Garth Brooks’ Five Ireland Shows Canceled

“It’s five shows or none at all,” Garth Brooks said last week, in response to the Dublin City Council’s threat to cancel two of his five concerts planned for the city’s Croke Park later this month. And after unsuccessful negotiations, the answer came today: none at all.

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The company organizing the country icon’s five comeback shows has issued a statement saying, “It is with great regret that Aiken Promotions today announce that the five concert Garth Brooks Comeback Special Event at Croke Park has been cancelled. No concerts will take place. The ticket return process will be outlined tomorrow. Aiken Promotions have exhausted all avenues regarding the staging of this event. We are very disappointed for the 400,000 fans who purchased tickets for the Garth Brooks Comeback Special Event.”

This statement came just hours after what seemed like a budge in Brooks’ favor. According to Irish news site The Journal, Dublin councilors voted Monday night in favor of reviewing license conditions, so that all five shows could continue as planned. However, the city manager upheld the decision to deny a license for two of the shows.

The final decision favors neighbors of Croke Park who were protesting — some threatening legal action against — the concert series, due to inevitable noise and traffic. Other Dublin residents lobbied for the shows, for the crucial economic boost they would give the city, not to mention the once-in-a-lifetime musical experience.

Brooks likened his stance of “five or none” to choosing between children. He will likely address the matter in a press conference this Thursday, during which it is also speculated that he may announce his upcoming world tour — his first in more than 13 years.