He may not be playing Croke Park any time soon, but it looks like country music singer Garth Brooks might have another gig lined up pretty soon - playing for the future President of the United States' inauguration.
According to a report in the New York Daily News, Brooks is apparently in talks to play at the ceremony for Donald Trump taking office. Yes, really.
Brooks would be replacing Motley Crue's Vince Neil, who was uninvited from the ceremony when it was understood that Trump actually won the election. Again, not joking in the slightest. Brooks' publicist was recently quizzed about the prospect of playing for the Great Orange One, saying that Brooks "has performed for the five living presidents." When pressed on the matter, she replied that Brooks "has not been able to commit yet."
However, when the singer was asked personally about playing at Trump's inauguration by TMZ, Brooks replied somewhat cryptically, saying that "(it's) always about serving. It's what you do." Aretha Franklin, John Williams, Bruce Springsteen and Beyonce all played during Barack Obama's two inaugurations.
Boris Ephysteyn, who's the communications director in charge of the inauguration, rubbished claims that it's proving next to impossible to book anyone for the event. "We have world-class talent, world-class entertainers reaching out to us offering their help, offering their services so no struggle, whatsoever."