World · Europe

Ian McNabb Dropped From Liverpool Hall of Fame After Russell Brand Post

Singer Ian McNabb lost a planned Liverpool Legends Hall of Fame induction and his upcoming UK tour dates after defending Russell Brand, who was jailed for 10 years and six months. McNabb has deleted the post and apologized to anyone offended.

By matthew jonathan

November 14, 20262 min read

Singer Ian McNabb, former frontman of Liverpool band The Icicle Works, will no longer be inducted into the Liverpool Legends Hall of Fame after defending convicted rapist Russell Brand on social media, the Liverpool Beatles Museum said.

The museum had planned the induction but has shelved it. "Under the circumstances, Ian McNabb will not be inducted," a spokesperson said.

Brand, 51, was sentenced on Monday, November 9, to 10 years and six months in prison. A jury found him guilty of raping one woman and sexually assaulting three others between 2004 and 2009.

McNabb, 66, then posted a message claiming Brand was being "stitched up" for his "outspoken views". He also wrote: "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'd do."

Tour dates cancelled

The post cost McNabb his upcoming concerts. Promoter Ewan McNaught cancelled shows at The Cluny 2 in Newcastle on November 25, Cottiers in Glasgow on November 26 and The Voodoo Rooms in Edinburgh on November 27.

McNaught wrote online that it was the first time in his career he had cancelled gigs. "As a husband and a father of a young daughter, I simply can't work with him moving forward," he said.

He added that the decision was not his alone. "There was broad consensus between agent, promoter and venues that these shows simply couldn't go ahead under the circumstances," McNaught said.

McNaught also said the three dates would not be the only ones lost. He said he had been told another five shows on the tour were cancelled on the same day.

McNabb's response

McNabb deleted his original post and told followers he had "been cancelled". He later wrote that he had not meant to cause offense to people who have been sexually abused, "however long ago".

"I have committed no crime to my knowledge, but understand the upset I have caused," he said. He added that he condemns "the predatory nature of males" who treat women in non-consensual ways, and that he was entering "a period of self-reflection and contemplation".

McNabb apologized to ticket holders who feel let down. He said he hopes to see fans "again in the coming years".

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