IAN Brown has cancelled his forthcoming UK tour due to prior commitments. All ticket holders are advised to seek refunds from their point of purchase. To clarify the situation, Ian Brown - before his recent release from jail - sent his fans the following message: "Due to the fact that I'm being detained here at Strangeways Hotel (bed, 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 in the UK as soon as humanly possible.

"Thanks to everyone who as written to me here in Strangeways. Love, peace and joy for '99."

His record label, Polydor, has issued the following statement: "We are sorry that his fans' hopes have been raised by the promise of a rescheduled tour. However, we fully understand why Ian cannot perform at this time. Everyone at Polydor is inspired by his current level of optimism and productivity and can't wait to hear his new material. We are very excited as we enter the next chapter of Ian's solo career."

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.