Musicians Withdraw from Ed Sheeran’s Tour After Macklemore’s Removal Over Palestine Remarks

Finneas, Aaron Rowe, Lukas Graham and Beoga have withdrawn from Ed Sheeran’s US tour after Macklemore was removed from the lineup following his pro-Palestinian remarks at a New Jersey concert.

Four artists have left Ed Sheeran’s Loop Tour after Macklemore was dropped from the remaining US shows over his public support for Palestine.

Finneas, Irish singer Aaron Rowe, Danish band Lukas Graham and Irish folk group Beoga announced their withdrawals on September 15. All four expressed support for Macklemore and Palestine in their statements.

Finneas said artists should not be silenced when they speak about oppression. He said he would no longer perform on his scheduled tour dates with Sheeran.

Rowe said he had not made the decision lightly. He described Sheeran as a friend but said he could not continue with the tour under the circumstances.

Lukas Graham said musicians should be able to speak about war, civilian deaths and children affected by conflict.

Beoga also said it could not perform at venues where artists advocating for a free Palestine were being silenced.

Why Macklemore Was Removed

The dispute began after Macklemore performed at Sheeran’s concert at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on September 4.

During his set, he called for a “Free Palestine” and performed Hind’s Hall, his 2024 protest song about the Gaza war and pro-Palestinian demonstrations at Columbia University. He also showed images of destruction in Gaza during the performance.

The Israeli American Council later launched a petition calling for his removal from the tour.

Macklemore was scheduled to perform at eight of Sheeran’s remaining US shows. On September 14, he said he had been removed after venue owners objected to his participation.

Tour promoter Messina Touring Group later confirmed that venues had told the promoter they would not host shows with Macklemore on the lineup.

Robert Kraft, who owns Gillette Stadium, confirmed that his venue would not host Macklemore. Kraft cited the rapper’s recent stage remarks and what he described as a broader history of antisemitic rhetoric and imagery.

Macklemore has rejected accusations that his criticism of Israel is antisemitic.

Sheeran Says Decision Was Not His

Sheeran addressed the controversy on September 15. He said the decision to remove Macklemore came from the promoter and venues, not from him.

Sheeran said he had spent the week speaking with venues, promoters and activists in an effort to find a solution. He said the final decision came from the venues and promoter after some venues indicated they would not allow concerts with Macklemore on the lineup.

Sheeran also said he was “appalled” by the conflict between Israel and Palestine. He said he has personal views on the conflict but chooses not to use his professional platform for political debate.

He said Macklemore had been free to choose his own setlist, as were his other support acts. He also said he respected Macklemore’s decision to speak publicly about what he believes.

The remaining US tour dates are scheduled to continue, with Sheeran next due to perform in Philadelphia on September 19. No replacement opening acts have been announced.