Irish radio station Classic Hits Radio has removed Ed Sheeran’s music from its playlist following the controversy over rapper Macklemore’s departure from the singer’s Loop Tour.
According to Billboard, the station announced on Thursday that it would stop playing Sheeran’s songs “for the foreseeable future”. The decision followed listener feedback about the events surrounding the tour and took effect the same day.
Macklemore left the remaining US dates of Sheeran’s tour after speaking in support of Palestinians during his performances at New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium earlier this month. On 4 September, he told the audience that people in Gaza and the West Bank had not been forgotten and called for a “free Palestine”.
Macklemore later said Robert Kraft, the owner of Gillette Stadium, pressured Sheeran to remove him from the tour. Tour promoter Messina Touring Group said several venues had indicated that Macklemore would not be allowed to perform.
Sheeran later said promoters and venues, rather than him, made the decision. He also said he had personal views on the conflict but would not discuss them publicly.
Several artists scheduled to support Sheeran then withdrew from the remaining dates. They included Irish singer-songwriter Aaron Rowe and Irish band Beoga, while Finneas and Lukas Graham also pulled out.
Dave Kelly, group programme director of Bay Broadcasting, which operates Classic Hits Radio, said the decision to remove Sheeran’s music had been “carefully considered”. He stressed that it was not intended as a personal judgement on the singer.
Classic Hits Radio said it recognised differing views over the controversy and acknowledged Sheeran’s explanation. The station said it would keep the decision under review.
