People Power, Hot Bookings & Stand Up... Q&A#18

The first wave of Damnation bands have been announced and they are bangers.But it wasn’t without mishaps, leaks and panic… as Gav explains.And James lays out his excitement for the year ahead from album release hopes to festival plans.“For the fucking millionth time…”We go again, every Thursday morning.

Damnation Dramas and 2026 Plans

It’s 2026 and Gav and James are ready to go again but there’s one small festive task to wrap up… the best albums of 2025.Surely they agree on most of the top ten, right? Right?We go again, every Thursday morning.

Our Albums of the Year

Maybe it’s the post-tour blues, maybe it’s reaching 100 episodes or maybe it’s just the spirit of Christmas…Whatever the reason, Gav and James bare their souls in an unusually personal pod, to tackle the highs and lows of their festive tour and the achievement of reaching the pod milestone.We go again, every Thursday morning.

Episode 100: Xmas Tour Tales

Gav and James have put together the best tour of 2026… and they want you to know about it first.We go again, every Thursday morning.

We Lost The Sea, O,TA & Dimscua - The Best Tour of 2026

While James basked in the glory (and ticket sales) following the outrageous ATG headliners announcement, Gav went on his travels for live music thrills. And it’s tougher to be more thrilling than a trip to London to see the mighty Radiohead, back to Glasgow for a triple whammy of LLNN, Pupil Slicer and Worn Out before an historic Kneecap performance at a sold out, 14,000 cap Hydro. Before all that though, what’s the early Xmas treat 2 Promoters have in store for listeners?Buy your tour tickets - https://www.seetickets.com/tour/2-promoters-1-podWe go again, every Thursday morning.

Radiohead, LLNN, Kneecap: Gav’s Gig Guide

The ATG headliners have been announced and they are belters.Right from the top of the page one wish list: Primus, Chelsea Wolfe and Cult of Luna & Julie Christmas performing Mariner.Gav and a very smug feeling James get into the details behind the treble coup.Tour Tickets: www.seetickets.com/tour/2-promoters-1-podWe go again, every Thursday morning.

ATG's 'Page One' Party

Gav might be in Egypt but it takes more than a £1,000, six-hour EasyJet flight seated beside a sweet racist Scottish granny to stop the man from fulfilling his pod duties. So from the luxury of a personal business suite inside a “palace” the boys get back to work, talking Scotland’s making the World Cup, Kneecap’s unbelievable hospitality and the “page one” ATG headliners.Get your tour tickets here - https://www.seetickets.com/tour/2-promoters-1-podWe go again, every Thursday morning.

Talk Like an Egyptian

Damnation’s 20th birthday bash was a metal party for the history books.Jaw-dropping performances, production so good it was head scratching and a guy who shat the bed.James, Gav and Damnation’s trusted lieutenant, Dr Paul Farrington, climb out of their hangovers to discuss the weekend that was.Get your tour tickets - https://www.seetickets.com/tour/2-promoters-1-podWe go again, every Thursday morning.

Damnation: The Review

James is back from his holiday looking sun-kissed and relaxed, Gav on the other hand is deep in the festival tumble dryer.Is it enjoyable to see the world’s least stressed man actually stressed, or is it weirdly disconcerting? Tune in to find out.As well as going deep on the final Damnation plans, the boys cover topics including the Trees & ATG band announcements, the Encyclopedia Metallica and the next manager of Celtic.Blurb written by James (for the first time ever. That’s how stressed Gav is…)https://www.seetickets.com/tour/2-promoters-1-podWe go again, every Thursday morning.

Double Damnation Plus Trees and ATG First Wave

Gav and James sit down for their third pod in six days (before the big man left on holiday) and leave no stone unturned in their search for fresh chat. AI bands, end-of-days conspiracy theories, cartoon reviews, football analogues, restaurant bloopers, when people leak the wrong band playing ATG and the importance of music press. What would happen if our festivals collapsed? Who were we before we took our first steps into the promoting circus and did you ever hear the story of James surviving hardship in Cambodia?Oh, and FYI, by 2037 we'll all be hiding from machines.Forgive us.We go again, every Thursday morning.

