Ian McNabb, former frontman of 1980s Liverpool band The Icicle Works, has had his entire UK solo tour scrapped after he voiced support for Russell Brand on social media. Brand was sentenced to 10 years and six months in prison on 9 November for rape and three sexual assaults.
Venues withdraw performances
McNabb was due to begin a UK solo tour this month, but venues have withdrawn his performances following his online defence of the disgraced television presenter. In his social media posts, McNabb wrote: "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."
He added: "If that happened to me, I know what I would do. 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 explains decision
Promoter Ewan McNaught, who had booked several of the dates, issued a statement explaining the cancellations. In a message on his personal Facebook page, he said: "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 has since removed his original post and attempted to clarify himself in a second post, which he also took down. In that 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..."
Musician's response
McNabb continued: "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: "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."
McNabb apologised to ticket holders: "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."
