Ian Brown has cancelled his UK tour which was rescheduled after he went to jail because he wants to start work on his new album. Ticketholders are now advised to seek a refund from point of purchase.
A statement from his label Polydor read: “Due to circumstances that made it impossible to contact Ian (Polydor’s press releases make no mention of the fact that he is banged up in the chokey – Ed) the tour which was originally planned for November and December was, with the best intentions, rescheduled for early 1999. Ian has since contacted his booking agent and it has become clear that he will not be able to tour at this time due to prior commitments.”
Ian is set to be released from Strangeways prison on December 22 to be home in time for Christmas.
As previously reported in NME, the singer was only ever meant to serve half of his sentence for threatening behaviour, given to him by Manchester Magistrate’s Court in October.
In a message sent from jail, Ian said: “Due to the fact that I’m being detained here at the Strangeways Hotel (bed and breakfast and evening meal not recommended), the November/December UK tour was rescheduled without my knowledge. I don’t wish to disappoint anybody, but upon release I intend to start working on my next album – at this stage tentatively titled ‘From The Inside’. I hope that the release in February of the song ‘Be There’ on Mo Wax with DJ SHADOW and JAMES LAVELLE can be of some consolation and I look forward to playing the UK as soon as humanly possible. Thanks to everyone who has written to me here in Strangeways. Love, peace and joy for ’99.” related news
Ian Brown sings on new UNKLE single
Ian Brown transferred to Strangeways
Ian Brown’s rescheduled dates
reviews
CD: Ian Brown – Unfinished Monkey Business
tour dates
Click for the gig guide
He’s due to be released on parole next week to spend the festive season back home at Sale in Cheshire.
Former STONE ROSE AZIZ IBRAHIM, who’s also the guitarist in Ian‘s new band, told NME that Ian‘s first priority as a free man would be to spend time with his sons Casey, 5, and Frankie, 7.
“Ian‘s kids will be overjoyed to have him back,” Aziz said. “Ian will be so happy to be with them. Anyone who’s got any heart would make sure he’d be home for Christmas.”
Ian‘s spokeswoman told NME: “I’m sure he’s been a good boy, so he should be due out then or maybe the day after. We’ve not heard anything official yet from his lawyers, but that’s the date he’s told all his friends.”
“It’ll be a brilliant Christmas present for everyone,” she added.
Have NME.COM news updates e mailed directly to you.
To subscribe, just fill in your e-mail.