Welcome to Series 3 of When Sh*t Goes Wrong at Events - the podcast giving listeners a backstage pass to the often unheard stories of event organising.

In this episode, host Freddie Sparrow sits down with Duncan King, Head of Partnerships at Skiddle, whose career spans DJing, promoting, artist management, and working at the heart of the UK ticketing industry. From the EDM boom of the mid-2000s to today’s challenging market for promoters, Duncan shares a candid look at how the industry has evolved - and what it takes to survive in it.

They explore the realities of life on tour, the pressures facing artists and promoters, and why attention to detail (from backstage care to financial planning) can make or break an event. The conversation also tackles mental health in the industry, the shift toward professionalisation, and why collaboration and diversification are becoming essential for long-term success.

Topics covered:

• Duncan’s journey from teenage DJ to industry leader at Skiddle
• The role of artist managers and life behind major tours
• Why artist riders and backstage care matter more than you think
• Mental health challenges for artists and independent promoters
• The evolution from cash-at-door events to online ticketing
• Current market pressures and the need to diversify
• Trust, relationships, and building sustainable careers in events

Connect with host Freddie Sparrow, Co-Founder of Vento, and guest Duncan King, Head of Partnerships at Skiddle.

This episode is sponsored by Vento Insurance - specialists in protecting live events when sh*t goes wrong. For event insurance advice, email [email protected].