Who withdrew from Ed Sheeran’s tour in solidarity with Macklemore and Palestine?
English singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran recently drew backlash after dropping Macklemore from his U.S. tour following the rapper’s “Free Palestine” remarks and lengthy speech at MetLife Stadium.
Macklemore opened for Ed Sheeran at MetLife Stadium with a lengthy speech to raise awareness about the ongoing Israeli aggression on Gaza and call for a “Free Palestine.” The rapper then performed his song, “Hind’s Hall,” a protest track to honor six-year-old Palestinian child Hind Rajab, who was tragically killed by the IOF while trapped in a car with relatives in Gaza.
In response, all four supporting acts for Ed Sheeran’s Loop tour withdrew in solidarity with Macklemore and Palestine.
First, Finneas, who was set to open for Sheeran on six dates in November, withdrew from the tour. He took to Insatgram and wrote in a statement, “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.”
Irish singer Aaron Rowe, who previously opened for Sheeran, also withdrew from the tour. Rowe wrote on Instagram, “I don’t take the decision lightly. d has been a friend to me and has changed my life, I could never thank him enough for this.”
He added, “But as Irish people we know all too well about genocide, forced famine and violent occupation. 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.”
Fellow Irish band Beoga, which performs as Sheeran’s backing band, followed Rowe’s withdrawal to protest the “silencing of Macklemore by zionist lobbies.”
They wrote on social media, “We are a traditional Irish band who never saw ourselves playing in stadiums of that size and that opportunity is not lost on us. We have been friends with Ed for over 10 years now and will continue to be. We believe in dialogue as a means of progressing the plight of the Palestinian people.”
Danish pop band Lukas Graham also withdrew from the tour:
“We should be able to speak about war, about civilians being killed, about children who deserve to grow up. Wherever they live. Whatever flag flies over them.”
Lead Lukas Forchhammer wrote, “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.”
News recently circulated that Ed Sheeran dropped the rapper after receiving a call from Robert Kraft, who said the performance crossed a line. Other venues then threatened Sheeran and his team with canceling all the singer’s upcoming tour stops if Macklemore stayed. Kraft later doubled down on his decision in a statement.
According to the BBC, StopAntisemitism also joined Kraft and criticised the rapper, saying “Jewish fans bought tickets to see Ed Sheeran sing… not to be ambushed by Macklemore’s anti-Israel propaganda.”
Sheeran responds to dropping Macklemore
Sheeran later confirmed in a statement that Kraft and other stadium owners refused to allow him to play if Macklemore stayed on tour. He wrote, “Macklemore coming off tour was the promoter’s decision, it was not mine. 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.”
He added, “I have spent this week trying to build bridges, to find a solution and unfortunately, was unable to do so,” he concluded. “I know who I am, both as a person and as an artist, and those who know my heart know my values too.”
