Ian McNabb, former frontman of The Icicle Works, has had his Liverpool Legends Hall of Fame induction withdrawn after he defended Russell Brand following the comedian's rape conviction. The Beatles Museum, which hosts the Hall of Fame honouring cultural pioneers, confirmed the decision.
Induction withdrawn after social media posts
McNabb, 66, had been set to receive the honour, having charted at number 15 in 1984 with the hit song Love Is a Wonderful Colour. However, the museum reversed its plans after McNabb took to social media to defend Brand, who was jailed for 10 years and six months earlier this week after being convicted of rape and three counts of sexual assault.
In a since-deleted Facebook post, McNabb said Brand had been 'stitched up' and described historic victims of rape as 'the worst.' A spokesperson for The Beatles Museum told The Echo: 'I can confirm that, under the circumstances, Ian McNabb will not be inducted.'
Gigs cancelled across the UK
The backlash led to the cancellation of McNabb's upcoming shows in Newcastle, Glasgow and Edinburgh, with refunds made available to ticket holders. Ewan McNaught, of Scottish promotions company Renegade Communions, said: 'I hate cancelling gigs, and it's the first time in my career that I've had to do it, but not only can I not defend Ian McNabb's disgraceful social media comments in support of Russell Brand, as a husband and a father of a young daughter, I simply can't work with him moving forward.'
McNaught added: 'I've spoken to his agent and to the venues, and we're all on the same page on this, and these won't be the only shows on his tour that are cancelled. I'm told another five were cancelled today.' He emphasised that the decision was not unilateral, saying: 'I'd like to emphasise that it wasn't a unilateral decision. There was broad consensus between agent, promoter and venues that these shows simply couldn't go ahead under the circumstances.'
McNabb responds to cancellation
In another deleted post shared by The Echo, McNabb said he had been 'cancelled,' writing: 'It is with a heavy heart and deep sadness and regret that I make this post. I have been CANCELLED and therefore all of my shows for the future have also.' He maintained that Brand had been 'railroaded and treated unfairly.'
McNabb admitted he had 'committed no crime to my knowledge but understand the upset I have caused,' and said he was aligned with some subjects Brand had rallied against, including Big Pharma and the Military Industrial Complex. He added: 'When he turned on the Epstein Class, his fate was sealed. I fail to understand how many who have done much worse offences continue to roam free without consequence.'
He condemned the 'treatment of women for sexual pleasure that is not consensual' and 'the predatory nature of males who do so.' McNabb apologised to fans who had bought tickets and said he was entering a 'period of self-reflection and contemplation.'
