After British singer defends Russell Brand, his shows are canceled

Ian McNabb, the singer known for the 1984 hit “Bird’s Fly (Whisper to a Scream),” has had several of his shows canceled after he defended disgraced comedian Russell Brand. Brand, 51, was sentenced to more than 10 years in prison on Monday after being convicted or raping one woman and sexually abusing three others between 2004 and 2009. British singer McNabb reportedly responded to the verdict by posting several since- deleted social media messages arguing that women “throwing themselves” at celebrities like Brand bear some responsibility for the consequences. “I know people who were in his orbit and girls were throwing themselves at him every night,” McNabb wrote. “If that happened to me I know what I’d do.” McNabb, 66, performs as a solo artist, as well as with the band the Icicle Works. The Liverpool native started the year by recording a cover version of the REM song “South Central Rain” with that band’s co-founder Peter Buck. “If you want to hang out with the artist don’t cry when you’re in the picture,” his post continued. “All the chicks who turn up at these situations know exactly what’s going on.” McNabb’s post was screenshot by social media users and reported on by publications including Parade before disappearing from the web. He reportedly expressed special contempt for women like the witnesses who testified against Brand. “The ones who decided they were done badly to — ten years after the event — are the worst,” he said. Scottish promotional company Renegades Communications responded with a statement saying two of McNabb’s upcoming shows in Scotland, as well as a northern England gig, were being nixed. “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,” the organizer wrote. Renegade Communications said McNabb’s representatives and the venues where he was booked are on the same page. The organizer said more shows are expected to be canceled because of the singer’s comments. While Brand has been largely condemned, media figures including conservative pundit Megyn Kelly and entrepreneur Elon Musk have expressed sympathy over his predicament. The “Arthur” star maintains his innocence.