Analyse This: Gav & James in Therapy

Gav and James dive back into the mailbag to address the pressing matters of the day: best and worst festivals, that elusive Mars Volta booking and whether negative reaction to the pod from within the music business could see it killed off. But before all that, there must be an easier and cheaper way to send money overseas in 2025! Also, grab your tour tickets: www.seetickets.com/tour/2-promoters-1-podWe go again, every Thursday morning.

Banking Ballaches, Stalking The Mars Volta & The End of 2 Promoters… Q&A17

We've heard the stories of chaotic first years of 2000trees as James and his band of merry men tried to find their feet as festival organisers.But what we haven't heard about - until now - was their secret weapon for success: a woman who already had a clue what she was doing in the live music business.That hero is Sarah Gilbert, who now runs the artist liaison teams at both Trees and ATG as well and much, much, much more.Not bad for someone whose favourite metal band is Shania Twain. We go again, every Thursday morning.

Artist Liaison (with Sarah Gilbert)

The dreaded clashfinder, followed by the tsunami of complaints. A bleak annual onslaught every festival promoter dreads.But what actually goes into putting that particular puzzle together?Well there's the contractual obligations, and then the obvious genre concerns, followed by logistics you do know about and then those you don't know about.And where in that tangled web of restrictions do you place bands on the same record label?Gav and James attempt to explain why it's not as simple as doing as they please, no matter how much they'd like to.www.seetickets.com/tour/2-promoters-1-podWe go again, every Thursday morning.

Clashfinder General

It's been a hectic auld week but Gav and James carve out just enough time to plunder the mailbox to explore the curious minds of the listeners.Ticket sales strategies. Bristol Trip Advisor. Merch pre-sales. Running pod jokes and Xmas jumpers.And why did Gav choose to name the pod after some internet filth and then double down with branded cups?Fore! We go again, every Thursday morning.

Golf Chants, Sales Rants & Porn Bants - Q&A 16

With the growing popularity (it's appreciated!) of the pod, some people in the music business are less than delighted with the frank discussions that take place for the listening pleasure of ticket buyers. James was reminded of the fact that not everyone is a fan when he spoke to an irate agent this week.So Gav and James take some time to reflect on the impact of 2 Promoters, 1 Pod and how it's viewed by some people on our side of the fence.Is it possible that they might have a point? Are we a positive or a negative in this business? Does it matter in the grand scheme of things? And do we care?We go again, every Thursday morning.

Censoring Two Promoters

Damnation is on the horizon and the reality of the outstanding to do list is starting to weigh on the team.But what exactly needs to be done before the gates open at BEC Arena in two months' time?Well there's the marquees to order, the cabins to hire, the laminates to get designed and printed, the backline, the crew, the parking, the traders, the radios, the scanners, the merch, wifi, fencing, security, first aid... and will someone think about the bloody towels!?Oh, and the small issue of Gav having his own cabin to discuss.We go again, every Thursday morning.

The To Do List: Damnation

Gav and James plunder the bulging mailbag once more to tackle the topics of the day. Using Oceansize’s Spotify as a publicity stunt. Trying to judge a band’s pull. And the new Deftones record are all on the table. And Gav tries one last time to explain why festivals can’t sell t-shirts for the same price as the local grindcore all-dayer.Tour TicketsWe go again, every Thursday morning.

Hacking Spotify, Merch Budgets & Battlejackets - Q&A 15

"Hi there, you've reached Rob Scarlett at the 2000trees customer service desk, how may I assist you?"VIP camping was a hike to get to? The beers ran out?  And what was with all the bloody wasps?"Well, if you have two hours and 11 minutes spare and the patience of a monk, I'd love to talk these issues over with you..."We go again, every Thursday morning.

Customer Help Desk (with Rob Scarlett)

We're back with a two-hour slab of 2 Promoters...The 11th ATG is over and it was one for the history books so let's pick over the bones.Did James know that Clown Core would have a video wall crammed with AI dicks? Was VIP oversold or was the festival quieter than usual? And what happens when someone ("Theo") is reported missing the day after the music stops?In true 2P1P fashion, we tear through it all. We go again, every Thursday morning.

AI Porn & Finding Theo - The ATG Aftermath

Bri, this one is for you.*Please excuse the audio in the opening minute before the sound desk kicks in.We go again, every Thursday morning.

