Our epic chat with Gary Smith, a veteran Christian music promoter in Europe! Behind the scenes stories of booking Rebecca St. James’ first UK tour to Skillet’s loud shows and for KING & COUNTRY’s international debut, Gary shares wild stories—like a whale-chasing crowd in the Faroe Islands and a 900-ticket sellout in an Austrian village. Hear how faith and ministry drove his work with, Thrid Day, DC Talk, Newsboys, and many more. 🕊️ Subscribe for more inspiring stories, and don’t miss Matt Armstrong next week! #MoreCowbellPlease

Chapters

0:00 Intro

1:06 Welcome

2:02 Early Life Stories

2:40 Boys’ Brigade Memories

4:08 Discovering Music Festivals

4:46 First Bookings: Firm Foundations

6:59 Label Showcase Moments

8:26 Hiring the Right Team

9:21 Landing U.S. Label Gigs

9:39 DC Talk Show Highlights

10:49 GMA Experiences

11:06 David Smallbone’s Impact

11:48 Organizing RSJ’s First Tour

13:45 RSJ Tour Locations

14:57 Planning Show Dates

15:46 Core Touring Values

16:31 Supporting Promoters

17:40 Making Tours Work for All

19:00 Austrian Tour Story

22:10 Translator Tales

23:47 Faroe Islands Adventure

26:06 Japan Tour Insights

28:20 for KING & COUNTRY’s First International Dates

28:59 Keyboard Player Anecdotes

30:27 Acts Promoted

32:41 To Tour Europe or Not?

34:52 Skillet’s Big Date

36:13 Investing in European Tours

37:42 Europe’s Openness to the Gospel

39:38 Crossing Over to Mainstream

40:11 U2’s Influence

40:57 Life After Promoting

42:10 Brazil Tour Story

43:56 Rich Mullins’ Legacy

45:44 Goodbyes & Thanks

45:59 Outro

🎧ALL EPISODES:.https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLBt6FZ88v_g64fr3KfLjQgPIM0vUYRZy9

PODCAST:

Listen on Spotify https://open.spotify.com/episode/0v9dEeIH0OeP1chxSfQ7gj?si=d0HmJihHTjGhiEuwP8cYew

Listen on Apple Podcasts

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/more-cowbell-please/id1796605641