Ed Sheeran is scheduled to perform on Saturday at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia and may sing alone following the departure of his opening acts, who pulled out of the tour in protest after rapper Macklemore was dropped for expressing support for Palestine, according to published reports. The concert marks Sheeran’s first stage appearance since the expulsion of Macklemore from his United States tour.
Tour Lineup Collapses After Macklemore Tour Dismissal
According to tour announcements and subsequent statements, the opening roster collapsed after Macklemore was removed from the United States tour following a September 5 show in New Jersey where he said “free Palestine.” Finneas, the brother and collaborator of popular artist Billie Eilish, withdrew from his scheduled appearances earlier in the week. Danish band Lukas Graham and Irish singer Aaron Rowe also announced they would no longer open for the global tour.
The expulsion of Macklemore was pushed by influential pro-Israel billionaire Robert Kraft, whose company owns a stadium where Sheeran was scheduled to play, according to reporting on the dispute. Sheeran subsequently released a statement denying responsibility for the decision and stating that he is “not complicit.”
Boycott Calls and Protests Target World Tour Dates
Palestinian advocacy groups have responded to the tour changes by organizing protests and calling for broader boycotts. According to the Palestinian Campaign for the Academic and Cultural Boycott of Israel (PACBI), activists have extended their boycott call to cover Sheeran’s entire world tour, including upcoming Latin American dates and the as-yet-unannounced European leg.
In addition to the online boycott campaigns, local organizers scheduled a pro-Palestinian rally near the Philadelphia concert venue ahead of the Saturday performance. The backlash highlights shifting public opinion in the United States regarding the conflict in Gaza, where support for Israel has shrunk to its lowest levels on record among voters and political progressives.
Did you know?
Artists in Gaza painted a mural of Macklemore in a Palestinian flag in the rubble of Gaza City to thank the rapper for his public statements, according to statements given to the Reuters news agency by designer Anne Redwan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Macklemore dropped from Ed Sheeran’s tour?
Macklemore was removed from the lineup after saying “free Palestine” on stage during a September 5 performance in New Jersey, following pressure from billionaire Robert Kraft, whose company owns a stadium on the tour schedule.
Which opening acts left the tour?
Finneas, Lukas Graham, and Aaron Rowe all withdrew from their respective opening slots in support of Macklemore and Gaza.
How has Ed Sheeran responded to the controversy?
Sheeran released a statement asserting that he is not complicit in the decision to drop Macklemore and denying personal responsibility for the rapper’s expulsion.
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