Debbie McWilliams on breaking acts, nerves meeting Lionel Richie, and 35 years working at the heart of Glasgow’s live entertainment industry  

Interview: Cheryl Caira 

Lead image: Swedish House Mafia onstage at OVO Hydro. Credit: Michael C Hunter

There’s never a dull moment in this job. Up until three months ago, I was director of live entertainment at SEC – so predominantly responsible for sponsorship, ticketing, and booking in events at the OVO Hydro. Our CEO stepped down in June, so I’m now interim MD for strategy and people. The beauty of events is that no two days are ever the same. You can be dealing with Beyonce one day, and Les Misérables the next.  

Once live entertainment draws you in, you never want to leave. I joined the SEC in 1989 as assistant to the operations director. It was my first job, and at age 18, I was getting to work on a Kylie Minogue show. I fell in love with it immediately. There’s so much opportunity to learn, develop and find something that’s your thing.  

Debbie has worked with the SEC since 1989

People assume in this job that you know every single act going, but they’re breaking so quickly now and in so many different places. Historically, your Elton Johns and your Queens of this world would go through the journey of playing all the pubs and clubs before signing a record deal, but acts are now breaking in their bedroom on social media. It keeps the industry buoyant and there’s an abundance of talent coming through, which is great for business. 

I still get very nervous when I meet some of our acts. That never dissipates, and I certainly haven’t got to a place where it’s just another day at the office. I still stand there thinking: ‘How lucky am I?’ I met Pink recently and she was pretty spectacular, but Lionel Richie… I remember being so nervous going in to meet him. He was lovely – so warm and welcoming. It’s always nice to get the chance to see the person, and not the star.  

Chemical Brothers at OVO Hydro. Credit: Michael C Hunter

I feel proudest of the role I played in bringing the Hydro to Glasgow in 2013. It’s something that’s very difficult to articulate in terms of the scale of it. It really was the moment where my career took off at a senior level, and I now hold the highest position in live entertainment in the business.  

The SEC is 40 years old next year, so I’m busy creating a vision and thinking – what’s next? I get a great sense of achievement from playing a part in a legacy. I’ve been so fortunate in my entire career here, and whenever I do decide to go off into the sunset, I can walk away knowing I’ve added real value.