Four artists quit Ed Sheeran's tour in support of Macklemore and Palestine
Ed Sheeran denied responsibility for Macklemore’s removal from his "Loop Tour," attributing the decision to promoter Messina Touring Group following venue threats, while remaining opening acts, including Finneas and Aaron Rowe, withdrew in solidarity
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British singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran denied on Tuesday that he was responsible for removing rapper Macklemore from his U.S. stadium tour, stating that promoter Messina Touring Group made the executive decision after stadium owners threatened to cancel concert dates over the rapper's pro-Palestinian comments.
The clarification came as all remaining supporting acts for the "Loop Tour"—including Grammy-winning producer Finneas, Irish singer Aaron Rowe, Danish band Lukas Graham, and folk group Beoga—abruptly withdrew from the tour in solidarity with Macklemore.
What led to Ed Sheeran's statement and the venue ultimatum?
In a multi-slide statement posted to Instagram, Sheeran explained that he spent days attempting to mediate between venue executives and tour promoters before Messina Touring Group ultimately decided to drop the rapper to prevent multi-city tour cancellations. The fallout stems from early September shows at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, where Macklemore shouted "Free Palestine!" and performed his protest track "Hind's Hall".
According to The Guardian and Rolling Stone, Macklemore alleged that New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft, whose company owns Gillette Stadium in Massachusetts, spearheaded a coalition of stadium owners demanding his removal. Kraft confirmed his opposition, stating the venue would not provide a platform for what he characterized as offensive rhetoric. Addressing criticism over his own public silence, Sheeran rejected claims of complicity, writing: "I have my personal views on this devastating conflict. Just because I choose not to speak publicly, it doesn't mean I don't care".
Which supporting artists dropped out of the Loop Tour in solidarity?
Hours after Sheeran's statement, all remaining opening acts announced their immediate departure from upcoming North American and South American dates of the Loop Tour:
- Finneas: Billie Eilish's brother and collaborator canceled his appearance on the upcoming South American leg, posting on Instagram: "Artists must not be silenced when they speak up for the oppressed. I have decided to withdraw... I stand with Palestine and its people".
- Aaron Rowe & Beoga: Irish singer Aaron Rowe and traditional folk group Beoga withdrew from the North American dates, citing Irish historical experiences with occupation and famine and refusing to allow powerful stadium owners to silence artists.
- Lukas Graham: The Danish pop group similarly withdrew from remaining U.S. stadium dates.
Messina Touring Group has not yet issued a public update regarding replacement performers or potential schedule adjustments for the tour.
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