Garth Brooks Confirms Ireland Dates Are Canceled

The Irish council has ruled to not allow the licenses for all five of Garth Brooks comeback shows, which were to take place July 25-29 at Croke Park in Dublin, Ireland, according to the singer. In a statement released Monday (July 14), Brooks says refunds will be handled by Ticketmaster. Ticketmaster’s Ireland website has set refunds to begin Thursday, July 17.

“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,” Brooks said via a statement. “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 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.”

Last week, during a press conference announcing his new album, tour, and partnership with Sony Music, Brooks took time to express his desire to hold all five concerts in Ireland. Brooks addressed the situation saying, “[Today is] a day of joy, but it is also under a cloud.” At the time, Brooks said his equipment and crew were still en route to the shows, and that he was optimistic there would be a last minute allowance by the Irish council.

Some Brooks fans may still find today to be one of joy, as Atlanta fan Andy Roberts just confirmed that Brooks will launch his world tour in Chicago.