Four Acts Leave Ed Sheeran Tour After Macklemore Removal

Ed Sheeran’s North and South American stadium tour has been disrupted after four supporting acts announced their departures following Macklemore’s removal from the lineup.

Aaron Rowe, Beoga, Lukas Graham and Finneas each said they would no longer take part in upcoming dates. Their statements referred to Palestine, justice, colonialism and concerns about artists being silenced, although each act gave its own explanation for leaving.

Artists announce withdrawals

Rowe and Lukas Graham had been expected to replace Macklemore on Sheeran’s remaining United States dates. Beoga had been performing several songs with Sheeran during the middle portion of his sets, including songs the Irish folk band co-wrote with him.

Finneas, who is Billie Eilish’s brother and musical collaborator, was due to join Sheeran for the South American leg later in the year. Announcing his withdrawal, Finneas wrote: “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.”

Beoga described itself as a founding member of the Irish Artists for Palestine movement and said: “We are Irish people who understand colonialism.” The band added that it was committed to justice and would continue its activism.

Rowe referred to Ireland’s experience of “genocide, forced famine and violent occupation” in his statement. He also said 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 wrote that “Money doesn’t give you the right to own the conversation,” adding that no one’s bank balance should determine who can speak or which suffering can be acknowledged.

Why Macklemore was removed

Macklemore had been scheduled to perform at eight of Sheeran’s 10 remaining stadium shows before he was removed. The rapper said he was dropped after saying “Free Palestine!” during a September 5 performance at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey while introducing his song “Hind’s Hall.”

During the concert, Macklemore also told Jewish audience members that criticism of Israel, opposition to apartheid and opposition to genocide were not criticism of them.

Robert Kraft said Macklemore’s cancellation was connected to the rapper’s recent comments and what Kraft described as a broader history of antisemitic rhetoric and imagery that he said had caused deep offense and hurt to the Jewish community. Kraft owns the New England Patriots, while his Kraft Group owns Gillette Stadium, where the team plays.

Macklemore also said several United States venues had told the promoter they would not allow him to perform as Sheeran’s opening act. That account has not been independently confirmed in the report.

Sheeran distances himself from decision

Sheeran said Macklemore’s removal was made by the tour’s promoters, not by him. “Macklemore coming off tour was the promoter’s decision, it was not mine,” he wrote on Instagram.

Sheeran said he had spoken with venues during the week in an effort to find a resolution, but that “the venue’s and promoter’s decision was final.” He said he continued with the tour because he did not want to disappoint fans who had made plans or abandon the touring crew and musicians who depended on the work.

The singer has said he avoids publicly discussing his personal views on the Gaza conflict because he believes concertgoers do not expect a political forum. He said he prefers to use his platform to bring people from different backgrounds together and to maintain open dialogue.

Organizations and experts have increasingly described Israel’s wartime actions in Gaza as genocide, an accusation Israel rejects. Sheeran’s stadium tour was scheduled to resume Saturday in Philadelphia.