Crystal Swing turn down Jedward tour

INTERNET sensation Crystal Swing have turned down a tour with spiky-haired duo Jedward and have saddled up for Derby Day.

The country music trio from Lisgoold in east Cork decided against a tour with the X Factor twins.

But band manager Hugh Rogers confirmed that Mary, Dervla and Derek will perform at Leopardstown Racecourse on April 26.

He also revealed the band, which helped Eircom launch a new broadband service last week, has been approached by several celebrities inviting them to perform at private functions, including weddings.

He said the response to the band since their YouTube hit, She Drinks Tequila, went global, has been phenomenal.

“I get about 1,200 emails a day and the phone never stops ringing. It’s been incredible,” he said.

Meanwhile, the band was the focus of two separate April Fool’s Day spoofs yesterday.

An ad was broadcast on 2fm in the morning suggesting the band was lined up to play a huge concert at the O2 in Dublin.

“I wish, but that’s not happening. We have gigs coming up in the Cork Opera House in May though,” Mr Rogers said.

And back in their home county, Cork’s 96fm broadcast a spoof news report suggesting the band was to be accorded the Freedom of Cork.

Emer O’Hea, senior producer of the Neil Prendeville Show, said the response from the public was incredible.

“The show received a flood of calls and texts from people saying the band deserved it, and wishing them the best of luck,” she said.