Nightclub's Ronnie Pickering booking sparks angry backlash

Mr Pickering became famous after his road-rage video was viewed tens of thousands of times

Still from video showing a Hull road-rage incident (YouTube)

A nightclub in Coventry has responded to criticism after booking internet sensation Ronnie Pickering for an event.

Kasbah Nightclub's decision to invite Mr Pickering - who shot to fame after a video showing him ranting at a moped rider went viral - was described as "giving some arrogant driver who drove dangerously celebrity status".

A series of comments were posted on the nightclub’s Facebook page after Mr Pickering’s appearance on 23 October was heavily promoted. One user said: “Why are you giving him the time and the money? Should be giving it all to the biker.”

Another said: “I think it's disgraceful how you're giving some arrogant driver who drove dangerously celebrity status. Who wants to go to a nightclub to see this pr***? Come on Kasbah you can do better than this...”

“Should be ashamed Kasbah!!! From what used to be a great music venue you are now promoting a violent aggressive man,” read another comment.

But Kasbah defended their decision and told people to “chill out”.

A statement on the club's social networking page read: “Oh chill out FFS! In response to the people saying Ronnie Pickering is a 'very silly' and 'uncool' booking well we wholeheartedly agree! Fridays are a hands in the air, singalong, end of the week party night and the emphasis is purely on fun and cheese.

“The people we book reflect that and don’t take themselves too seriously either as Chuckle Brothers showed last week and S Club the week before… If you don’t like it, don’t come. Simples.”

In the video, which has racked up more than one million views on YouTube, Mr Pickering asked, “Do you know who I am,” before repeatedly answering, “Ronnie f****** Pickering”.

He later apologised for his actions. He told Hull Daily Mail: "I'd like to apologise for my outburst. He really got to me. I am not an aggressive guy.”