ROLLING STONES SET FOR CROKE PARK GIG
...but Croke Park residents don’t seem to like it!
FAMILIES living around Croke Park are strenuously objecting to potential plans to host a fourth concert in the stadium this summer... even though the extra gig may feature rock and roll royalty.
Last night, there was strong speculation that the fourth slot would be filled by the Rolling Stones.
Under an agreement with residents, Croke Park is entitled to hold three concerts per year, with 2018’s allocation already filled by Taylor Swift, who will take to the stage on June 15 and 16; and Michael Bublé, when he performs on July 7.
The trouble that applying for an additional gig can create was famously highlighted in 2014 when residents objected to the staging of five Garth Brooks gigs at the world class venue.
The bitter row eventually led to the country heavyweight pulling out of all five gigs proposed for the stadium.
The fourth Croke Park concert is rumoured to be taking place on May 17, if the licence application from Aiken Promotions proves successful.
Mick Jagger, Keith Richards and Co last performed on Irish soil when they headlined at Slane Castle in 2007.
‘The Rolling Stones are being lined up to play Croke Park this summer. Following on from U2’s homecoming spectacular last summer, they had to go equally as big.
‘It promises to be a very special concert if the license is granted,’ a source told the Irish Daily Mail.
Stadium director Peter McKenna this week wrote to residents living near Croke Park, informing them of the application for an additional special event.
Speaking on RTÉ News at One he said he could not reveal the identity of the act but confirmed it was not Garth Brooks.
The proposed date in May would be the only event or match to be scheduled that month, bringing the number of events to 30 for the year, compared to 27 last year and 31 in 2016.
However, local residents are against the proposed concert, even if it is The Rolling Stones.
Colm Stephens, from Clonliffe & Croke Park Residents Association, said that they were opposed to another concert because of the ‘disturbance’ caused.
‘The use of Croke Park as a stadium is fine. However, for a concert venue it introduces a whole different dynamic in the area with a night time event with 80,000 people. This brings out a lot of different behaviours,’ Mr Stephens said. He added that the ‘build up’ and ‘tear down’ to such concerts takes its toll.
‘It promises to be a special concert’