A Jamaican dance hall singer accused of promoting "murder music" has been barred from performing in Brighton.

Concert venue Concorde 2 cancelled the Buju Banton gig at the last minute after it was given an ultimatum by Brighton and Hove City Council which threatened to revoke its licence if the show went ahead.

It followed a campaign led by the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community.

The singer, who has recorded a song referring to the shooting of gay men, was due to perform tonight at the venue in Kemp Town, known as the city's gay district.

LGBT protesters, including campaigner Peter Tatchell, were planning to demonstrate outside.

Last night Concorde 2 said it had "no choice" but to pull the concert following "unprecedented pressure from the council, police and members of the LGBT community".

But it defended its decision to book the performer, saying it wanted to "remain a free-thinking live music venue, which caters for all areas of the community".

Promoters of Buju's UK tour said they were "spitting blood" and planned to take legal action against Brighton and Hove City Council.

The council had warned the venue it could lose its licence by putting on a performance that contravened the city's policy against homophobic lyrics.

Concorde 2 will now have to refund thousands of pounds to ticket holders. All 540 tickets were expected to sell before the concert.

Buyers are advised to go back to the point of purchase.

In a statement on its website, a spokesman for the venue said: "Concorde 2 is concerned that by staging this event, it will have its licence revoked and could have its premises closed down - this follows a letter and subsequent phone calls from the council outlining its licensing objectives.

"Concorde 2 upholds its original press statement as the venue believes the Buju Banton concert would not have caused a threat to community welfare."

Mr Tatchell, who has campaigned for years against musicians such as Buju Banton, Beenie Man and Elephant Man, said: "Concorde 2 should hang their heads in shame.

"They have only cancelled because of pressure. They would never host a singer who advocated the gassing of Jews or the lynching of black people.

"But right until the 23rd hour they insisted on the right to promote a singer who advocates shooting and burning gay people."

James Ledward, editor of Brighton and Hove LGBT magazine GScene, said: "It is a shame Concorde 2 didn't listen soon enough to the concerns of the LGBT community.

"If they had taken it seriously a month ago they wouldn't have had these problems.

"It is council policy not to allow these artists to appear in Brighton."

Lib Dem councillor Paul Elgood, chairman of the equality forum, said: "I am extremely relieved they have made this decision, which is the right one under the circumstances, as they have come under intense pressure from community representatives.

"I congratulate those in the community who have put together a strong campaign."

Chief Inspector Steve Barry, Sussex Police's district commander for Brighton, said: "We told them that in the interests of community cohesion, it would be desirable for the venue to take the decision to cancel the performance. It is the right decision."

A council spokesman said: "That's a sensible decision. Regardless of what might have happened at the gig, or which tracks were performed, tours help sell records.

"As the offending tracks are still on sale, anyone helping promote them in Brighton can expect a pretty hostile public reaction."

Tickets sold out when Buju played at Concorde 2 three years ago.

Venue owner Christina Haynes said Buju's lyrics had changed dramatically since he penned the controversial Boom Bye Bye in 1992 aged 15.

His performance would not have included that song as he is banned from playing it in the UK, although opponents claim he performed it abroad as recently as last year.

Mrs Haynes said: "It is a very spiritual kind of music.

"Had all the facts been taken into play, had his lyrics been listened to, he would have been allowed to play.

"A small fraction of a particular community has said no."

A spokeswoman for the promoters said: "I am spitting blood about this. We will be suing the council."

A Buju gig in Manchester was cancelled in 2004 because police were concerned about possible public disorder and threats to the local lesbian and gay community.