Ed Sheeran faces a growing commercial and public backlash following the removal of Macklemore from his US tour, culminating in an Irish radio station pulling his music from the airwaves and upcoming protests in Philadelphia. According to Classic Hits Radio, the Dublin-based station will not broadcast the singer’s songs for the foreseeable future due to listener feedback and solidarity with supporting acts who exited the tour.
Irish Radio Station Bans Ed Sheeran’s Music
Classic Hits Radio announced that it has removed Ed Sheeran’s catalog from its playlist following widespread controversy over Macklemore’s removal from the tour. Dave Kelly, group program director at Bay Broadcasting, which runs the station, told The Independent that the decision was carefully considered and reflects audience feedback. According to Kelly, the station wants to stand alongside Irish artists who made significant professional decisions based on their own convictions. He stated that the company believes in peace, humanity, and respect, as well as the right of artists to express their views.
The controversy began after Macklemore called for a free Palestine and performed his song “Hind’s Hall” during his opening sets at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, on September 4 and 5. Following those performances, Macklemore was dropped from the tour. Macklemore alleged that New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft pressured Sheeran into the decision by threatening to bar him from performing at Gillette Stadium and encouraging other venue owners to issue similar ultimatums.
Tour Departures and Protest Plans
Macklemore’s removal prompted multiple supporting acts to leave the tour in solidarity. Irish acts Aaron Rowe and Beoga, alongside Lukas Graham and Finneas, dropped out of their scheduled appearances. Aaron Rowe stated publicly that as an Irish person, he could not stand by while billionaires used their power to silence voices speaking out against the conflict in Gaza.
Activists have also organized physical demonstrations against the tour. Pro-Palestine organizations including the Philly Palestine Coalition and Shut Down D&Z planned a protest outside Sheeran’s concert at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia. Organizers stated via social media flyers that the demonstration aims to return public attention to the situation in Gaza and challenge what they describe as corporate neutrality in the face of oppression.
Public and Digital Fallout
Alongside the radio ban and scheduled protests, the fallout has extended to digital platforms. The singer experienced a drop in Instagram followers as public division over the tour changes intensified. Ed Sheeran has not announced any upcoming tour dates in Ireland, but the local radio ban ensures his music will remain absent from Classic Hits Radio broadcasts across Dublin, Cork, Limerick, and Galway for the foreseeable future.
Worth a look