Ed Sheeran’s entire remaining lineup of supporting acts and his backing band have withdrawn from his stadium tour, according to reports from Global News, Reuters, and The Guardian, following a widespread backlash sparked by the removal of rapper Macklemore over pro-Palestinian stage remarks.
Ed Sheeran Tour Support Acts Quit Over Macklemore Removal
The tour fallout escalated on Tuesday afternoon when American singer Finneas, originally scheduled to open for Sheeran on six South American dates in November, announced his departure from the lineup. According to social media statements cited by Global News, Finneas stated that artists must not be silenced when speaking up for the oppressed.
The withdrawals followed a lengthy statement posted to Instagram by Ed Sheeran, in which the English pop star explained that venue owners and tour promoters had forced Macklemore’s removal. According to Reuters, stadium owners on upcoming U.S. dates threatened to bar any further shows if Macklemore remained on the bill. Sheeran stated that he attempted to mediate a resolution among all parties, but the venue and promoter decisions were final.
Did you know? Macklemore was originally cut from the lineup after delivering a two-minute speech on September 4 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, where he used the phrase “free Palestine” and performed his song Hind’s Hall, according to Global News and Reuters.
Venue Pressure and the MetLife Stadium Controversy
The controversy began when Macklemore addressed the audience during his New Jersey concert, stating that he wanted people in Gaza and the occupied West Bank to know they had not been forgotten. According to The Guardian, the remarks prompted an immediate petition from the Israeli-American Council calling for his removal, alongside opposition from prominent venue owners.
Robert Kraft, the billionaire owner of the New England Patriots and owner of Gillette Stadium, confirmed his refusal to allow Macklemore to perform at his venue. According to The Guardian and Reuters, Kraft cited both Macklemore’s recent actions and a broader history of controversial imagery and rhetoric from past years, adding that he would welcome an opportunity to sit down and discuss the facts with the rapper.
Aaron Rowe, Beoga, and Lukas Graham Join Boycott
Irish singer Aaron Rowe, scheduled for 10 North American dates, also announced his withdrawal on Tuesday. According to Global News, Rowe stated that he could not stand by and allow billionaires to use their power to silence voices speaking up against the conflict. Sheeran’s backing band, the traditional Irish group Beoga, departed shortly after Rowe, citing the silencing of Macklemore by lobbying groups, as reported by The Guardian.
Danish pop band Lukas Graham also dropped out of the tour on Tuesday. According to statements cited by Global News, lead singer Lukas Forchhammer emphasized that money and bank balances should not dictate who is allowed to speak or which suffering gets acknowledged.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Macklemore removed from Ed Sheeran’s tour?
According to Ed Sheeran’s public statement, tour promoters and venue owners forced Macklemore’s removal following pro-Palestinian comments made during a September concert at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
Which artists withdrew from the tour in solidarity?
According to Global News and Reuters, supporting acts Finneas, Aaron Rowe, Lukas Graham, and Sheeran’s backing band Beoga all withdrew from the tour following Macklemore’s ouster.
What did Ed Sheeran say about the decision?
Sheeran stated that the removal was the promoter’s decision rather than his own, noting that he attempted to broker a compromise with venue owners but was unsuccessful.
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