Chances of Stadium concert only 50/50

Date Published: 21-Mar-2008

It now seems likely that no major outdoor musical show will take place at Pearse Stadium this summer unless a headlining act sells out elsewhere in Ireland and the promoters decide to put on an extra show.

Although Aiken Promotions have applied to Galway City Council for planning permission to stage two shows at the Salthill venue, music industry insiders rate the chances of a major concert going ahead at only “about 50-50” at this stage.

While a host of outdoor concerts have been earmarked for various venues throughout the country — some of which have been marketed for up to a year — it is understood that Aikens have no definite act lined up for the Galway GAA venue.

In early February, Aikens applied for planning permissionto stage two concerts at the venue, but it is now believed that they may not go ahead with any show even if permission is obtained. In 2004, Aikens promoted a successful concert by Bob Dylan at Pearse Stadium, but only after a first concert by the US legend sold out well in advance at Kilkenny’s Nowlan Park.

Two years later, local promoter Eric Cunningham could ………………