Ed Sheeran Openers Resign After Macklemore Removed From Tour

Macklemore Removed Following Venue Ultimatum

The controversy began on Monday, September 14, when Messina Touring Group, the promoter for Ed Sheeran’s U.S. Loop Tour, announced that Macklemore would no longer appear on the remaining dates. The decision followed the rapper's performances at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., on September 4 and 5, where he shouted "Free Palestine," displayed images of devastation in Gaza, and performed his protest song, "Hind’s Hall."

According to the promoter, several venues indicated they would not allow the concerts to proceed if Macklemore remained on the lineup. These venues reportedly included Lincoln Financial Field, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Lucas Oil Stadium, Bank of America Stadium, AT&T Stadium, and Raymond James Stadium. Macklemore alleged that Robert Kraft, owner of the New England Patriots and Gillette Stadium, led a pressure campaign by rallying other stadium owners to issue an ultimatum to Sheeran’s team.

"I didn’t need 10 shows from Ed. I needed 2. Two chances to stand in front of 90,000 people and say the words that somehow became too dangerous to say. Free Palestine. But if those words cost me the stage, while turning the conversation back to Palestine, then it was the most successful tour I’ve ever been on."

— Macklemore

Robert Kraft confirmed he barred the rapper from Gillette Stadium, citing "material shared from the stage" and a "broader history of antisemitic rhetoric and imagery." Kraft stated the decision was about ensuring events do not provide a platform for "hate speech."

Supporting Acts Withdraw in Solidarity

Following the removal of Macklemore, every other artist scheduled to support the tour resigned. Irish singer-songwriter Aaron Rowe announced his departure on Tuesday, September 15, stating he needed to be true to his ancestors who resisted colonization.

"I cannot stand by and allow billionaires to use their position of power to silence the rightful voices of those who speak up against Israeli genocide and who highlight the savage murder of children. I would lose all respect for myself to carry on as normal."

— Aaron Rowe

Lukas Graham also withdrew from the remaining dates, expressing that financial influence should not dictate political speech.

"Money doesn’t give you the right to own the conversation. Nobody’s bank balance should decide who gets to speak or which suffering we’re allowed to acknowledge. I love Ed, and I’m grateful for everything we’ve shared. That hasn’t changed. But I can’t put these words out into the world and carry on with this tour as things stand."

— Lukas Graham

Finneas, who was slated to open the South American leg starting in November, and the traditional Irish band Beoga also pulled out. Beoga, who performed a mini-set during Sheeran’s main performance, cited the "silencing of Macklemore by zionist lobbies" as their reason for leaving the trek.

"Artists must not be silenced when they speak up for the oppressed. I have decided to withdraw from my upcoming tour dates with Ed Sheeran. I stand with Palestine and its people."

— Finneas

Sheeran Defends Stance as Industry Reacts

Ed Sheeran issued a statement on September 15, clarifying that the decision to remove Macklemore was made by the promoter and venues, not by him personally. He described spending the week "trying to build bridges" but failing to find a resolution that would allow the tour to proceed with the original lineup. Sheeran emphasized his desire to keep his professional platform as a "place of safety and sanctuary" for fans of all backgrounds.

"I respect Macklemore’s strength of purpose to stand up and shout for what he believes. However, there is room for multiple approaches to the same end: peace. I choose to use my fame and platform to be a place of safety and sanctuary, to maintain diplomacy and keep conversations open, not closed."

— Ed Sheeran

The move has drawn criticism from various public figures. Ms. Rachel argued that Sheeran "caved to people who refuse to accept what the world knows," while the band MUNA called the effort to silence free speech "utterly pathetic." R&B singer Kehlani also voiced support for Macklemore, noting that many venue owners are "rallied together this way."

Tour Context and Humanitarian Efforts

The Loop Tour features a genre range including Pop, folk, R&B, and hip hop. Amidst the controversy, Macklemore announced on Wednesday that he would donate $1 million—his total net earnings from the tour—to six humanitarian organizations: the Palestine Children’s Relief Fund, HEAL Palestine, Gaza Soup Kitchen, Medical Aid for Palestinians, UNRWA USA, and Anera. He publicly invited Robert Kraft to match the donation, stating, "Palestinian lives are worth protecting."

The tour is currently scheduled to resume on September 19 in Philadelphia with no remaining opening acts. According to The Associated Press, more than 73,000 Palestinians have died in the ongoing violence as of June 2024.