Latest news with #Zach
Irish Daily Mirror
2 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Irish Daily Mirror
'If there was a roof on the Phoenix Park, Zach Bryan would've blown it off'
If there was a roof on the Phoenix Park, Zach Bryan would've blown it off. The country singer performed to more than 60,000 on the first of his three nights in the Dublin park on Friday night. It's the first time that Phoenix Park has hosted such a large-scale event since Ed Sheeran in 2018. The Grammy-Award winning star was greeted by a rapturous applause from tens of thousands of sweating fans as the sunshine came beating down on the gig. Zach entertained fans with hits including Something In The Orange, Pink Skies and Heading South. A day before the gig, Zach was spotted arm wrestling a local in The Celt in Dublin's inner city centre. He posted the video on his Instagram showing off the arm wrestling match, which saw him win over the pub goer. Speaking earlier in the week, Peter Aiken of Aiken Promotions said the Oklahoma star is 'the real deal', comparing Zach, 29, to Bruce Springsteen. He said: '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. 'When you have 180,000 people here, they're going to know the words to every song; it's going to be a very unique, special atmosphere. 'His songs are about heartbreak and loss and all the things that people don't like talking about anymore,' he said. 'Maybe [those] in Dublin aren't aware of him, but people outside Dublin are very well aware of him.' Mr Aiken revealed the demographic of fans who love Zach, saying most of his fans will be aged between 18-35 but only 10% of his tickets were bought in Dublin, according to Aiken Promotions. 'Normally for a big concert, say for Springsteen in Croke Park, 50% of our audience were from the greater Dublin area. For this, it's about 10%,' Mr Aiken 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.' Zach plays to a sell out 180,000 over three nights this weekend until Sunday night. Gardai are advising fans to be mindful of neighbours and the wildlife this weekend. Margaret Gormley, from the Office of Public Works, said: 'Yeah, obviously we don't recommend anyone to feed the deer, and we ask people to stay a minimum of 50 meters away from the deer. They are wild animals. 'We want everyone to enjoy their event, and we do ask everyone to use public transport and to keep to the surface paths within the Phoenix Park. 'The park is over 1700 acres, so we don't want anyone to get lost. We want them to come and have a very enjoyable event. And you know, it is over 180,000 people, so we just ask for everyone to have a great time at the concert, but also to leave no trace and to respect all our neighbours surrounding the Phoenix Park.' Organisers are encouraging revellers to use public transport this weekend. They warned that given that most attendees will be using the Park Gate entrance, they should leave at least 45 minutes to walk to the concert site. Marathon Group is running special concert specific routes from Earlsfort Terrace in Dublin and orbital routes to the Phoenix Park. They will be dropping off in the Phoenix Park and pick up will be in the same place. For those heading to the concerts tonight and Sunday, they are reminded that there is no parking available on the streets surrounding the venue or inside the Phoenix Park.
Extra.ie
16 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Extra.ie
Zach Bryan seen legging it down Dublin street ahead of Phoenix Park gigs
Zach Bryan was reportedly filmed fleeing a number of fans in Dublin City Centre, ahead of his gig in Phoenix Park. The country superstar will be playing three sell-out gigs in Phoenix Park this weekend, and has been spotted in the capital ahead of the mammoth gigs, with some people already catching videos of him rehearsing in the park. With celebrities on tour usually enjoying a reprieve and being minimally bothered when they come to our shores, Zach reportedly proved to be an anomaly on Thursday — as a fan (with an American accent) recorded him legging it down O'Connell Street. @oklahomanoutlaw Zach Bryan was involved in a high-speed chase, running away from fans at the Portal in Dublin, Ireland. #ZachBryan #countrymusic #withheavenontop #zachbryansong #zachbryanmusic #zachbryanconcert #countrymusician #countrysong #countryartist #oklahomanoutlaw #outlawcountry #zachbryandublin #phoenixpark #zachbryanireland #zachbryanphoenixpark ♬ original sound – Oklahoman Outlaw The video, which was shared by a Zach Bryan fan page to TikTok, saw the singer run around a corner on the street, with the person recording joking that 'he's not pulling a hammy [hamstring] there. He's in good shape.' The video has since gained nearly 400,000 views on the site, with some people wondering why he was running at God Speed (get it?), and others wondering if he was even being chased in the first place. 'Literally no one is chasing him,' one person commented. 'In fact most people in the street don't know who he is or why they're running,' while Jedward commented 'that's Tom Cruise filming with a blonde wig and country voice.' Zach Bryan was reportedly filmed fleeing a number of fans in Dublin City Centre, ahead of his gig in Phoenix Park. Pic:Others wondered why he was being chased, particularly in a country where celebs tend to be left alone for the most part — with one commenting 'this never happens in Ireland, no matter who someone is… very strange!!' Zach is playing three nights in Phoenix Park, beginning on Friday night, before playing on Saturday (June 21) and Sunday (June 22). General entry starts from 5pm, while early entry tickets can enter from 4.30pm. Zach will play three huge gigs in Phoenix Park this weekend. Pic:The show is set to kick off at 6pm, with opening acts Turnpike Troubadors and Canadian singer Noeline Hoffman, before concluding at 10.30pm.
