Garth Brooks says Dublin concerts cannot proceed

The scheduled Garth Brooks concerts in Dublin's Croke Park will definitely not be proceeding, a statement from the country singer tonight says.

The singer was responding to Dublin City Council’s position that it could not change its earlier ruling about five shows being held on five consecutive dates.

Ticketmaster would be proceeding with issuing refunds for the tickets to purchasers, he added.

He thanked the Irish authorities “for going the distance for all of us who wanted to share songs and dance together”.

He added that he was “crushed” that none of the series of shows later this month would go ahead.

His full statement reads as follows:

“I have always been advised to NEVER send a message in ‘the moment’. It is said it is best to take a walk, wait awhile, and think about it. With that said, I just received the news the Irish council cannot change their earlier ruling to not allow the licenses for all five shows.

“To say I am crushed is an understatement. All I see is my mother’s face and I hear her voice. She always said things happen for a reason and for the right reason. As hard as I try, I cannot see the light on this one.

“So it is with a broken heart, I announce the ticket refunds for the event will go as posted by Ticketmaster.

“I want to thank the Irish authorities for going the distance for all of us who wanted to share songs and dance together. I really want to thank all the people around the world that continued to think good thoughts that this would actually happen.

"Most of all, to [concert promoter] Peter Aiken and those 400,000 people who believed enough to go through what they have been through to get to this point…I love you, always have, always will.

“I encourage any and all of them that can come see the show, at some point around the world, to bring your Irish flags and wave them proudly at the concerts. I will be looking for you.…garth.”