Quickfire: DF Concerts' Geoff Ellis, who promoted Scottish festivals as well as big shows such as Eminem and Robbie, says it was the best summer yet for live events.(Forum)

How has the live scene changed over the past five years?

It is more event-based than it was and audiences demand a lot more than they did even as recently as five years ago. There are more options for them in forms of where they can spend their leisure pound than ever before, so people have to be more creative in terms of concerts and events and the quality of the show needs to be better Someone like Robbie Williams, people know he delivers a fantastic performance, and Eminem is a media icon not just a rap star; people like them are bringing new audiences and keeping the live scene alive.

Has this summer been the "best summer ever" for live? And in what way?

This year was definitely the best for live music in the UK--there were more US acts touring, rock has brought in younger kids who have just started going to events us they have got a bit older, whereas five years ago people were into dance and following DJs. The good weather this year will also affect ticket sales next year, as people will remember sunshine rather than mud.

What has been your strangest festival experience?

About three years ago there were long queues at the portaloos and people were only going into ones they saw other people going into. I strode down there and pulled open a door to encourage one girl to go in--she just looked at me strangely and when I turned round there was this poor bloke just sitting there.

Your strangest experience this year?