Dublin Live
2 days ago
- Dublin Live
'The Gucci gang is gone' says mum of murdered Zach Parker after Glen Ward jailed
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info The mother of murder victim Zach Parker says she's "delighted" that his boss Glen Ward is now in jail - as she warns against a life of crime and says: "The Gucci Gang is gone". Drug dealer Zach Parker (23) was gunned down outside a gym in Swords metres from his family home on January 17, 2019 - the first gangland murder of the bitter Coolock feud that also saw three of his pals killed. Speaking as she marked what should've been Zach's 30th birthday this week, a heartbroken Siobhan Parker said her son wanted out of his life of crime - and revealed how she learned of his involvement in the notorious 'Gucci Gang' led by Glen Ward. Ward (32) was in April finally unmasked as the criminal referred to as 'Mr Flashy' after he was jailed to five years and six months in prison for firing a semi automatic rifle from the back door of a Finglas home. Speaking at her son's graveside as she placed 30th birthday balloons, Ms Parker, who said she doesn't blame Ward for involving her son in a life of crime told us: "Yeah I was delighted like (that he went to jail) but at the same time they're still in a prison where they're gonna be looked after and everything. "No I don't (blame him). We all have our demons, we all have our own personalities. If you want to do something you do it. But if you're groomed you're groomed. "They'll be out in no time. Bullet proof vests are not going to save you. Zach got shot in the head. A Louis Vuitton bag is not gonna save you either. It's just bling bling bling." Speaking about marking her son's birthday Ms Parker said: "It's Zach's 30th birthday. He would've loved to have had a party. He's probably having a party up there. It's to acknowledge a milestone he didn't catch up on." Describing the past six and a half years since her son's death as "horrific," Ms Parker said: "I've been in rehab twice, I've been in hospital. But hopefully things will get better. The Gucci Gang is gone." It is believed that Zach was murdered after seeking a drug debt from a young criminal in the North Dublin area. Ms Parker says she knew her son was involved in drug dealing but that she only learned how deep after he died - when she met Glen Ward and close pal Sean Little after he died. Little was himself shot dead in May 2019 - as he looked for revenge for the murder of Zach. "I actually didn't really know the depths that he was in. You know, I knew the circumstances of the drug situation but now it's getting worse and like they're going around on scooters getting paid left right and centre and it's getting worse and worse. So I reckon Zach is probably in a better place. He was harmless," Ms Parker told us. Warning other young people away from a life of crime she added: "I used to love on a Sunday evening watching Love/Hate. I thought it was the best thing until it was reality for me. "They (young people) don't listen to their Mammies anyway. They're going around on scooters and getting paid. That's great for them at that age - getting a pair of runners for nothing. You know what I mean, like they're grooming them." Speaking about the first time she met Glen Ward, Sean Little and other members of the notorious 'Gucci Gang' which terrorised Finglas, Ms Parker said: "I didn't really know until I went into Beaumont that night and that's when I met the lads. Like Sean Little and that. "I never met them before. (Glen Ward) was there yeah but I wouldn't have known him. They had a vigil and he was there as well. "Zach wanted to get out of it. He never told me anything now. He would never tell me anything. He was in the Gucci Gang and he was the first to die in the Gucci Gang. And then poor Sean. "I personally think Zach was a lovely fella and he was the bestest barber in Swords, so people keep telling me. He was a softie. I don't even know how he got into the drug situation but it's money." Saying her "life changed" when Zach died, Ms Parker said Sean Little vowed for revenge - and told her partner that he would find who was responsible before he was blasted to death on 21 May 2019. She said: "Absolutely one million per cent (he wanted revenge) for Zach. He loved him. He was a very lovable person. He was a big softie like deep down. "Sean Little came in to me and he said