Live Review: 2 Promoters, 1 Pod - Glee Club, Birmingham
21st March 2025
Words: Cat Finch
Photos: Tim Finch
After a year which saw the ‘2 promoters, 1 Pod’ podcast launch and become incredibly successful, its stars have decided to take the show on the road. James Scarlett and Gavin McInally – both successful festival directors - hit venues across the UK, bringing their insider stories, industry banter, and no-holds-barred discussions straight to a live audience. But does their transition to the live arena work as well as their usual in-ear/on screen experience?
From the moment they stepped on stage, it was clear that James and Gavin had lost none of their chemistry when they are in the same room instead of across a zoom call. The conversational flow that makes their podcast such an engaging listen translated effortlessly in front of a crowd. Their quick wit, deep knowledge of the live music industry, and unfiltered storytelling had the audience hooked from the start.
The beauty of 2 Promoters, 1 Pod has always been its behind-the-scenes look at the chaotic world of live music, one many punters don’t often hear about, and this live show took that to the next level. With tales of disastrous festival moments, bizarre rider requests, and the ever-present battle of band member egos, James and Gavin delivered exactly what fans came for—uncensored, brutally honest insight mixed with plenty of laughs.
The laughs that we usually see on the podcast enhanced by a number of live show quirks, including the bingo game – where the audience were on the look out for James’ repeated use of ‘Amazing’, Gavin kicking the show off with ‘We go again!’ and many more. With the chances of winning a curly wurly and Lou’s Brews hot sauce.
What truly set this apart from the podcast format was the live interaction. From audience Q&As to unexpected stories spurred on by fan questions, the night felt unpredictable in the best possible way. The banter between fans and the hosts is not something you can create in the podcast world, but here tonight that intimate fan interaction made a great show into something very special.
For fans of the podcast, this live show was everything they could have hoped for—funny, insightful, and packed with inside knowledge that only two seasoned promoters could provide. If this first tour is anything to go by, James and Gavin have found a new way to connect with their audience, and we wouldn’t be surprised if 2 Promoters, 1 Pod Live becomes a staple on the touring circuit.
Photo Credits: Tim Finch Photography
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