Over 180,000 people to descend on Phoenix Park for US country sensation's gigs
Zach Bryan's trio of gigs will be the first large-scale concert in the Dublin city centre park since Ed Sheeran's 2018 performance.
The Oklahoma-born Grammy-winner (29), who's due to fly in tomorrow, will take to the stage this Friday, Saturday and Sunday to perform to 180,000 fans for his sold-out gigs.
As proof of what a difference two years makes, the last time he performed in Dublin was to a crowd of 1,500 in the Helix in April 2023.
A ring of steel is currently being erected around the site as the Phoenix Park braces itself for its first large-scale concert since Ed Sheeran's 2018 performance.
"He's the real deal. He's not country per se but he's very Springsteen. He's a great storyteller and a very dynamic performer - he has a lot of charisma," said Aiken.
Deer in front of the Papal Cross in Dublin's Phoenix Park. Photo: Marc O'Sullivan
"When you have 160,000 people here, they're going to know the words to every song; it's going to be a very unique, special atmosphere."
Most of his fans will be aged between 18-35 but only 10pc of his tickets were bought in Dublin as he has a huge following outside the capital city.
"Normally for a big concert, say for Springsteen in Croke Park, 50pc of our audience were from the greater Dublin area. For this, it's about 10pc," he said.
"There's a big crowd coming from the North and Donegal, Mayo. There's a big crowd flying in from the States. These big events, more and more, attract overseas visitors. People will like the adventure of coming to a different place."
Asked to put a figure on the value of the trio of gigs, estimated to be many millions of euros, Mr Aiken said he "hadn't a clue."
"It's worth a lot. These big events create - not to be corny - but such happiness. People love these types of things, people who love music and it creates a great atmosphere and hopefully there will be a great atmosphere around town. For many kids, this could be the first big concert they've attended. Zach, to them, is like our Bruce Springsteen and they like the songs. The songs are about heart-break and redemption and hope and loss."
Zach Bryan will perform in Dublin. Photo: Getty
News in 90 Seconds - June 17
The weather forecast for this weekend couldn't be better, with high temperatures and sunny spells in store for concert goers.
More details of the trio of gigs were unveiled at a press conference hosted this morning by the OPW's Margaret Gormley, Chief Superintendent Michael McNulty and Sue Carton, Aiken Promotions event controller.
Superintendent McNutly said they had a "robust policing plan in place" in order to keep everyone safe and ensure they had an enjoyable experience.
People are encouraged to use public transport. Given that most attendees will be using the Park Gate entrance, they should leave at least 45 minutes to walk to the concert site.
Opening acts will be Turnpike Troubadours and Noeline Hofmann and gates will open at 5pm. No early queuing will be permitted.
For the first time, there will be a designated neuro-divergent area, which requires a special ticket. There will also be an alcohol free/family area for those looking for a quieter experience.
The chart-topper, who has amassed more than 21bn streams to date, recently dueted with Bruce Springsteen and the pair shared the cover of 'Rolling Stone.'
Asked about Bryan's stellar success, Aiken said it was an "incredible journey."
"He's come from nowhere. A number of years ago, he was in the Navy, he put a song up on YouTube and the next thing is, he's selling out 1,000 tickets in Dallas or somewhere. He's grown from there," he said.
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