The remaining opening acts on Ed Sheeran’s current tour, together with his backing band, have withdrawn in solidarity with Macklemore after he was removed from his opening slot for advocating a free Palestine.
On September 14, after being removed from Sheeran’s tour, Macklemore issued a statement blaming both Sheeran and Gillette Stadium owner Robert Kraft for the cancellation of his upcoming shows. Messina Touring Group, an AEG subsidiary, said that several venues had aligned with Kraft’s Gillette Stadium in rejecting the rapper’s appearance. Macklemore accused Kraft of urging the venue owners to follow his example.
Sheeran explained that venues communicating after his New Jersey shows indicated they would cancel upcoming performances if Macklemore remained involved, citing his delivery of the message rather than its substance. He clarified, “Macklemore’s departure from the tour was a promoter’s decision, not mine.”
In response, Sheeran’s remaining supporting acts—Finneas, Lukas Graham, and Aaron Rowe—along with his backing band Beoga—announced their withdrawal from the tour. Finneas posted on Instagram, “Artists must not be silenced when they speak up for the oppressed.” Rowe added, “As Irish people we are all too familiar with genocide, forced famine, and violent occupation. I cannot allow billionaires to wield their power to silence the rightful voices of those condemning the Israeli genocide and the brutal killing of children. To continue as if nothing were wrong would cost me my self‑respect.”
Sheeran emphasized his commitment to political neutrality, stating, “I am not complicit; I hold personal views on this devastating conflict, but I choose not to speak publicly. That does not mean I am indifferent. I aim to use my fame and platform as a safe sanctuary, fostering diplomacy and open dialogue rather than division. Focusing solely on the loudest voices will achieve nothing.”
He concluded, “This week I have worked to build bridges and find a solution, but unfortunately was unable to do so. I am clear about who I am, both as a person and as an artist, and those who know my heart recognize my values.”
During his opening sets for Sheeran, Macklemore displayed footage of the devastation in Gaza and performed “Hind’s Hall,” a track dedicated to Hind Rajab, a six‑year‑old killed by Israeli forces. He questioned, “So why is it an issue now?” “Because now I’m sharing a stage with one of the world’s biggest artists in the largest stadiums in America. At this level of exposure, advocating ‘Free Palestine’ carries too great a risk.” Macklemore has long spoken out against Israel’s war in Gaza.
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