Ed Sheeran has selected Isaac Slade, the former frontman of The Fray, as his new opening act following the removal of Macklemore from the tour over pro-Palestinian remarks, nos.nl reported.
Isaac Slade Steps In for Macklemore on the Loop Tour
The British singer needed a replacement after Macklemore was cut from the Loop tour in the United States. Macklemore had previously performed at two shows on the tour before sparking controversy on September 4 by calling for a “Free Palestine” during a performance. The remarks triggered pushback from concert venues scheduled to host Sheeran, with several locations threatening to cancel shows featuring the rapper, according to nos.nl.
The Fray Hits Return to the Stage in Atlanta
During his brief opening set in Atlanta, Slade performed well-known early-2000s hits by The Fray, including “How to Save a Life” and “You Found Me,” nos.nl reported. Nieuws.nl added that Slade also performed “Over My Head (Cable Car)” during his performance.
Slade addressed the surrounding controversy directly from the stage on Saturday night. “It looks like everyone in this world is choosing a side. What is happening in Gaza is wrong, but we need people who are looking for a middle ground,” Slade told the audience, as reported by nos.nl. Nieuws.nl noted his phrasing slightly differently, quoting him as saying, “Everyone seems to be taking sides in this world and that is fine. What is happening there is wrong, but if we want to get through it we need people who take that middle position.”
Supporting Artists Leave Tour After Organizers Drop Macklemore
The lineup change follows a broader shakeup in Sheeran’s supporting acts. Nieuws.nl reported that last month, all supporting artists on the bill left the tour—including Sheeran’s backing band—after organizers dropped Macklemore. The situation prompted Sheeran to offer an emotional apology during a subsequent concert in Philadelphia.
Meanwhile, Macklemore has announced plans for an upcoming independent concert series titled “Free Palestine,” with all proceeds directed toward aid organizations supporting Palestinians, according to nos.nl.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Tour Changes
When did Isaac Slade join Ed Sheeran’s tour?
Isaac Slade made his debut as the new opening act on Saturday evening in Atlanta, United States.
Why was Macklemore removed from the concert series?
Macklemore was cut from the tour after calling for a “Free Palestine” on September 4, which led to threats of cancellations from participating concert venues.
What songs did Isaac Slade perform during his set?
Slade performed several hits from his time with The Fray, including “How to Save a Life,” “You Found Me,” and “Over My Head (Cable Car).”
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