For Bri (Live at ArcTanGent)

Despite the insane heat, everything at Trees was going just swimmingly until the final night when there was enough drama for an episode of Eastenders.Musicians passing out, letlive. forcing a show stop and an air ambulance causing absolute panic - for Gav at least - in the backstage bar.James relives the Saturday night madness from an organiser's point of view.And with Rob Scarlett unable to join the call from his holiday home (now planned for next week) Gav and James tackle those pesky wish lists, absurd internet chat and if we'll ever see Chasity reach Upcote Farm? We go again, every Thursday morning.

Letlive. & Lifesavers - The Trees Review

Gav and James take the stage at 2000Trees for the second time, with even more heroes crammed into the sweltering tent on Saturday.How did the scorching sun impact the festival? How did James manage to stay in double denim? And how the hell did pigs invade the site?We most definitely went AGAIN!We go again, every Thursday morning.

It's Difficult To Be Gentle With a Pig (Trees Live)

Gav wakes up late and James has been hard at work prepping this week's episode (instead of putting up fencing at 2000trees). There's a bit of reflection on the whole Bob Vylan and Radar Festival fallout, the lads keep their tempers in check (just!)In happier news we have some chatter about the Xmas 2Promoters 1 Pod Live, tickets selling like mad and people inevitably asking for guestlists.We go again (only just!)We go again, every Thursday morning.

Bob Vylan Aftermath, Live Tour Dates & Trees Prep - Q&A 14

Pro-Israel lawyers successfully campaigned to have Bob Vylan cancelled from Radar Festival.As a result pro-Palestine bands started cancelling themselves as a show of solidarity.Confused? Us too.Full episode on Thursday. We go again, every Thursday morning.

Preview: Boycotting Radar

Following their "Death to the IDF" chants at Glastonbury, punk duo Bob Vylan found themselves in the firing line of everyone from the US State Department to the perpetually applaud Keir Starmer.Unfortunately, Manchester's Radar Festival happened to be the next date on the UK tour schedule and the organisers were targeted by a campaign of hate before being forced to pull the show and carry the can in public.Co-organiser Catherine Jackson-Smith joins the pod to discuss the reasons behind the decision which left her and her team taking abuse from all sides. NOTE: The interview the Catherine begins at the 50-minute mark, without James Scarlett due to a series of technical issues faced while he's on site building 2000trees.We go again, every Thursday morning.

Bob Vylan Cancelled (with Radar Festival)

James, his fellow Trees organisers, trusted crew and a small army of 40 volunteers have descended on Upcote Farm in preparation for scores of bands and 15,000 music lovers who will follow suit in two weeks' time.But what exactly goes into prepping a massive outdoor festival? From who puts in the Sainsbury's order to feed and water the entire team on day one, to who clears the sticks from the forest, to counting power points and checking batteries in the power tools, James breaks down EVERY job and the timescale the have to complete them before the campsites open on July 9.Just don't give him a mouldy fridge! We go again, every Thursday morning.

The Site Build

There's more poor musicians out there than rich ones and depressingly, even being a founding member of the incredible Rolo Tomassi isn't going to pay the bills.James Spence explains how he clawed his way out of the hospitality trade to make a career in the music business work, between booking bands, repping shows and touring.He also spills the beans on plans for Rolo's special 20th anniversary set at this year's ATG.But before all that we have Outbreak to discuss, Damnation's latest announcement and Dim Skewer's mental week of fame.We go again, every Thursday morning.

Carving a Career in Live Music (with James Spence)

The gloves are off as OAPs Gav and James take on International Men of Talent, Sugar Horse, over their problematic clash at ATG.Shots have been fired, jokes have been missed and insults hurled... now it's time for our Super Subs to settle it.First though, is the new Turnstile album the worst thing ever uploaded to Spotify? Should we ditch Ghost for Creeper?And are Dimscûa the greatest thing to happen to UK metal this year?Maybe, yes and yes...We go again, every Thursday morning.

Two Old Men Vs Sugar Horse

Burzum, beans and budgeting... we're all over the gaff this week as Gav returns from Fortress Festival in Scarborough a shell of a man and James comes to terms with some difficult decisions with the ATG site plan as well as explaining some clashes. And is it the pit security's job to save fans from a hospital trip or do you crowdsurf at your own risk?P.S. There's also Kneecap.We go again, every Thursday morning.

