ScottishNews.com

The Liverpool frontman, 66, was due to kick off a UK solo tour this month including shows in Edinburgh and Glasgow.

All of his UK dates have been pulled by promoters after he took to social media in support of the disgraced TV personality.

Brand was sentenced to 10 years and six months on Monday for rape and three sexual assaults. Police say they expect other victims to come forward after the judge branded Brand a predator and said he would serve seven years in prison before being released on license.

McNabb spoke out in Brand’s defence despite harrowing evidence having been presented by the judge as he explained how the sentencing guidelines worked.

The former Icicle Works frontman chose to post his views on his and The Icicle Works’ social media channels.

He claimed: “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. 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.”

Among those who took to social media to criticise McNabb was the Scots musician and DJ, Sean Dickson who found fame with The Soup Dragons in 1990, with the hit I’m Free.

Dickson attached a screenshot of McNabb’s comment, posting: “Share this vileness. Ian McNabb from Icicle Works hot take on rape.”

In the wake of McNabb’s comments, his solo shows at Glasgow’s Cottiers and Edinburgh’s Voodoo Rooms have been scrapped. 

Last night, Ewan McNaught of Scottish promotions company Renegade Communions announced the cancellation of the company’s planned concerts in Glasgow, Edinburgh and Newcastle.

McNaught 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.

“I’ve spoken to his agent and to the venues, and we’re all on the same page on this, and these won’t be the only shows on his tour that are cancelled.

“I’m told another five were cancelled today.

“As a result, Ian McNabb’s shows later this month at The Cluny 2 in Newcastle (25.11.26), Cottiers, Glasgow (26.11.26) and The Voodoo Rooms, Edinburgh (27.11.26) have all been cancelled.

“Apologies to those who have bought tickets. Refunds available from point of purchase.”

All of McNabb’s 2026 tour dates in the UK have been axed.

On hearing the news, comedian Jo Caulfield responded on X: “Oh dear, how sad, never mind.”

McNabb faced widespread criticism for his comments.

The musician, who describes himself as a “Fluid, Non Binary Self-Partnered” and a “digital creator” has since deleted his post.

He later returned to social media in an attempt to explain himself.

In the second post, also now deleted, which comes across as part-apology, part-justification, part-sob story, McNabb said his previous comments were intended to address what he felt was the unfair treatment of Russell Brand. He also hinted Brand’s trial was orchestrated by a shadowy shadow government.

He 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.

“This is as a result of a post I made about the plight of British comedian/entertainer Russell Brand…

“I condemned the treatment of Brand, who I feel has been railroaded and treated unfairly.”

He added: “I have committed no crime to my knowledge but understand the upset I have caused.

“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.

“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.”

McNabb, a former child model, found limited success in the 1980s with The Icicle Works who reached No 15 in the UK charts with Love is a Wonderful Colour in 1988, the band’s only Top 20 hit.

After a series of flops, the band split in 1988. McNabb reactivated The Icicle Works name in 2006 for a series of tours amid rising interest in eighties music.

It is unclear if scheduled tour dates by The Icicle Works in May, 2027 will go ahead.