Madonna stalls at Croke Park hurdle

Hot Press understands that promoters MCD had hoped to make a gig by the world’s biggest female star the final jigsaw piece in their schedule of dates at GAA headquarters. However, the stage being used outdoors by Madonna for her Confessions On A Dancefloor tour is elaborate and, according to reliable sources in the UK, too large to fit in the confines of Croke Park.
“One of the things that makes Croke Park such a good stadium is that it’s tight,” a British industry insider tells Hot Press. “When I was over to see U2, I thought that – whatever about rock shows – I’d love to see a game of football there! But apparently they don’t allow the stage to be positioned on the actual playing surface and so the stage Madonna is using for outdoor shows is just too big. Unless something drastic happens, it’s an insurmountable obstacle.”
Whatever the circumstance, there is still a gap in the calendar where Croke Park is concerned. Only two shows have been lined-up so far for 2006 – the Bon Jovi and Robbie Williams dates that have already been announced. However, there is permission for a third gig and not to fill it would be a potential blow to either the GAA or the promoters.
The Rolling Stones are another target for the venue with industry sources also suggesting that MCD have made an offer to bring Mick’n’Keef to the stadium, almost certainly in August. However, no decision has been made yet by the Stones about their Irish plans – although, as already revealed in Hot Press, the proposal for them to play Phoenix Park is now definitely out.