Brooks' Ireland shows are off

Brooks received word that the Dublin city Council refused to grant permits for having five concerts on consecutive nights at Croke Park.

Brooks, who announced last Thursday he would launch a world tour this year, said he would either do all five shows or none at all. He said he would not alienate his fans. More than 400,000 people bought tickets for the sold out shows.

"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."

Ticketmaster will issue refunds starting on Thursday.