Liverpool singer Ian McNabb has had all of his upcoming tour dates this year cancelled after a Facebook post in support of Russell Brand, who was found guilty of rape and three counts of sexual assault last week. McNabb had been due to play two shows at the Cavern in December as part of a series of dates, but those shows are now listed as cancelled on ticketing platforms.
Promoters cancel shows
A Scottish-based promoter confirmed they would be cancelling shows, branding the comments "disgraceful." Edinburgh-based music promoters Renegade Communications announced they would be cancelling their shows with McNabb. In a statement, they 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."
The statement continued: "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."
Shows cancelled in Newcastle, Glasgow and Edinburgh
As a result, 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. The promoter added: "Apologies to those who have bought tickets. Refunds available from point of purchase."
McNabb's now-deleted Facebook post said: "Russell Brand is being stitched up for his outspoken views. He got close to the target, and he has a big audience. I know people who were in his orbit, and girls were throwing themselves at him every night. If that happened to me, I know what I would do."
McNabb responds
After receiving significant backlash, McNabb's account shared a follow-up post on Facebook, which has also been deleted. The post read: "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… 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 added: "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." The ECHO has contacted Ian McNabb for comment.
