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Name: Dave McGeachan Job title: Senior promoter / T Break Judge
Company: DF Concerts
When did you start your job? I started with DFC/King Tuts in March 1999. Previous to that I had been managing/tour managing and working out of GR Management in Glasgow (Texas, Primal Scream). Previous to that I was running my own club night, DJ'ing at least twice a week as well as promoting in Greenock and Gourock
(my hometown, where I still live). I had the likes of Manic Street Preachers play in Gourock, and promoted Suede, New Model Army and Sultans of Ping in Greenock. I also ran my own record shop from 1993 to 2003. So what does your job actually involve? My day to day involves speaking to London or American based booking agents, who represent touring artists, and booking them into suitable venues – be it brand new acts who we place into the likes of King Tuts, or larger better known acts
we would promote in the likes of Glasgow SECC or the Edinburgh Corn Exchange. Other time is spent working out advertising and marketing and making sure shows are promoted as well as they possibly can be.
Best / Worst Aspects? Watching acts doing well, growing with you, playing bigger venues, selling more records and increasing their fanbase. It was incredible to see Biffy Clyro go from being first on King Tuts bill, way back in '99 and then sell out two nights at Glasgow SECC and one night at Aberdeen AECC (27,000 tickets in total). Scotland has such a wealth of unsigned talent, and its great to be able to help develop these acts via T Break, and see them play at T in the Park, alongside some of the biggest acts in the world.
Also meeting artists that you have always looked up to – I was very privileged to promote and meet the late great Joe Strummer. When he played Tuts back in '99 he kindly signed my copy of London Calling (my fav album of all time), and then recently I promoted Big Audio Dynamite, and Mick Jones (bass player with the Clash) also signed the same album, 12 years after Joe had. Only two members to go!
It's great meeting artists and bands, and I have made so many great friends over the years.
I would say there aren't too many bad
aspects, but we work very long hours, and sometimes we can be in very stressful situations.
Looking back, what advice would you give to a young Dave McGeachan at the start of his career? Work as hard as you possibly can, and meet as many people in the business as you can. You can't be scared to work long hours. I have always believed that you can do whatever you want to do, but that takes 110% dedication and very hard work – but if you stick with it, I do believe that you will eventually get to where you want to be. and finally . . what are you most looking forward to in 2011? Obviously very much looking forward to T in the Park this year, and meeting some new and old faces. Looking forward to lots of shows in the Autumn/Winter. Looking forward to my Rocknroll Damnation Festival during August in Glasgow, taking place in various venues between 22nd - 29th August. In particular, the Bronx and Mariachi El Bronx playing together for the first time in Scotland.
26 May–23 Jun 2011 THE LIST 117