Ian McNabb, the 66-year-old frontman of 1980s Liverpool band The Icicle Works, has had his upcoming UK tour cancelled after he defended convicted rapist Russell Brand on social media, claiming the comedian was "stitched up".
Controversial social media posts
McNabb not only defended Brand but also criticised his victims, stating that the sex offender had "girls throwing themselves at him" and adding "if that happened to me, I know what I would do". He went further, branding the "chicks" who later came forward with complaints as "the worst".
In a since-deleted post, he wrote: "Russell Brand is being stitched up for his outspoken views. 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."
He continued: "Yer pays yer money, yer takes yer chance. If you want to hang out with the artist, don't cry when you're in the picture. All these chicks who turn up at these situations know exactly what's going on. The ones who decided they were done badly to - ten years after the event - are the worst."
Promoter pulls the plug
McNabb had been due to embark on a solo UK tour this month, but promoters cancelled all dates.
Promoter Ewan McNaught explained the cancellations on his personal Facebook page, writing: "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."
McNabb's response
McNabb has since removed his original post and attempted to clarify his position in a follow-up message that included conspiracy theories.
In the deleted post, he 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: "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."
He concluded: "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."
Brand, 51, was jailed for ten years and six months on Monday.
