Ed Sheeran’s Supporting Acts Depart Amid Tour Fallout

Ed Sheeran‘s Loop Tour is facing another wave of changes following the controversy surrounding Macklemore‘s removal due to his pro-Palestine remarks at a performance. The rapper was dropped from remaining dates, and now, other music acts have departed in solidarity with Macklemore. The exits have left Sheeran’s tour lineup looking very different as the controversy continues to unfold.

Macklemore’s removal from Ed Sheeran’s Loop Tour is greatly affecting how the rest of the remaining concert dates will play out. As Macklemore noted in a lengthy post, Sheeran was caught in a “f-cked up position” after venues said they wouldn’t host concerts if he was performing, per The Blast.

After Macklemore’s dismissal, one of the other opening acts, Aaron Rowe, decided to exit the tour. “I cannot stand by and allow billionaires to use their position of power to silence the rightful voices of those who speak up against Israeli genocide and who highlight the savage murder or children,” he said in a statement.

Macklemore said billionaire businessman Robert Kraft, who owns one of the concert venues, Gillette Stadium, rallied other venue owners to remove him from the lineup or Sheeran wouldn’t be allowed to perform at the locations.

Now, all the supporting acts have taken a stance, announcing their departures from the tour.

Lukas Graham And Finneas Announce Their Exits

The other two remaining supporting acts, Lukas Graham and Finneas, have also made announcements about their departure from the tour.

Finneas took to Instagram and posted a simple statement, saying that artists “must not be silenced” when they draw attention to those facing oppression. “I stand with Palestine and its people,” he wrote.

Graham, on the other hand, said he was grateful to Sheeran for their time together, but he has to stand by his beliefs. “I grew up in Christiania, a small community in Denmark where speaking your mind was part of everyday life. Having more money didn’t make your opinion worth more than anyone else’s,” he wrote.

Ed Sheeran’s Backing Band Beoga Departs Tour

The Irish band, Beoga, has been working with Sheeran for more than a decade, collaborating on tracks and joining the singer for live performances and tours.

The group announced their exit from the Loop Tour on Instagram and expressed their appreciation to Sheeran for the opportunity they have been given. However, they noted that they were present during Macklemore’s controversial speech and “fully supported” his remarks.

“As founding members of the Irish Artists For Palestine movement, we are committed activists for justice and will continue to be,” Beoga noted.

Ed Sheeran Clarified Facts Amid Backlash

Following Macklemore’s dismissal, Sheeran faced backlash for remaining apolitical. The singer took to social media and clarified his stance, noting that he, too, is “appalled by the conflict between Israel and Palestine.”

Sheeran shared that he had been in talks with venues and attempted to “build a bridge” and find a resolution following Macklemore’s pro-Palestine remarks, “but the venue’s and promoter’s decision was final.” He stressed that Macklemore’s contract was with the promoter, and it was their judgment to remove him from the lineup.

The singer went on to say that he has personal views but chooses not to make them public because his audience includes children and people from all backgrounds. “Those who come to my shows do not expect a political forum,” he noted.

Critics Challeng Ed Sheeran’s Apolitical Stance

Amid the controversy, some point out that Sheeran had been vocal about certain issues in the past, making his apolitism selective.

Sheeran has previously used his platform to support Ukraine, including performing at a fundraiser and donating royalties from his “2step” music video to the Disasters Emergency Committee’s Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal.

Some argue that Sheeran remaining silent about the Israel-Palestine conflict can itself be interpreted as taking a side, especially since other artists have used their platforms to speak out.