Ian McNabb Hall of Fame induction and UK shows cancelled after Russell Brand comments

Singer Ian McNabb will no longer be inducted into the Liverpool Legends Hall of Fame at the Liverpool Beatles Museum after publicly defending convicted rapist Russell Brand.

Brand, 51, was jailed for 10 years and six months on Monday after being convicted of rape and three counts of sexual assault.

McNabb, 66, the former frontman of Liverpool rock band The Icicle Works, posted on social media that Brand had been "stitched up" for his outspoken views. He wrote: "Russell Brand is being stitched up for his outspoken views."

A spokesperson for the Liverpool Beatles Museum said: "Under the circumstances, Ian McNabb will not be inducted."

Cancelled shows

Ewan McNaught, of Scottish promotions company Renegade Communions, cancelled planned concerts in Glasgow, Edinburgh and Newcastle. Writing online, he 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."

McNaught said shows at The Cluny 2 in Newcastle (25.11.26), Cottiers, Glasgow (26.11.26) and The Voodoo Rooms, Edinburgh (27.11.26) had been cancelled, and that another five were cancelled on the same day.

A Welsh show at Acapela Studio in Pentyrch, near Cardiff on March 25, 2027, was also pulled. All those who bought tickets for the show at Acapela have been contacted by the venue and received refunds.

McNabb's response

McNabb later deleted his post and told followers he had "been cancelled". He added: "In no way did I mean to cause offence to those who have been abused sexually either recently or in past times, however long ago."

He later posted: "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."

He said he condemned the treatment of women for sexual pleasure that is not consensual and condemned the predatory nature of males who do so. He said he would now "enter a period of self-reflection and contemplation".

The Icicle Works' biggest UK hit was Love Is a Wonderful Colour, which reached number 15 in 1984.

Why it matters

The case shows how public comments supporting a convicted sex offender can lead to the loss of industry honours and live performance bookings. Promoters and venues have distanced themselves from McNabb, while the singer says he is entering a period of self-reflection.

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Sources

• bbc.co.uk: Singer's Hall of Fame induction axed over Russell Brand comments - BBC News
• oxfordmail.co.uk: Singer's entire UK tour CANCELLED after Russell Brand comments | Oxford Mail
• nation.cymru: Eighties star's Welsh gig cancelled after controversial Russell Brand comments

This article was drafted with AI assistance and checked against the sources above. Company claims are reported as claims. Cover image is AI-generated.