Four supporting acts have withdrawn from Ed Sheeran’s North American and South American tour dates in solidarity with rapper Macklemore. Macklemore was removed from the line-up after shouting Free Palestine
during a September concert in New Jersey, sparking pressure from venue owners and public figures.
Tour Departures Follow Macklemore’s Removal Over Onstage Remarks
The lineup for Ed Sheeran’s tour has collapsed across multiple continents following the departure of four distinct opening acts. The exodus began after rapper Macklemore was dropped from The Loop North American Tour following a two-minute speech on September 4 at New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium. During the performance, the Grammy-winning artist told the crowd he wanted people in Gaza and the occupied West Bank to know they had not been forgotten before shouting Free Palestine
.
The remarks drew an immediate backlash, including a petition for his removal organized by the Israeli American Council. A statement from Kraft characterized Macklemore’s comments as hate speech and alleged a broader history of antisemitic rhetoric, arguing that his participation crossed a line.
Irish Acts and Finneas Exit in Solidarity
Dublin singer-songwriter Aaron Rowe and traditional folk band Beoga were among the first to announce their departures. Rowe, who opened for Sheeran earlier in the year in Australia, stated that he could not carry on as normal while billionaires used their power to silence voices speaking up against the conflict.
“I cannot stand by and allow billionaires to use their position of power to silence the rightful voices of those who speak up against Israeli genocide and who highlight the savage murder of children. I would lose all respect for myself to carry on as normal.”
Aaron Rowe, Dublin singer-songwriter via The Irish Times
Beoga, the traditional band featured on Sheeran’s 2017 song Galway Girl, also withdrew. As founding members of the Irish Artists for Palestine movement, the band members cited the silencing of Macklemore by zionist lobbies as the reason for ending their involvement, though they emphasized their enduring friendship with Sheeran. They were joined by American singer Finneas, who was scheduled to open for six South American dates in November, and the Danish pop band Lukas Graham.
Ed Sheeran Responds to Promoter Decisions
As pressure mounted, Sheeran released a multi-page Instagram statement clarifying that Macklemore coming off tour was the promoter’s decision rather than his own, noting that the rapper’s contract was held with the promoter. Sheeran stated that venue owners and promoters communicated they would pull the shows if Macklemore remained on the bill.
While expressing that he was appalled by the conflict and the pain caused on both sides, Sheeran defended his choice to keep political matters private. I am not complicit,
Sheeran wrote, adding that choosing not to speak publicly does not mean he lacks personal views or does not care. He noted that he spent the week trying to build bridges and find a solution before concluding that the promoter’s decision was final.
Wider Industry Reaction and Humanitarian Toll
The controversy has drawn commentary from figures across the entertainment industry, including children’s educator and YouTube star Ms Rachel, who criticized the handling of the tour on Instagram, writing that Sheeran had an opportunity to show artists would not be bullied into punishment for supporting Palestine. Conversely, singer Pink reposted messages critical of Macklemore’s original remarks.
In his own statement addressing his departure, Macklemore emphasized that neither he nor Sheeran were the primary victims of the dispute. He pointed instead to the ongoing humanitarian crisis, citing figures reported by health authorities in Gaza where the conflict has resulted in widespread casualties following the October 7, 2023, militant attacks on Israel and the subsequent military campaign.
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