Explore every episode of the podcast 2 Promoters, 1 Pod

This one is 20 years in the making - Reuben are finally playing 2000 Trees!!!
 
Gav and James go through all 67 Trees bands in this mega announcement. 

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Damnation is so nearly here, we can smell the BEC. Gav is smashing out the last few bits and James is definitely not helping him (he’s actively adding to the workload)

So come get hyped for a weekend of face melting metal!!

There’s all 18 new ATG bands discussed just to get you excited for next August too. 

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At 44 years old, Gav is handed his first ‘report card’ since high school in the shape of a “Damnation 2026 Performance Review” he didn’t ask for. 

So how did he fare? Why don’t women and his fellow Scots love his festival? Why are profits down when revenue is up and what can he do about it in 2027?

It’s all in the pie charts, graphs and percentages, apparently.

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The Production Manager, an almost mythical creature found back stage stressing about about “patch” engineers and impossible changeover times. 

Who are they and why are they so important to the running of our events?

Thankfully, Marios of Damnation, Outbreak and Radar fame is in hand to attempt to explain it all, from “recharges” and “dead spots” to risking his life for the game. 

Pay attention.

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We go again, every Thursday morning.

Ok nerds, you want to hear about the the logistics of booking Mariner and making sure the stage is set for it exactly as planned? The importance of volunteers and why James and the ATG crew hope the army of familiar faces follow them to the new site? And Gav's questionable grasp of spreadsheets and tech to run a £1million festival?

Well, today we're here to tell you.

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It's exactly one month out from Damnation and planning is in full tilt with stage times, merch runs, flyposting campaigns, extra day tickets and a macaroni van all top of the agenda.

But who takes control of what? What tweaks have been made to make the weekend even better? And how do you make sure a fresh face wants to return?

It's a lot to consider, especially at a time when the 2027 tickets are already on sale. 

This is your (detailed) path to Damnation...

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James unveils the first wave of bands for his “absolutely not a metal festival” with headliners Blood Incantation and Neurosis playing alongside Møl, Holy Fawn, Conjurer, Slift, Messa, Employed To Serve and The Ocean… 

But before the boys get to the ATG ‘27 deathfest, they both have site visits to discuss, more new bands to fall in love with and yes, of course, tennis on the agenda.

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We go again, every Thursday morning.

You might see yourself as a bit of a festival veteran because you’ve  managed an impressive four events this summer but today’s guest calls that tally “July”. 

Mr Rob Kellas, of TPD TV and View From The Afternoon fame, plugs in a third mic and explains why “just” 19 festivals, across the UK, wider Europe and the States is a quiet year for them.

How his insanely popular channel and pod are succeeding in a world where not all promoters recognise their value. 

And why it’s important never to be bought by a shiny pass and promise of backstage glamour.

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Just when we thought it was going to be a quiet week, Ed Sheeran sets fire to himself and Slipknot drop a single that the music press love while the rest of the world hate. 

Gav and James absorb it all alongside rating new music, the rise of rock and metal influencers and a “mad” journalism tale from a past life. 

Oh, and there’s a horse.

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When two hours just isn’t enough to break down the best ATG yet… we go again!

This time Gav and James focus on the live performances the almost forgotten mishaps and answer all your most pressing questions.

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We go again, every Thursday morning.

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.

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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.

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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.

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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!

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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.

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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…

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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.

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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…

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James is broken in a caravan. He tried his best.

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We go again, every Thursday morning.

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?

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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??

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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. 

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We go again, every Thursday morning.

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?

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We go again, every Thursday morning.

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!

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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.

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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.

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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.

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We go again, every Thursday morning.

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?

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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.

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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.

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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? 

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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…

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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.

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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.

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We go again, every Thursday morning.

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.

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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?

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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?

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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.

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Photo from Jez Pennington

We go again, every Thursday morning.

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.

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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!”

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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.

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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!

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We go again, every Thursday morning.

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?

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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.

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?

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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.

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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.

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?

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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.

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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-pod

We go again, every Thursday morning.