A GLASGOW venue has cancelled an upcoming event organised by a convicted domestic abuser following pressure from anti-hate campaigners.
John Watt, the host of the Bring the Noise podcast who hit the headlines last year after arranging anti-immigration protests in Scotland, had been due to hold a night called “The Grand Awakening” at the Classic Grand in the city centre on July 25.
Watt, who was found guilty of abusing two of his ex-partners in 2018, has promoted the event by saying: “If you do know about this event, you know what it’s about. You’re awake, you understand why everything’s went nuts in the last few years.”
Other posts promoting his event use a version of the song Children of the Night by Dutch producers Nakatomi, which opens with the lyrics: “We are the children of the night/ and fight for the future of our nation.”
The Classic Grand has previously hosted events organised by the Bring The Noise podcast, including a 2024 event “for the vaccine injured”. Watt has been outspoken against the Covid-19 vaccine, making headlines in 2024 after confronting then-prime minister Rishi Sunak about the impacts of the jags live on GB News.
He has also pushed baseless conspiracy theories that "orchestrated mass migration" is part of a wider plan to implement "total mass control" through "neural monitoring" and "mandatory biochips".
Stand Up To Racism Scotland called on the Glasgow venue to cancel Watt’s event.
“Watt is a conspiracy theorist, far-right agitator, and convicted domestic abuser,” the group said.
“It is likely far-right, fascist and neo-Nazi groups from across Scotland will join this event as an 'after party' following a fascist demonstration called in Glasgow earlier in the day.
“It is disgraceful that Watt is getting the chance to influence young minds at a dance event at The Classic Grand. Dance music is diverse and unifying.
“We call on the Classic Grand to cancel the event with a commitment to ensuring that music is for all – sexism, racism, and the far right have no place in Glasgow or in our music venues.”
After The National approached Watt and The Classic Grand for a response, the venue issued a statement saying the event had been cancelled.
"The Grand Awakening, will no longer be taking place at The Classic Grand on Saturday," it read.
"This event was originally booked many months ago as a daytime club event, featuring three DJs who have performed at the venue on numerous occasions over the years.
"Since the event was confirmed, a rally has been announced for Glasgow Green. Concerns have since been raised that the event could be perceived as an unofficial after-party associated with that rally.
"The Classic Grand believes that music and live events should be welcoming and inclusive for everyone. In light of these concerns, we have taken the decision to inform the promoter that the event will not be going ahead at our venue on Saturday.
"We appreciate your understanding and thank you for your continued support."
Watt, in a social media post, confirmed the cancellation and blamed "misinformation from the mainstream media".
"Over 100 tickets had been sold, with more continuing to sell, and many more people planning to pay on the door," he added. "Tickets Scotland will be refunding everyone, so please look out for an email."
