Glasgow Techno Scene Confronts Promoter Who Books Events That Never Happen

A Glasgow promoter operating under multiple aliases has been systematically exploiting young DJs by publicising events that don’t exist. Kieran Wells, named in a recent report by local news outlet The Glasgow Bell, followed a distinct pattern. He approached DJs on social media, added them to line-ups and group chats, then persuaded some to find venues, design flyers or cover upfront costs for equipment and room hire. The events never happened.

Several DJs reported paying out of pocket and investing hours of work only to see the dates dissolve close to the event. The promises of exposure and stage time disappeared along with the promoter’s communication. Some had already told friends and family about the gigs. The emotional fallout has been as damaging as the financial loss.

The Glasgow techno scene is small and tight-knit. A figure like Wells can move through it quickly, using the hunger of emerging artists to create a false sense of momentum. The Bell’s report triggered a wave of responses from DJs who recognised the same name behind different brand handles. Some had been burned more than once.

There’s no official industry protection for working DJs at this level. No agent, no contract. The scam relies on that lack of infrastructure. Wells appears to have gotten little more than a fleeting sense of authority and perhaps some small sums. What’s real is the damage to trust among artists trying to find their place in a city with a genuinely vibrant electronic music culture.