he doesn't owe money, I can promise you here and now. The day after he passed he came in and said he didn't owe money. "He said to Gary I'm gonna find out who f*cking did this. They were so close. I didn't realise. He said he's gonna find out if it kills him. It did kill him didn't it?" Speaking about the moment she found out her son had been shot dead at the front of the gym, which was located just over a wall next to her home, Ms Parker said: "Gary, he came in. I was in the bedroom watching telly, he came in and said did you hear that and I said yeah, what the f*cks going on. "Then I seen him running across the way and I looked out the window. I started ringing Zach to see what was going on. I didn't realise it was him. "Then I went over and he was getting CPR done on him. They said go straight into Beaumont. "So we went straight in. My friend texted Oh My God there's been a shooting at the gym, someone's dead. It's horrific. I'm so angry." In August 2022 the DPP directed no charges be brought against a suspect arrested by gardai in connection with Zach's murder. It is understood the young man has connections to deceased crime boss Tommy 'The Zombie' Savage, who died of natural causes at the age of 71 in 2021. Ms Parker says she doesn't know why her son was murdered - but that she hopes to one day get justice for his death. "They said no charges. I'd have my suspicions. I want to get justice. I'm not going to get closure but I do want to get justice," she said. "But I do think he's in a better place because the way things are going now they don't just shoot you after three months, they shoot you straight away." Saying she believed her own son was groomed into a life of crime, Ms Parker said it started with his friendship with the late Sean Little. She said: "I do yeah definitely 100 per cent (think Zach was groomed). Sean Little came in and got his haircut and never met him before in his life. "He had a good life ahead of him. He could've opened up his own barber and cleaned up. I'm not just saying it because I'm his Mam. He was the best barber in Swords. "He used to draw all his tattoos and then go in and get them done. I didn't know until he was dead that he was in it. I never met them until that night." Ms Parker says she is relieved that the crime gang led by Glen Ward - which featured the likes of her son, Sean Little, Hamid Sanambar, Caolan Smyth, and others, is now gone - but she fears it will be replaced with another. "It's well gone now. I am relieved but it'll be another gang, there will be another name."It isn't good because you're watching your back left right and centre," she said. Ms Parker has since left the house she lived in in Swords - because it carries with it too many painful memories. "We knew we couldn't stay in the house. I couldn't stay there. I was looking out the window at it (the place he was killed)," she said. Join our Dublin Live breaking news service on WhatsApp. Click this link to receive your daily dose of Dublin Live content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. 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Extra.ie
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Extra.ie
All you need to know as Zach Bryan plays Phoenix Park
American country singer-songwriter Zach Bryan makes his return to Dublin this weekend, with around 180,000 fans set to descend on the Phoenix Park over the three nights. The 29-year-old last played Ireland in April 2023, performing to just 1,500 people at the Helix. The Oklahoma native is set to arrive to Ireland on Wednesday ahead of the gigs in Phoenix Park, which are being handled by Aiken Promotions. American country singer-songwriter Zach Bryan makes his return to Dublin this weekend, with around 180,000 fans set to descend on the Phoenix Park over the three nights. Pic:Here is everything you need to know… Zach Bryan plays three nights at Dublin's Phoenix Park on Friday June 20 to Sunday, June 22. General entry starts from 5pm each day while those with early-entry tickets can enter from 4.30pm. The event is set to begin at 6pm, with Zach supported by Oklahoma country act, Turnpike Troubadors as well as Canadian singer Noeline Hofmann. Zach Bryan plays three nights at Dublin's Phoenix Park on Friday June 20 to Sunday, June 22. General entry starts from 5pm each day while those with early-entry tickets can enter from 4.30pm. Pic:Early queuing is