Musician’s UK tour cancelled after defending ‘stitched up’ rapist Russell Brand
Ian McNabb, who found fame fronting Liverpool band The Icicle Works in the 1980s, has had his UK tour cancelled after defending convicted rapist Russell Brand
Russell Brand is beginning a long prison sentence(Image: AFP via Getty Images)
A musician’s UK tour has been scrapped after he defended convicted rapist Russell Brand, claiming the disgraced comedian was “stitched up”. Ian McNabb’s upcoming shows have been axed following the controversial remarks made by the 66-year-old, who shot to fame as the frontman of Liverpool band The Icicle Works in the 1980s.
McNabb not only defended Brand but also took aim at his victims, claiming the sex offender had “girls throwing themselves at him” and boldly stating “if that happened to me, I know what I would do“. McNabb went even further, branding the “chicks” who later came forward with complaints as “the worst”.
Taking to social media, 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.
Ian McNabb performing on stage in 1995(Image: Redferns)
“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.”
McNabb had been due to embark on a solo UK tour this month, but promoters swiftly pulled the plug on all dates.
Promoter Ewan McNaught took to his personal Facebook page to explain the cancellations, 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 later attempted to clarify his position (Image: Redferns)
McNabb has since removed his post and attempted to clarify his position in a follow-up message which was riddled with bizarre conspiracy theories.
He penned int he since deleted post: “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.
“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.
Brand was jailed earlier this week(Image: Getty Images)
“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.
