Isaac Slade Replaces Macklemore on Ed Sheeran Tour Following Gaza Remarks
Former The Fray frontman Isaac Slade joined Ed Sheeran’s Loop tour in Atlanta as a replacement opening act after rapper Macklemore was removed from the lineup over pro-Palestinian statements, nos.nl reported. Slade performed band hits including “How to Save a Life” and “Over My Head (Cable Car)” during his appearance, according to Nieuws.nl. Slade was part of The Fray, which scored several hits early this century such as “How to Save a Life” and “You Found Me,” and left as lead singer in 2022. Macklemore was initially in Sheeran’s opening act and had already performed twice during his Loop tour through the United States.
Tour Shakeup Following Macklemore’s Removal
The lineup change follows weeks of tour disruption after Macklemore called for a “Free Palestine” during a September 4 performance, prompting concert venues to threaten cancellations. According to nos.nl, the controversy led organizers to drop Macklemore from the remainder of the American tour dates. Nieuws.nl reported that the initial fallout caused all supporting artists and Sheeran’s backing band to step down from the tour last month, prompting an emotional apology from Sheeran during a subsequent concert in Philadelphia.
Slade Addresses the Controversy on Stage
During his debut performance in Atlanta on Saturday night, Slade addressed the ongoing public debate surrounding the conflict in the Middle East. “It seems like everyone in this world is choosing a side,” Slade told the audience, according to nos.nl. "What’s happening in Gaza is wrong, but we need people who are looking for a middle ground." Nieuws.nl reported that Slade stressed the need for a middle position while performing a short acoustic set of his former band's catalog, with the British singer bringing Slade onto the stage several weeks after his complete opening lineup dropped out during the American tour.
Macklemore Announces Benefit Concerts
Following his removal from the tour, Macklemore announced plans to launch an independent concert series under the banner “Free Palestine,” with all proceeds directed toward humanitarian organizations aiding Palestinians, nos.nl reported. Meanwhile, Ed Sheeran continues his United States tour dates with Slade stepping in to fill the vacant support slot.
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