Ed Sheeran’s North and South American tour has faced major disruption after four supporting acts withdrew in solidarity with rapper Macklemore, who was removed from the tour following pro-Palestinian comments made onstage.
Irish acts Aaron Rowe and Beoga, Danish band Lukas Graham and singer Finneas announced on Instagram on Tuesday that they would leave the tour. Their decisions came shortly after Sheeran addressed Macklemore’s removal and said the decision had been made by the tour promoters.
Rowe and Lukas Graham had been scheduled to replace Macklemore on Sheeran’s remaining US dates. Beoga had been joining Sheeran for several songs during his sets, including tracks they co-wrote. Finneas, the brother and musical collaborator of Billie Eilish, was due to join Sheeran for his South American tour later this year.
“Artists must not be silenced when they speak up for the oppressed,” Finneas wrote on Instagram. “I have decided to withdraw from my upcoming tour dates with Ed Sheeran. I stand with Palestine and its people.”
The withdrawals have put further pressure on Sheeran, who has generally avoided taking a public political position on the Gaza conflict. He has said audiences attend his concerts for music rather than political discussions.
Rowe and Beoga cited Ireland’s history when explaining their decisions.
“We are Irish people who understand colonialism,” Beoga said. “As founding members of the Irish Artists for Palestine movement, we are committed activists for justice and will continue to be.”
Rowe described Sheeran as a friend who had changed his life but said his Irish background made it difficult for him to remain silent.
“As Irish people we know all too well about genocide, forced famine and violent occupation,” he said, adding that 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, known for songs including “Mama Said” and “7 Years”, thanked Sheeran while describing its decision to leave the tour as difficult.
“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,” the band said in an Instagram post, apparently referring to billionaire Robert Kraft’s reported role in Macklemore’s removal.
Emails seeking comment were sent to Sheeran and the tour’s promoter, Messina Touring Group.
Sheeran addressed Macklemore’s removal after the rapper made pro-Palestinian remarks during their tour. Sheeran said the decision was made solely by the promoters and that he did not want to become involved in a public debate over the Gaza war.
“Macklemore coming off tour was the promoter’s decision, it was not mine,” Sheeran wrote on Instagram on Tuesday. “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.”
His statement came a day after Macklemore said he had been removed from the Loop Tour after saying “Free Palestine!” during a 5 September concert at New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium while introducing his protest song “Hind’s Hall”.
“To all of my Jewish brothers and sisters, criticism of Israel, criticism of apartheid, being against genocide, it in no way is criticism of you,” Macklemore said during the concert.
Macklemore said on Monday that several US venues had told the promoter they would not allow him to perform as Sheeran’s opening act following efforts by Kraft, the owner of the NFL’s New England Patriots. Kraft’s Kraft Group also owns Gillette Stadium, the Patriots’ home ground.
In a statement on Monday, Kraft said Macklemore had been removed because of his recent comments and what he described as a wider history of “antisemitic rhetoric and imagery” that he said had been offensive and hurtful to the Jewish community.
Kraft’s representatives did not immediately respond on Tuesday to questions about the other artists’ decisions to leave the tour.
A growing number of organisations and experts have said Israel’s wartime actions in Gaza amount to genocide, an allegation Israel strongly rejects.
Macklemore had been scheduled to perform at eight of the 10 remaining shows on Sheeran’s stadium tour, which is due to resume on Saturday in Philadelphia.
The upcoming stops include Gillette Stadium, Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium and Indianapolis’ Lucas Oil Stadium.
Sheeran said he had spoken extensively with venues throughout the week in an effort to find a solution. However, the venues and promoter ultimately stood by their decision.
He said he tries to use his music to bring together people from different backgrounds and cultures.
While he has personal views about the “devastating conflict”, he said he chooses not to discuss them publicly because concertgoers do not expect his shows to become political forums.
“I am not complicit,” Sheeran wrote.
“I respect Macklemore’s strength of purpose to stand up and shout for what he believes,” he added. “However, there is room for multiple approaches to the same end: peace.”
Sheeran said he preferred to use his public platform as “a place of safety and sanctuary” while supporting diplomacy and keeping conversations open.
