A gig allegedly linked to the 'neo-Nazi' scene has been cancelled after a backlash and concern from authorities.
The event, set to take place at The Snig bar in Widnes on Saturday (September 17), was due to host bands from England and Sweden from the Oi! music sub-genre. Anti-fascism charity Hope not Hate raised concerns over several people involved due to their alleged links to far-right organisations and movements.
Chad Charles, the event's promoter, was jailed in the past for inciting racial hatred but claims he has "repented" and is no longer involved in the far-right. He said in a Facebook post: "Now don't get me wrong. Yes I was a right-wing nationalist and have been to jail but that's where the truths end. Since them days I have totally changed my life around...
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"The gig in question is an Oi! gig with street punk/Oi! bands playing and they [Hope not Hate] even managed to slander their names."
Kevin Gough, lead singer in the headline act Pressure 28, was also a notorious football hooligan linked to Oldham Athletic firms and had alleged links to the banned neo-Nazi group Combat 18.
But the event has now been cancelled following intervention from Halton Council and Cheshire Constabulary. Cllr Mike Wharton, leader of Halton Borough Council, told the ECHO today: "Joint police and council visits have taken place at the premises to discuss with the landlord the concerns that had been raised. Following these discussions, we are pleased the landlord has reconsidered his position and has taken the decision to cancel the event."
Owner of the Snig, Peter Brady, denied the event was a "Nazi gig", although he admitted he was aware of the history of some of the participants. He told the ECHO Hope not Hate were "clearly way off the mark" and there was "no truth or validity" to any claims he was a supporter of far-right organisations.
Mr Brady said that while he did not trust the information provided by Hope not Hate, he decided to cancel the gig after some of the concerns raised meant it was "untenable" to continue. Mr Brady said: "We would point out that we have hosted hundreds of gigs from all genres from soul, northern soul, mod, punk , ska, indie, trance , dance, reggae, any number of sub divisions and yes, previously Oi!. We point out that not until now have we had to censor but when prevented with real justifiable and provable concerns we acted.
"I have been quite astounded by the level of vitriol mainly via internet abuse and again we have real concerns about the witchfinder mentality and the lynch mob that follows. We may have taken time to come to a resolution but we feel under the circumstances it was the correct decision to cancel the gig, but we would like to think that we have the integrity to examine the facts before jumping for the pitch fork. We hope this unfortunate incident is behind us and we can carrying on doing what we do and letting people of all creeds, race, religions, genders get on with the pleasures of enjoying live music."
Nick Spooner, campaigns organiser at Hope not Hate, told the ECHO : “It is good news that this Nazi gig has finally been cancelled. We have received countless messages from people in Widnes over recent days, concerned and angry that such an event was set to take place in their community.
"We are pleased to have stood alongside them and local leaders to show that Nazis are not welcome, but we will be remaining vigilant - as always - to make sure that something like this does not happen again."
A spokeswoman for Cheshire Constabulary added: "We were made aware of an event which was believed to be taking place at a licensed premises on Mersey Road on September 17. Joint visits took place at the premises, with representatives from the council and licensing officers, to discuss concerns raised. Police have since been informed that the event has now been cancelled."
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