not permitted due to Phoenix Park being a residential area. The event is set to conclude at 10.30pm. Public transport is strongly advised and encouraged, with concertgoers encouraged to use the TFI (Transport for Ireland) Journey Planner for assistance. EVOKE report that Dublin Bus routes catering to the Phoenix Park include the 26, 38b, 39, 70, 99, C5 and C6. Those travelling to Dublin via train can walk the short distance from Heuston Station to the Phoenix Park. Limited tickets are available via Ticketmaster's Verified Resale Option for Friday, June 20, however anyone looking to score a ticket for Saturday and Sunday is likely out of luck. Pic:Limited tickets are available via Ticketmaster's Verified Resale Option for Friday, June 20, however anyone looking to score a ticket for Saturday and Sunday is likely out of luck. Speaking to Virgin Media News on Tuesday, Peter Aiken of Aiken Promotions revealed that usually gigs at the Phoenix Park see a 50% Dublin turnout, however that is not the case for the Something In The Orange singer's gig. 'For this event it's less than 10%,' Peter said, 'Big crowd coming from the North, seems to be a lot of tickets sold in America, maybe around the six-seven thousand mark. 'A couple of thousand from the UK — sort of all over Europe.' Attendees under 18 years old need to be accompanied by a parent or guardian and those under the age of five years old will be refused entry. Bags smaller than A4 size are permitted with those looking to bring water advised that metal bottles will nto be allowed. Other banned items include alcohol, chairs, flag poles, flares, umbrellas and cooler boxes.
Irish Daily Mirror
3 days ago
- Irish Daily Mirror
Mum of murdered Zach Parker tells of 'delight' that his crime boss is jailed
The mother of murder victim Zach Parker says she's 'delighted' that his boss Glen Ward is now in jail - as she warns against a life of crime and says: "The Gucci Gang is gone".Drug dealer Zach Parker (23) was gunned down outside a gym in Swords, North Co Dublin, metres from his family home on January 17, 2019 - the first gangland murder of the bitter Coolock feud that also saw three of his pals as she marked what should've been Zach's 30th birthday this week, a heartbroken Siobhan Parker said her son wanted out of his life of crime - and revealed how she learned of his involvement in the notorious 'Gucci Gang' led by Glen Ward. Ward (32) was in April finally unmasked as the criminal referred to as 'Mr Flashy' after he was jailed to five years and six months in prison for firing a semi automatic rifle from the back door of a Finglas home. Speaking at her son's graveside as she placed 30th birthday balloons, Ms Parker, who said she doesn't blame Ward for involving her son in a life of crime told us: 'Yeah I was delighted like (that he went to jail) but at the same time they're still in a prison where they're gonna be looked after and everything. 'No I don't (blame him). We all have our demons, we all have our own personalities. If you want to do something you do it. But if you're groomed you're groomed. They'll be out in no time. Bullet proof vests are not going to save you. Zach got shot in the head. A Louis Vuitton bag is not gonna save you either. It's just bling bling bling.'Speaking about marking her son's birthday Ms Parker said: 'It's Zach's 30th birthday. He would've loved to have had a party. He's probably having a party up there. It's to acknowledge a milestone he didn't catch up on.' Describing the past six and a half years since her son's death as 'horrific,' Ms Parker said: 'I've been in rehab twice, I've been in hospital. But hopefully things will get better. The Gucci Gang is gone.' It is believed that Zach was murdered after seeking a drug debt from a young criminal in the North Dublin Parker says she knew her son was involved in drug dealing but that she only learned how deep after he died - when she met Glen Ward and close pal Sean Little after he died. Little was himself shot dead in May 2019 - as he looked for revenge for the murder of Zach. 