Music legend Ian McNabb, known for fronting Liverpool band The Icicle Works in the 1980s, has had all his UK tour dates cancelled after he expressed support for convicted rapist Russell Brand on social media. The 66-year-old was due to begin a UK solo tour this month, but promoters pulled the dates following his remarks about Brand, who was sentenced to 10 years and six months in prison on Monday, November 9, for rape and three sexual assaults.
Promoter explains cancellation decision
Promoter Ewan McNaught, who had booked several of the dates, posted an explanation for the cancellations, saying that as a father to daughters, he could not work with the star in light of his remarks. In a message on his personal Facebook page, he admitted: "I hate cancelling gigs, and it's one of the few times 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 revealed that the decision was not unilateral. "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 said.
Affected shows and refunds
The promoter confirmed that Ian McNabb's shows later this month at The Cluny 2 in Newcastle (25.11.26), Cottiers, Glasgow (26.11.26), and The Voodoo Rooms, Edinburgh (27.11.26) have all been cancelled, with refunds available from point of purchase. He added: "As an addendum, 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, who describes himself as "Fluid, Non Binary Self-Partnered" and a "digital creator" on his social media accounts, has since deleted his original post and tried to explain himself in a second post, which he also deleted.
Musician's response and reflection
In his deleted explanation, McNabb wrote: "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. This is as a result of a post I made about the plight of British comedian/entertainer Russell Brand…" He added: "I condemned the treatment of Brand, who I feel has been railroaded and treated unfairly. I have committed no crime to my knowledge but understand the upset I have caused."
He also stated: "I condemn the treatment of women for sexual pleasure that is not consensual, I condemn the predatory nature of males who do so. Sorry to those who have bought tickets and feel let down, I now enter a period of self-reflection and contemplation." McNabb concluded: "I hope to see you again in the coming years, as I know I haven't long to do this, I am grateful for the support from loyal fans."
