Four supporting acts, including all scheduled opening performers, withdrew from Ed Sheeran’s U.S. tour dates on Tuesday following the removal of rapper Macklemore over pro-Palestinian comments made during a concert, according to reports by The Irish Times.
Supporting Acts Exit Tour Over Macklemore Ouster
Irish acts Aaron Rowe and Beoga, Danish band Lukas Graham, and Finneas announced on Instagram that they were dropping out of Sheeran’s Loop Tour. The withdrawals followed Sheeran’s social media statement attributing Macklemore’s removal entirely to the tour’s promoters, according to The Irish Times. Aaron Rowe had been tapped to replace Macklemore on remaining U.S. dates, while Beoga served as Sheeran’s touring band. Finneas, brother and musical collaborator of Billie Eilish, was scheduled to join the tour in South America later in the year.
Artists Cite Colonialism and Censorship in Statements
Withdrawing artists explicitly pointed to political history and the right to free expression in their public statements. According to statements cited by The Irish Times, Beoga stated, “We are Irish people who understand colonialism. As founding members of the Irish Artists for Palestine movement, we are committed activists for justice and will continue to be.” Aaron Rowe echoed those sentiments, stating that Irish people know “all too well about genocide, forced famine and violent occupation,” and added that he could not allow billionaires to silence rightful voices. Finneas emphasized that artists must not be silenced when speaking up for the oppressed, while Lukas Graham posted that “money doesn’t give you the right to own the conversation.”
Sheeran and Macklemore Address Promoter Decision
The controversy began after Macklemore was removed from the tour following his performance on Sept. 5 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, where he exclaimed “Free Palestine!” while introducing his protest song “Hind’s Hall.” Macklemore stated on Instagram that several U.S. venues told the promoter they would prohibit him from performing, pointing to Robert Kraft, owner of the New England Patriots, whose Kraft Group owns Gillette Stadium. Kraft stated that the cancellation resulted from Macklemore’s recent comments and a broader history of antisemitic rhetoric and imagery. Sheeran defended his position on Instagram, stating that the decision belonged solely to the promoters and that he tried to build a bridge with venues before learning the decision was final.
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