‘For us it’s five shows or none at all,’ says Garth Brooks

Garth Brooks said last night that he would do five concerts or none at all.

He was reacting after Dublin City Council granted licences for three concerts at Croke Park on July 25th, 26th and 27th but refused the gigs planned for the 28th and 29th, to the devastation of about 160,000 fans.

The country singer said: “I have faith that Dublin City Council will make the best decision for the people of Ireland. For us, it is five shows or none at all.”

After the council’s decision emerged, other venues offered to host the concerts – Kildare’s Punchestown racecourse, Páirc Uí Chaoimh in Cork and Lissadell House in Sligo.

However, Mr Brooks said in a statement issued late last night: “To choose which shows to do and which shows not to do would be like asking to choose one child over another.”

Earlier yesterday concert promoter Peter Aiken said it was not possible to split the shows between venues. He said Brooks had a specific vision for a five-night spectacular to launch his worldwide comeback event.

Mr Brooks thanked the people of Ireland for how welcome they had made him feel.

Residents living near Croke Park welcomed the council decision but said they would go ahead with a protest outside next Monday’s city council meeting over the granting of licences for any of the concerts.