'I actually didn't really know the depths that he was in. You know, I knew the circumstances of the drug situation but now it's getting worse and like they're going around on scooters getting paid left right and centre and it's getting worse and worse. So I reckon Zach is probably in a better place. He was harmless,' Ms Parker told other young people away from a life of crime she added: 'I used to love on a Sunday evening watching Love/Hate. I thought it was the best thing until it was reality for me. They (young people) don't listen to their Mammies anyway. They're going around on scooters and getting paid. That's great for them at that age - getting a pair of runners for nothing. You know what I mean, like they're grooming them.'Speaking about the first time she met Glen Ward, Sean Little and other members of the notorious 'Gucci Gang' which terrorised Finglas, Ms Parker said: 'I didn't really know until I went into Beaumont that night and that's when I met the lads. Like Sean Little and that. I never met them before. (Glen Ward) was there yeah but I wouldn't have known him. They had a vigil and he was there as well. 'Zach wanted to get out of it. He never told me anything now. He would never tell me anything. He was in the Gucci Gang and he was the first to die in the Gucci Gang. And then poor Sean.'I personally think Zach was a lovely fella and he was the bestest barber in Swords, so people keep telling me. He was a softie. I don't even know how he got into the drug situation but it's money.' Saying her 'life changed' when Zach died, Ms Parker said Sean Little vowed for revenge - and told her partner that he would find who was responsible before he was blasted to death on 21 May 2019.'Absolutely one million per cent (he wanted revenge) for Zach. He loved him. He was a very lovable person. He was a big softie like deep down. 'Sean Little came in to me and he said he doesn't owe money, I can promise you here and now. The day after he passed he came in and said he didn't owe money. He said to Gary I'm gonna find out who f*cking did this. They were so close. I didn't realise. He said he's gonna find out if it kills him. It did kill him didn't it?'Speaking about the moment she found out her son had been shot dead at the front of the gym, which was located just over a wall next to her home, Ms Parker said:'Gary, he came in. I was in the bedroom watching telly, he came in and said did you hear that and I said yeah, what the f*cks going on. Then I seen him running across the way and I looked out the window. I started ringing Zach to see what was going on. I didn't realise it was him. Then I went over and he was getting CPR done on him. They said go straight into Beaumont.'So we went straight in. My friend texted Oh My God there's been a shooting at the gym, someone's dead. It's horrific. I'm so angry.'In August 2022 the DPP directed no charges be brought against a suspect arrested by gardai in connection with Zach's murder. It is understood the young man has connections to deceased crime boss Tommy 'The Zombie' Savage, who died of natural causes at the age of 71 in Parker says she doesn't know why her son was murdered - but that she hopes to one day get justice for his death.'They said no charges. I'd have my suspicions. I want to get justice. I'm not going to get closure but I do want to get justice,' she said. 'But I do think he's in a better place because the way things are going now they don't just shoot you after three months they shoot you straight away.'Saying she believed her own son was groomed into a life of crime, Ms Parker said it started with his friendship with the late Sean Little. I do yeah definitely 100 per cent (think Zach was groomed). Sean Little came in and got his haircut and never met him before in his life.'He had a good life ahead of him. He could've opened up his own barber and cleaned up. I'm not just saying it because I'm his Mam. He was the best barber in Swords. 'He used to draw all his tattoos and then go in and get them done. I didn't know until he was dead that he was in it. I never met them until that night,' she Parker says she is relieved that the crime gang led by Glen Ward - which featured the likes of her son, Sean Little Hamid Sanambar, Caolan Smyth and others, is now gone - but she fears it will be replaced with another. 'It's well gone now. I am relieved but it'll be another gang, there will be another name.'It isn't good because you're watching your back left right and centre,' she Parker has since left the house she lived in in Swords - because it carries with it too many painful memories. 'We knew we couldn't stay in the house. I couldn't stay there. I was looking out the window at it (the place he was killed),' she said.