Fortress Frolics, Cost Cutting & ATG Clashes

The drinks are flowing as the mailbag is plundered for a good ol’ fashioned Q&A. Gav and James tackle secret sets, the latest Metallica tour, favourite festival memories, worst Machine Head records and of course, meal deals. Cheers. We go again, every Thursday morning.

Metallica, Machine Head and Meal Deals - Q&A 13

Godspeed You Black Emperor!, Corrosion of Conformity and Napalm Death are FINALLY announce to top the festival bills... but it wasn't plain sailing.In fact, it was a series of sleepless nights aboard SS Nightmare which left Gav and James wondering whether "headliners" for events likes Damnation and ArcTanGent are really worth the effort at all?There's also James being accosted at the school gates about his views on Kneecap, a Dragged Into Sunlight boxset and two headline offers from Eyesore Merch and Lou's Brews.We go again, every Thursday morning.

Talking Headliners

Irish punk Meryl Streek has bagged a unique hattrick of bookings at Trees, ATG and Damnation this year.But for one-man live revolt, who refuses to play the music industry game, how has he found himself being embraced by the those on its fringes, from the promoters and press to politically driven young students and crusty old grindcore fans?He discusses picking up the mic after 15 years behind the drumkit, winning over "Mr John Lydon" while touring with PiL and pissing people off in as candid fashion as you'd hope for.And explains how much he loves hearing he'd better with a live band...We go again, every Thursday morning.

The Industry with Meryl Streek

The settlements have been paid, the bank statements have been printed off and the spreadsheets collated. Exactly how much were Gav and James paid on their debut tour and how much of it did they spend, and on what exactly?The importance of merch sales, thinking outside the box to drum up extra income and keeping James as far away from hipster coffee shops as possible.£226 on taxis for three drunks and £20 so Gav can have a nap in Birmingham is just the tip of the spending spree.We go again, every Thursday morning.

How Much We Made on Tour

It was supposed to a fun afternoon arguing over the 2,000trees clashfinder but Sharon Osbourne, Scotland’s First Minister and the pesky bloody Tories had other ideas…. so the spotlight is back on the Kneecap lads.But what about the promoters, like James, who have red hot Irish trio on their poster?Well, there’s death threats for a start. We go again, every Thursday morning.

Cancelling Kneecap, Death Threats and Trees Clashes

Gav and James dive back into the virtual mailbag to tackle the most pressing issues of the day.Is Ghost's mobile phone ban a step too far? Have Kneecap become too hot to handle following their controversial Coachella sets? And how much money did we lose on the first years of our festivals?Throw in a some Watain and smelly animal carcasses, checking if bands are racist on ChatGPT and Elton John and you have yourself a belter of a Q&A.Let's go... We go again, every Thursday morning.

Ghost's Phone Ban and Kneecap's Coachella Rap - Q&A 12

There's few things in the live music business quite like the circus of a band's contractual agreement with a festival.From sloppy copy and paste jobs to being told to sign off technical specs you haven't received and a shopping list of reasons why a band can cancel to a litany of clauses to say why a promoter can't, it's all a bit of a clown show which would be laughed at in any court of law.But as the promoter do you play the game like everyone else to appease the big agencies or is simply hitting the delete button the best course of action?Especially when no signature means you accept all terms and conditions, obviously...We go again, every Thursday morning.

The Contract

After a couple of weekends on tour, social media threw a wobbler to welcome Gav and James back with a bump as well as Brand New, Dragged Into Sunlight and poor old Clutch under the bus. We wade through the murky waters of cancel culture, questionable decision making and an unwillingness to be straight with ticket buyers before lightening the mood with some Burzum banter.Laughs galore.We go again, every Thursday morning.

Dragged Into The Comments

Gav and James hit the road for their first ever tour.From mad for it Manchester to Village Wembley, gifts to guests and hot sauces to hecklers… here’s how it panned out.We go again, every Thursday morning.

The Tour Debrief

The first leg of the debut tour is over but there’s no time to unwind as Malevolence drop a bomb on Damnation and there’s ArcTanGent bands to announce. Oh, and it’s Glasgow tomorrow…We go again, every Thursday morning.

What the actual Malevolence?

