Garth Brooks fans and arts reporter CorrAlan2 give their view on why Ireland loves the country superstar so much
Garth Brooks pictured at the launch of the ill-fated 2014 'Garth Brooks Comeback Special Event'. Image: Mark Stedman Garth Brooks pictured at the launch of the ill-fated 2014 'Garth Brooks Comeback Special Event'. Image: Mark Stedman IN LESS THAN a week’s time, tens of thousands of people will converge on Croke Park stadium to see a man whose return has been very, very long awaited: Garth Brooks.
So what accounts for the longevity of Brooks’ popularity in Ireland, and what has people running to go see him not once, but multiple times?Arts and culture journalist Alan Corr of RTE.ie has watched Garth Brooks’ success grow over the past four decades. He’s also interviewed him at least five times over the years.
He wasn’t at all surprised by Brooks’ initial success in Ireland in the 1990s, given a number of factors. The line dancing craze was taking over the country, while the era of the showbands had died down, meaning people could have been looking for something to replace them with. “We have always loved that rhinestone and glitz side of country music in Ireland,” said Corr.
Country was having a moment, and people were really leaning into it. “People wanted a good night out, they enjoyed going out, seeing a live band and having a dance,” said Corr. “But certain people in the Dublin media were snobby about this.” I found him to be very honest and open. Anytime I asked him about the criticism and sneering he said it hurts – he is just trying to please an audience. AdvertisementRegardless of any cynicism, Garth Brooks’ fans are nothing if not dedicated.
A lot of the appeal to Brooks is nostalgia for her, but above all she just really loves his songs. And with a gang of friends who are also into him, the gigs are a big social event for them all. While some people might be dressing up in full cowboy regalia for the gigs, Lawless will be going more lowkey – maybe a cowboy hat might make its way into her outfit.
O’Brien also believes that Brooks taps into the respect that country artists in particular tend to have for their fans. “There’s always great respect given by performers in the country genre,” he said. “There seems to be good connection with people, you see that more in Ireland than anywhere.”
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