Macklemore was removed from the remaining dates of Ed Sheeran’s North and South American tour after shouting “Free Palestine” during his opening set at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, according to tour reporting and statements from the artists involved. The decision triggered a wider fallout that saw supporting acts Finneas, Lukas Graham, Aaron Rowe, and Sheeran’s backing band Beoga withdraw from the tour in solidarity, while the controversy later touched public art internationally, including a ratepayer-funded mural in Dunedin, New Zealand.
Tour Promoters Drop Macklemore After New Jersey Stage Protest
The controversy began during a September concert when Macklemore used his opening slot to perform his pro-Palestinian protest song “Hind’s Hall” and shouted “Free Palestine” from the stage, according to news reports. Following the performance, US venues told the tour promoter, Messina Touring Group, that they would not host shows featuring the US rapper on the bill, leading to his removal from the remaining tour dates. Macklemore stated that his removal was driven by an effort led by Robert Kraft, the billionaire owner of the New England Patriots whose Kraft Group owns Gillette Stadium. Kraft publicly objected to the inclusion, stating the issue extended beyond support for Palestinians and citing past rhetoric and imagery he regarded as anti-Semitic. Macklemore denied being anti-Semitic and previously apologized for a 2014 costume criticized as invoking anti-Semitic stereotypes. Amid the fallout, Macklemore announced he would donate US$1 million of his net tour earnings to six organizations helping Palestinians, including the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, UNRWA, and challenged Kraft to match the contribution.
Ed Sheeran Distances Himself From Removal as Support Acts Withdraw
Ed Sheeran publicly distanced himself from the decision to drop Macklemore, stating through media statements that the choice was made by promoters and venues rather than himself. Sheeran said he tried to find a way for Macklemore to remain on tour while maintaining that his concerts were intended to bring together people with differing beliefs rather than serve as political forums. Despite that stance, the tour faced mounting defections. Supporting artists Finneas, Lukas Graham, Aaron Rowe, and Sheeran’s backing band Beoga withdrew from the tour in solidarity. Finneas wrote that artists must not be silenced when speaking up for the oppressed. Beoga and Aaron Rowe cited Ireland’s history with colonialism and famine in their statements, with Rowe noting that he could not stand by and allow powerful figures to silence rightful voices. Lukas Graham also withdrew from the scheduled dates, leaving the tour without several of its prominent opening acts.
Dunedin Mural Vandalized as Controversy Reaches New Zealand
The ongoing tour controversy reached international locations when large black lettering reading “Free Palestine” was scrawled across the bottom of a landmark Ed Dunedin mural of Ed Sheeran on Bath Street, according to reports from 1News. The ratepayer-funded portrait was originally painted by artist Tyler Kennedy Stent in 2018, commissioned by Enterprise Dunedin for $8350 ahead of Sheeran’s concerts at Forsyth Barr Stadium. The Dunedin City Council acknowledged strong public sentiment surrounding the musician but stated it did not condone vandalism, adding that any decision to remove the graffiti rested with the building owner and the Street Art Trust. Police were contacted regarding the vandalism, which marks the second time the 2018 mural has been targeted with graffiti since its completion.
Did you know? Ed Sheeran previously engaged with political causes by performing at the Concert for Ukraine fundraiser following Russia’s 2022 invasion and bringing the Ukrainian band Antytila on stage during his Warsaw concert.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Macklemore dropped from Ed Sheeran’s tour?
Macklemore was removed from the remaining dates after shouting “Free Palestine” and performing his protest song “Hind’s Hall” during his opening set in New Jersey, prompting US venues to inform promoters they would not host shows with him.
Which artists withdrew from the tour in solidarity?
Finneas, Lukas Graham, Aaron Rowe, and Sheeran’s backing band Beoga all withdrew from the tour following Macklemore’s removal.
Has Ed Sheeran commented on the decision?
According to news reports, Sheeran stated that the decision to remove Macklemore was made by promoters and venues rather than himself, and noted he had tried to find a way for the rapper to stay on the bill.
What happened to the Ed Sheeran mural in Dunedin?
The 2018 street art portrait painted by Tyler Kennedy Stent on Bath Street was tagged with the words “Free Palestine” in black lettering amid the ongoing international tour controversy.