We’re in Bristol for the opening night of the first 2 Promoters, 1 Tour but don’t fret, we’re here for you, every Thursday, come rain, shine or super stardom.James’ favourite music documentaries, top albums of 2025 so far and Gav’s difficulties with post rock fans. Synthwave, Slamdunk clashes and stupid band fees…We go again, every Thursday morning.

We're on Tour

One last rummage through the big bag of questions before Gav and James hit the road for their first tour.Do support bands get a taste of the 80/20 Vs deal cash? Our thoughts on the return of Ghostfest. Will Damnation remain a two-day event following this year's ticket sales? And what bands have we missed out on down the years we kick ourselves about?Also on our minds; the return of Slayer, Tool taking the piss and the aftermath of Stinky Pete. We go again, every Thursday morning.

Support Slots, Slayer & Sign Language - Q&A 11

*TRIGGER WARNING*Do NOT consume with food.The infamous "Stinky Pete", who provides toilets for 2000trees and and ArcTanGent, joins the pod - by demand - and does not hold back on the details of what it takes to be the top loo man in town. You may never look at a plastic festival bog the same way again.And shout out to the heroes at Outbreak. We go again, every Thursday morning.

Stinky Pete

Happy birthday to us. Cheers to every last one of you for the support. Now let's get stuck into what you want to know about, from Bloodstock's winter bash to the worst thing about rock and metal fans.We go again, every Thursday morning.

2 Promoters 1 Year

It's exactly one month until Gav and James hit the road for their maiden live tour which puts them in the unfamiliar shoes of the artist for the first time.But what exactly goes into planning a tour? Why is a tour manager important? Who is doing the driving and in what? How do you know how much merch to order? And please explain that 80/20 Vs deal again...In usual 2 Promoters, 1 Pod fashion, it's all laid bare, including how much promoters are paying for the pleasure  of our company. We go again, every Thursday morning.

Planning a Tour

The greatest metal line-up of all time is heading to Birmingham as the world says its final, final, final farewell to Ozzy Osbourne as a live performer.Metallica, Slayer, Pantera, Alice In Chains, Gojira, Mastodon and the drummer from Sleep Token are all on the poster but what exactly is going on? Is it a day of Sabbath classics? Are the bands playing 25 minute sets? And why did no one invite the Iron Maiden boys to the all-star gathering of guitar heroes?And is £412 for a "golden circle" pass taking the piss or fair as it's in the name of charity?Gav and James share their thoughts on it all, as well as the big letlive. announcement and the reaction to High on Fire joining the Damnation 2025 cast.We go again, every Thursday morning.

Sabbath Bloody Sabbath

There are few things as important as your breakfast, lunch and dinner to soak up the beer and cider during your stay on a festival site for the weekend.But how do those delightful vendors get through a boggy farm in their ill-equipped cars, vans and trucks? How much do they pay? Who decides what they can and can't sell and why are the meals so bloody expensive?Luckily James is a man with more answers than listeners might expect from a simple "band booker" to address the issues at hand.But before that, we need to address the act of evil, that is offering non-vegan options at all.Will Gav and James join the Outbreak team on the wrong side of history?We go again, every Thursday morning.

Festival Food (Being on the wrong side of history)

You're not confused, it is Tuesday.But the ArcTanGent line up reveal waits for no man, woman or child so we go again, for a rare bonus pod, before the news breaks for the rest of the world.The exclusive ATG special announcement has two headliners, including a Wednesday "debut" so big, the festival's rulebook had to be scrapped to accommodate the booking.James shares the poster, Gav reacts.We go again, every Thursday morning.

ArcTanGent Line-Up Exclusive!

Today was the day we were all promised the big ATG reveal but James' "wild week of booking" quickly descended into a fortnight of madness and as the big man says himself "we work to the bands' schedule, they don't work to ours".So instead Gav and James tear through a bumper Q&A tackling venue upgrades, the challenges of booking band "packages, submissions from new acts, keeping announcements under wraps and if we feel bigger bands should reduce their fees to help festivals survive.We go again, every Thursday morning.

