Ian McNabb's induction into the Liverpool Legends Hall of Fame has been axed following his public defence of convicted rapist Russell Brand. The former The Icicle Works frontman, 66, from Mossley Hill, had been due to be honoured at the Liverpool Beatles Museum.
The Hall of Fame celebrates pioneers and artists in the cultural scene of Liverpool and surrounding areas. A spokesperson for the Liverpool Beatles Museum said: "Under the circumstances, Ian McNabb will not be inducted." The news about honouring McNabb was shared on social media last month.
Museum statement and Brand sentencing
The museum had previously announced: "Ian McNabb will be inducted into the Liverpool Legends Hall of Fame at the Liverpool Beatles Museum - Mathew Street on Thursday the 19th of November. Tickets are not available as it's a private event."
After Brand was sentenced on Monday, McNabb wrote on Facebook that he believed the disgraced actor and comedian had been "stitched up" due to having "outspoken views". "He got close to the target and he has a big audience," said the musician. "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."
Brand was sentenced to ten-and-a-half years earlier this week after being found guilty of one count of rape and three counts of sexual assault.
Shows cancelled by promoters
McNabb's comments were met with disgust online, and the anger carried over to a promotions company that had been helping to put on his upcoming shows. His upcoming performances were later axed by the promoters. Ewan McNaught of Renegade Communions confirmed the company has now cancelled planned concerts in Glasgow, Edinburgh and Newcastle.
Mr McNaught 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."
"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. As a result, 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."
"Apologies to those who have bought tickets. Refunds available from point of purchase."
McNabb's response
McNabb later deleted his post, as well as a follow-up message which doubled down on his belief that Brand had been "threatened unfairly". According to the Liverpool Echo, 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."
"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"
"Many of you will know I am aligned with a few of the subjects Brand rallied against and agreed with him on *some* things, including Big Pharma and the Military Industrial Complex. 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."
"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. 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."
