Ed Sheeran tour loses all opening acts after promoter drops Macklemore over pro-Palestine chants
Ed Sheeran’s US tour lost all remaining opening acts after promoter Messina Touring Group removed rapper Macklemore for pro-Palestinian statements at New Jersey concerts. Sheeran denied responsibility, saying the decision was the promoter’s. In solidarity, musicians Finneas, Lukas Graham, Aaron Rowe, and Beoga canceled their appearances. The controversy began September 4 when Macklemore chanted “Free Palestine” at MetLife Stadium, prompting criticism from Jewish groups and a petition from the Israeli-American Council.
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Ed Sheeran tour hit as supporting acts quit over Macklemore's pro-Palestinian comments
Ed Sheeran's concert tour suffered a setback on Tuesday when several of his supporting acts resigned in solidarity with rapper Macklemore. Macklemore had been dropped from the tour after making pro-Palestinian comments during a performance. The walkout by the supporting acts highlights the ongoing cultural and political tensions surrounding the Israel-Palestine conflict within the entertainment industry. The exact number of acts that quit and the specific impact on the tour schedule were not detailed in the report. The development underscores how political statements by artists can lead to significant repercussions, including contractual disputes and solidarity actions among performers.
Read sourceEd Sheeran isolated after all opening acts quit US tour over Macklemore's pro-Palestine firing
British pop star Ed Sheeran (35) faces increasing isolation on his US tour after all remaining opening acts canceled their appearances in solidarity with rapper Macklemore, who was dropped from the lineup for shouting 'Free Palestine' during a concert in New Jersey. Sheeran stated on Instagram that the decision to remove Macklemore was made solely by the organizers, citing pressure from venues and billionaire Robert Kraft, owner of the New England Patriots and Gillette Stadium. Irish musicians Aaron Rowe and Beoga, Danish band Lukas Graham, and US artist Finneas all announced they would skip their performances. Rowe and Beoga cited Ireland's history of colonialism and genocide as reasons for their stance. Finneas stated artists must not be silenced when advocating for the oppressed. Lukas Graham said money does not give the right to dictate debate, apparently referring to Kraft's role. Sheeran said he tried to build bridges but the organizers' decision was final, and he would not disappoint fans or crew.
Read sourceEd Sheeran Denies Responsibility for Removing Macklemore from Tour, Cites Promoter's Decision
Pop star Ed Sheeran has publicly denied responsibility for removing US rapper Macklemore from the remaining pre-shows of his tour, stating that the decision was made by the tour promoter. In a statement on Instagram, Sheeran said he had spoken extensively with venue representatives, the promoter, and activists on both sides of the Middle East conflict but could not find a joint solution. Sheeran expressed being 'horrified' by the conflict and suffering on both sides, adding that he has a personal opinion but chooses not to express it publicly. He emphasized that his performances are a 'place of safety and refuge,' especially for young people and children in his audience, and that he does not want to use his shows for political expressions. Macklemore had previously claimed that 'Ed Sheeran and his team' removed him, after he reportedly used concerts to say 'Free Palestine.' The Israeli-American Council (IAC) had launched a petition calling for Macklemore's removal. Sheeran is currently touring the USA with his 'Loop' tour, with future dates in Mexico and South America.
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After Macklemore's removal, several musicians cancel support appearances on Ed Sheeran's US tour
Several musicians have canceled their appearances as support acts on Ed Sheeran's US tour following the removal of rapper Macklemore from the pre-show lineup. Macklemore was removed after making pro-Palestinian statements at concerts, including chants of 'Free Palestine,' which prompted a petition from the Israeli-American Council (IAC) calling for his exclusion. Ed Sheeran publicly denied responsibility for the decision, stating on Instagram that it was made by the tour promoter. He expressed being 'horrified' by the Middle East conflict and said he respects Macklemore's right to speak out, but chooses not to use his own performances for political expression, aiming to create a 'place of safety and refuge' for his young and diverse audience. In solidarity with Macklemore, musician Finneas O'Connell, known for collaborating with his sister Billie Eilish, announced he would no longer perform on the tour, stating that 'artists must not be silenced.' Irish musicians Aaron Rowe and Beoga also withdrew. Sheeran's 'Loop' tour continues in the USA until November, with scheduled stops in Mexico and South America.
Read sourceEd Sheeran says dropping Macklemore from tour was promoter's decision, not his
Ed Sheeran has stated that it was not his decision to remove rapper Macklemore from his current US tour, following Macklemore's pro-Palestinian statements at two New Jersey concerts. In a lengthy Instagram post, Sheeran explained that tour promoters Messina Touring Group made the call, as Macklemore's contract was with them, not with Sheeran. The controversy began on September 4 when Macklemore performed at MetLife Stadium, telling the audience 'Free Palestine' and performing his song Hind's Hall while showing footage of devastation in Gaza. This drew criticism from Jewish groups, including the Israeli American Council and StopAntisemitism, with pop star Pink amplifying the criticism. Sheeran said he spent the week trying to 'build a bridge' with venues but ultimately the promoters decided to drop Macklemore. Sheeran also addressed his own choice to avoid political statements on stage, saying his audience includes children of all backgrounds and he prefers to use his platform as 'a place of safety and sanctuary' to maintain open conversations. Macklemore confirmed his removal from the tour in a separate Instagram statement.
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