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