Brooks: "For us it's five shows, or none at all"

Singer Garth Brooks has issued a statement tonight in relation to the cancellation of two of his Croke Parks gigs, saying "for us it is five shows or none at all."

Brooks: "For us it's five shows, or none at all"

Singer Garth Brooks has issued a statement tonight in relation to the cancellation of two of his Croke Parks gigs, saying "for us it is five shows or none at all."

"I can’t thank the people of Ireland enough for how welcome they have made me feel," said Brooks in a statement issued through his PR representative, Nancy Seltzer.

"I have faith that Dublin City Council will make the best decision for the people of Ireland," he added.

"For us, it is five shows or none at all.

"To choose which shows to do and which shows not to do, would be like asking to choose one child over another.

"However this plays out, Ireland has my heart and always will," Brooks said.

The singer's statement follows the granting of permission earlier today by Dublin City Council for only three out of five gigs in Croke Park at the end of this month.

An estimated 160,000 fans have been left devastated after licences were granted for three nights only, on July 25, 26 and 27.

Concerts on Monday and Tuesday night, July 28 and 29, were sensationally axed.

Residents had threatened legal action over the series of gigs after an initially-announced two-night run was extended to five.

In the ruling announced today – that can not be directly appealed but may be open to challenge in the courts – Dublin City Council ruled that a five-night run at Croke Park would cause unacceptable disruption to residents and traders around the stadium.

Croke Park is owned by the GAA, which in a written agreement with local residents in 2009 agreed that the stadium would hold a maximum of three concerts per year. One Direction have already played three nights there in May.

Promoters Aiken Promotions have yet to make an official statement.

Suggestions the cancelled gigs could be switched to the Aviva stadium were dismissed as not feasible because of the sheer amount of equipment that would have to be moved.

Brooks’ career saw him named the number one selling solo artist in US history, shifting more than 128 million albums and receiving countless industry accolades.

However he turned his back on touring to raise his family in Oklahoma 13 years ago and his comeback sent ripples throughout his worldwide fanbase. It has also fuelled fevered rumours of a global tour.

more courts articles

Man appears in court charged with false imprisonment of woman in van Man appears in court charged with false imprisonment of woman in van
Man in court over alleged false imprisonment of woman Man in court over alleged false imprisonment of woman
Coronation Street actor William Roache (91) given three months to settle tax debt Coronation Street actor William Roache (91) given three months to settle tax debt

More in this section

Government to introduce State contributory pension for carers Government to introduce State contributory pension for carers
Drug death in Cork Prison could be linked to nitazene opiate Drug death in Cork Prison could be linked to nitazene opiate
Four people hospitalised following suspected arson at West Dublin home  Four people hospitalised following suspected arson at West Dublin home 
War_map
Cookie Policy Privacy Policy Brand Safety FAQ Help Contact Us Terms and Conditions

© Examiner Echo Group Limited