80s rocker McNabb cancels Stourbridge show following comments about Russell Brand
Icicle Works frontman apologises for comments
Two appearances in the West Midlands by 80s rock star Ian McNabb have been cancelled following controversial comments about Russell Brand.
McNabb, who was frontman for 80s rock band The Icicle Works, had been due to appear at Birmingham’s 02 Arena on December 12, and in an intimate show at Katie Fitzgerald’s in Stourbridge on April 10.
But after appearing to suggest sympathy for Brand, who was this week jailed for 10-and-a-half years for rape, all this shows have been cancelled.
McNabb faced a fierce backlash after suggesting Brand had been "stitched up for his outspoken views", and making disparaging comments about women who associated with performers.
Following the announcement of the Birmingham cancellation, McNabb responded in a now-deleted statement: "I have been CANCELLED and therefore all of my shows for the future have also."
McNabb apologised if his comments had caused offence, and said he did not intend to trivialise the ordeal of victims of sexual abuse.
It is understood that ticketholders will be refunded.