“Why won’t you tell us who is playing ATG?" - Q&A 10

The role of a booking agent can be tricky and demanding at the best of times but when your latest 'client' is a podcast featuring two promoters who routinely bash you and your colleagues, it's a whole different ball game.So why did Mr Haydn Britland, the man who secure deals and routes tours for the likes of Cult of Luna, Enslaved, Leprous, The Ocean and Envy, fancy a crack at 2 Promoters, 1 Pod?What were the challenges of booking the first tour in venues you wouldn't find a metal band? Was it tough to get promoters to cough up fees for an unknown quantity? And what's happening with the towels?All that and so much more as we once again give someone from the dark side of the industry a chance to have their say.We go again, every Thursday morning.

Being Our Agent... with Haydn Britland

Booking headliners has become a real issue for festivals of all sizes but is tying up bands TWO years in advance the answer or a very dangerous gamble?Gav and James respond to the latest drama to hit promoters and how it impacts their festivals. There’s also a cheesy fest line-up which James is a tad too comfortable putting together and why wasn’t Gav more upset that Bleeding Through didn’t play all of This Is Love, This Is Murderous?Oh, and how about a power metal festival for the UK?Let’s tackle it all in blunt 2 Promoters, 1 Pod fashion.We go again, every Thursday morning.

Now Booking: 2027

It’s a new year but there’s no time for hugs and handshakes. Let’s get back to business.Why don’t Gav and James throw bands who are having a tough time on tour a few extra quid? Is Spotify really the devil of the music industry? And how the hell did Karnivool end up on Brutal Assault if they were booked as a Euro exclusive for ATG?After those pleasantries are exchanged there’s the small matter of tackling 2025; the live tour, Trees, ATG and Damnation’s 20th birthday bash.James also gets excited about new albums this year promises while Gav sets a new high standard for On The Record. Enjoy, engage and let’s go again! We go again, every Thursday morning.

The Year Ahead…

We made it! The milestone pod, Episode 52. But is this the end for 2 Promoters, 1 Pod or just the beginning?Gav and James pop the bubbly, beers and ciders and get merry to mark the occasion.Merry Christmas.We go again, every Thursday morning.

Episode 52.

Exactly what it says on the tin. We go again, every Thursday morning.

Our Favourite Albums of the Year

It's back to the bottomless mailbag to tackle another batch of your probing questions.How much of a band do we listen to before deciding to book them? When will Damnation day ticket be on sale? Will the live shows be recorded?And what's the difference between headlining, co-headlining and are the costs the same or is it all just in the name? Gav and James get stuck in. We go again, every Thursday morning.

Are co-headliners as expensive as headliners? - Q&A 9

A staggering 72 UK festivals have cancelled, postponed or called time so far in 2024 - double the number from 2023, and more than 200 have gone since 2019.Association of Independent Festivals (AIF) CEO, John Rostron, joins the pod to discuss the bleak landscape and what can be done to stop more events following suit.But before the misery hammer drops, Gav and James celebrate the latest Damnation band announcement, discuss the collapse of Sick New World and kick around the idea of an Only Fans account to generate some tour funds.We go again, every Thursday morning.

Festivals in Crisis  (featuring John Rostron)

For the fan enjoying their favourite band at a headline tour date or festival there might be a different setlist but for the promoters, it’s a different journey nailing the booking.The approach, the availability, the fee, the rider and conditions can all be a very different landscape depending on if you’re promoting a gig or festival. And what on earth is a “versus 80/20 deal”? James and a Covid-stricken Gav attempt to explain it all.We go again, every Thursday morning.Lou's Brews, use the code POD15 for 15% off your order - https://www.lousbrews.co.ukMeliora Software, Elevate your fans event experiences with festival and event apps by Meliora Software. - https://meliora.eventsSynertec, smarter, more efficient, more reliable, and less costly ways to create, distribute and manage important communications - https://synertec.co.ukWe go again, every Thursday morning.

Tour Promoting Vs Festival Promoting

Gav and James dive bag into the mail bag to tackle this week’s most pressing issues including the Sleep Token backlash from Download fans and why our two promoters will never, ever work together… unless there’s a Butlins to hire.We go again, every Thursday morning.Lou's Brews, use the code POD15 for 15% off your order - https://www.lousbrews.co.ukMeliora Software, Elevate your fans event experiences with festival and event apps by Meliora Software. - https://meliora.eventsSynertec, smarter, more efficient, more reliable, and less costly ways to create, distribute and manage important communications - https://synertec.co.ukWe go again, every Thursday morning.

