Script and Pharrell set for Croke Park gig

The nationwide guessing game has finally come to an end, as The Script and Pharrell Williams are revealed as the acts playing Croke Park in 2015 — but not everyone is happy.

After promoters MCD released information about a super-secret big-gig announcement, the rumour mill was rife with speculation — theories quickly formed around prospective artists such as Robbie Williams, One Direction, U2, AC/DC, and Taylor Swift.

Even David Bowie, who is due to release a greatest hits compilation called Nothing Has Changed next month, was tipped for the top slot.

When The Script were finally revealed, there seemed to be a general feeling of deflation, however.

Predictably, the masses took to Twitter to express their disappointment.

Caolan McAree from Dublin doubted that The Script would even fill the 80,000 seats at Croke Park. He quipped: “Would they not be safer trying to sell out the Olympia first?”

Others supported this view, casting doubt on the pulling power of The Script, despite the fact the group recently sold out both the Aviva and Dublin Castle.

Pharrell Williams’ followers rankled at the artist filling a supporting slot, claiming the singer is better known than The Script and should be headlining.

Blissfully unaware of their detractors’ scathing comments, the Dublin-based band were in good spirits at the hyped-up announcement, speaking of their excitement at playing the venue again, having supported U2 there in 2009.

Talking to The Nicky Byrne Show on 2FM, the band even joked they could sell out five nights at Croke Park if they wanted, but did not want to “rock the boat” after the Garth Brooks fiasco.

Meanwhile, Paddy Power, which offered odds on Garth Brooks, The Script, AC/DC, and other acts, had to shell out thousands of euro to clued-in punters who backed the Dublin band to headline.

So many people took them up on the wager that they were forced to suspend betting ahead of the announcement. Originally weighing The Script as 20/1 outsiders, the bookie slashed the band’s odds to 1/5 but had to eventually pull the plug on the market following continued backing.

The gig will take place on June 20, 2015. Tickets are €45 and go on sale Thursday, November 6, at 9am.