Four supporting artists announced they are withdrawing from Ed Sheeran’s North and South American stadium tour in solidarity with rapper Macklemore, who was removed after making pro‑Palestinian statements onstage.
Artists cite free‑speech and moral concerns
Irish musicians Aaron Rowe and the folk group Beoga, Denmark’s pop‑rock band Lukas Graham, and Finneas O’Connell – known for his work with sister Billie Eilish – posted on Instagram that they would no longer perform with Sheeran.
Finneas wrote, “Artists must not be silenced when they speak up for the oppressed. I stand with Palestine and its people.” Beoga, describing itself as a founding member of the Irish Artists for Palestine movement, emphasized its commitment to justice. Rowe referenced Ireland’s history of colonialism, famine and occupation, saying he could not “stand by and allow billionaires to use their position of power to silence the rightful voices of those who speak up.”
Lukas Graham’s stance
Lukas Graham thanked Sheeran for the opportunity but called the decision to drop Macklemore a “difficult decision,” adding that “money doesn’t give you the right to own the conversation.” The comment appeared to reference billionaire Robert Kraft, whose New England Patriots ownership and venue control were cited as influencing the removal.
Sheeran’s response
Sheeran reiterated that the decision to drop Macklemore was made by the tour’s promoters, the Messina Touring Group, not by him. He said he would not “let down the fans” or abandon the touring crew and support acts who rely on the tour for their livelihood.
“I would never let down the fans who had made plans, nor would I abandon the touring crew and the other support acts and musicians who rely on me for work and to make a living,” Sheeran wrote on Instagram.
Background on Macklemore’s removal
Macklemore was taken off the Loop Tour after exclaiming “Free Palestine!” during a September 5 performance at New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium. He told his audience, “To all of my Jewish brothers and sisters, criticism of Israel, criticism of apartheid, being against genocide, it in no way is criticism of you.”
According to Macklemore, several venues threatened to bar him from performing, allegedly at the urging of Robert Kraft, owner of the New England Patriots and Gillette Stadium. Kraft’s representatives said the decision was based on Macklemore’s recent comments and a “broader history of antisemitic rhetoric and imagery” that they found offensive.
Impact on the tour
Macklemore was slated for eight of the ten remaining shows. The tour is set to resume Saturday in Philadelphia, with upcoming stops at Gillette Stadium, Atlanta’s Mercedes‑Benz Stadium and Indianapolis’ Lucas Oil Stadium.
Sheeran said he has spoken with venues at length to “build a bridge,” but the promoter’s decision was final. He emphasized his desire to keep concerts a space for music, not a political forum, stating, “I am not complicit.”
Original reporting: Dallas TX News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