Why not Sleep Token? - Q&A 8

The Download line-up is out and Gav and James avoid all spoilers to react to it in real time. The highs (Green Day), the lows (Steel Panther) and the billing stunners (Sikth) are all the topics of the night. But what’s that hardcore din in the background determined to gatecrash the UK’s biggest rock and metal party?Oh, just Outbreak not giving a single f#@k over the same weekend. Let’s go! We go again, every Thursday morning.

Download Vs Outbreak

Damnation ‘24 is in the bag and we’re still rattling in disbelief days later but there’s no time to feel sorry for our souls because there’s an event to pick over. Thankfully, Damnation’s Irish general, Paul Farrington, joins the pod to tackle the PTSD of two days' aural abuse in a Manchester industrial estate. From LLNN to Dragged Into Sunlight via Nails, we open up about it all… and why did Gav’s usually placid wife chase an “influencer” around the Russian Circles crowd?There’s also the small matter of the debut 2 Promoters, 1 Tour to announce with tickets going on sale tomorrow. We go again, every Thursday morning.

The Damnation Debrief

It's here...Damnation is tomorrow, Gav is stressed and James is ready to go big. Gav chats us through some of next year’s Damnation plans, and boots off about  lanyards and car number plates. Whilst James gets stuck into some questions and talks about whether he is mid feud with Bloodstock or not.We go again, every Thursday morning.We go again, every Thursday morning.

Damnation and a Day

Five headliners for three nights with an unbelievable reunion coup on top? 2000trees dropped an atom bomb of a band announcement and it exploded over every self-respecting rock fan’s socials.Gav and James quickly reconvened for an instant reaction pod to the news the Kneecap, Pvris, Taking Back Sunday, Coheed & Cambria, Alexisonfire AND Million Dead will invade Upcote Farm in 2025.But nothing is ever completely without a little ballache with the billing!Enjoy some rare Friday fun.We go again, every Thursday morning.

The BIGGEST Trees announcement EVER!

Gav and James dive back into the virtual mailbag to address the most pressing concerns of the listeners. Would we allow an artist to "curate" our festivals? What's our thoughts on oversold shows? And why did James have the police at his door earlier this year?More importantly, is Gav really going to slag off the mighty Black Sabbath?First though, can we all just take a moment to discuss THAT Sick New World line-up poster!?We go again, every Thursday morning.

It's a Sick New World - Q&A 7

The Damnation clashfinder is out and Gav is ready to take his licks as the fans demand to know what idiot clashed Dragged Into Sunlight with Ahab and why?But before the slot by slot lines-ups of A Night of Salvation and Damnation can be explained there's some Trees headliner news, a change of ArcTanGent's Wednesday plans and another late cancellation for Gav to contend with.And is it a face cloth or a flannel?We go again, every Thursday morning.

Fan Denial: Ahab v Dragged Into Sunlight

Let's get down to business. And who better than to pour over the industry spreadsheets, receipts and album charts than Mr Andy Farrow, manager of the likes of Opeth, Devin Townsend, Paradise Lost and Katatonia?The Northern Music Company boss talks promoting to publishing, The Wildhearts to Oceansize and the chances of ever seeing Strapping Young Lad again.Get your pen and paper ready, this is a crash course in music management.We go again, every Thursday morning.

The Band Manager with Andy Farrow

The first wave of bands have been announced for 2025, and it's a tsunami worth diving into.Karnivool, Melvins, Rolo Tomassi, Kylesa, Between the Buried and Me playing Colors, The Fall of Troy playing Doppelgänger and not just one, but two We Lost The Sea sets, including "the greatest post rock album ever"... Departure Songs.Plenty to get swept away by but first, what's the issue with international bank transfers, music award bashes and agents selling you a dummy! Curly fucking Wurly, indeed.We go again, every Thursday morning.

Karnivool to Kylesa: ATG 25

When you're up to your eyes in it on show day a friendly tour manager can save your mood but an aggressive tour manager can ruin it.But what is a tour manager, why are they so important to bands and why do their roles and attitudes vary so wildly?Gav and James do their level best to describe the role before sharing their experiences of dealing with the good, the bad and the downright ridiculous sides of the hard-grafting TM.And what the fuck are ginger shots? We go again, every Thursday morning.