From Tree Tunnels to Tunnels of Sound: Kevin McLoughlin’s UK Tour Adventure on Jams ‘N’ Cocktails

The latest episode of Jams ‘N’ Cocktails is a whirlwind ride through the English countryside, biker pubs, BBC interviews, and musical milestones as international touring artist Kevin McLoughlin returns from his first-ever UK tour. Host Brad Brock welcomes his longtime friend back to the legendary JNC Lounge for a night of laughter, reflection, and storytelling that captures the heart of touring life abroad.

Brad opens the episode with Kevin in classic JNC style—sharing a cocktail (this week’s pick: the Bramble) and setting the stage for a conversation that is as heartfelt as it is hilarious. What unfolds is a candid and often comical recounting of Kevin’s journey, starting with dragging a 100-pound suitcase with frozen wheels through Gatwick Airport and ending with music-loving locals in Froom inviting him to play impromptu gigs.

Kevin’s UK adventure wasn’t all smooth roads—literally. He and his partner Tracy navigated hair-raising, hedge-lined one-lane roads where the speed limit somehow clocked in at 60 mph. Their tales of left-side driving and white-knuckle turns are enough to make any seasoned traveler sweat. But it’s in these moments—whether fighting with luggage or dodging double-decker buses—that Kevin’s charm and resilience shine.

The episode highlights the generosity of strangers and the power of music to connect people across continents. Kevin recounts moments like buying a brand-new acoustic guitar just hours before his first gig, being interviewed on BBC Radio (twice!), and bonding with a pub owner in Froom who booked him for a last-minute show after hearing his album. Audiences across the UK welcomed Kevin’s brand of Americana and Southern rock with open arms, and the pride on Brad’s face as his friend recounts each success is palpable.

One standout anecdote involves a chance encounter with a fortune-telling gypsy in Glastonbury who deemed Kevin a warlock—one who isn’t using his powers. She sold him “magic” shells for 30 pounds, and as the pair joke, perhaps they worked: Kevin avoided his usual height-induced panic attack when visiting the Glastonbury Tor.

From hilarious cultural misunderstandings (think band-aid-flavored whiskey and strict Sunday roast reservations) to deeply moving reflections on fan support and artistic growth, this episode of Jams ‘N’ Cocktails is more than just a podcast—it’s a testament to the power of stepping out of your comfort zone.

Whether you’re a musician, a traveler, or just someone who loves a good story, Kevin’s journey will inspire and entertain. And as Brad toasts his friend’s courage and success, listeners are reminded of what makes Jams ‘N’ Cocktails such a beloved show: authenticity, humor, and a deep appreciation for the music and people that bring it to life.