Supporting acts withdraw from Ed Sheeran’s tour following Macklemore’s removal

Ed Sheeran’s stadium tour across North and South America faced significant disruptions on Tuesday when four supporting acts abruptly exited the lineup. The departures are in solidarity with rapper Macklemore, who was removed from the tour earlier this week after making pro-Palestinian statements during a concert.

In a series of Instagram posts, Irish musicians Aaron Rowe and Beoga, along with the Danish band Lukas Graham and American artist Finneas, confirmed they were leaving the tour. Rowe and Lukas Graham were scheduled to replace Macklemore on the remaining United States dates, while Beoga had been performing several tracks, including collaborations written with Sheeran, as part of the show. Finneas, known for his collaboration with Billie Eilish, was slated to join Sheeran for the South American leg of the tour later this year.

“Artists must not be silenced when they speak up for the oppressed,” Finneas wrote. “I have decided to withdraw from my upcoming tour dates with Ed Sheeran. I stand with Palestine and its people.”

The sudden departures place considerable pressure on Sheeran, who has consistently attempted to remain apolitical regarding the conflict in Gaza. He has previously argued that his audience attends his concerts for music rather than political discourse.

Both Rowe and Beoga referenced Ireland’s historical experiences in their statements. Beoga, identifying as founding members of the Irish Artists for Palestine movement, stated, “We are Irish people who understand colonialism. As founding members… we are committed activists for justice and will continue to be.”

Rowe, who described Sheeran as a friend and a pivotal influence in his career, added, “But as Irish people we know all too well about genocide, forced famine and violent occupation.” He emphasized 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, famous for hits such as “7 Years” and “Mama Said,” called the decision difficult but expressed that wealth should not dictate whose suffering is acknowledged. The band’s statement appeared to reference billionaire Robert Kraft, owner of the New England Patriots and Gillette Stadium, who played a central role in Macklemore’s removal.

Macklemore announced on Monday that he was kicked off the Loop Tour after chanting “Free Palestine!” on September 5 at New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium while introducing his protest song, “Hind’s Hall.” He had been scheduled to perform at eight of the ten remaining U.S. shows.

Sheeran addressed the controversy on social media, clarifying that the decision to drop Macklemore was made by the tour promoters, not by him personally. “Macklemore coming off tour was the promoter’s decision, it was not mine,” Sheeran wrote. He noted that he spent the week speaking with venues to try to resolve the situation but acknowledged that the final decision rested with the promoters.

In his statement, Sheeran reiterated his desire to keep his concerts as spaces of unity. “I choose to use my fame and platform to be a place of safety and sanctuary, to maintain diplomacy and keep conversations open, not closed,” he said. He also stated, “I am not complicit.”

Kraft’s representatives declined to comment on the new wave of artist withdrawals. Kraft had previously justified Macklemore’s removal by citing the rapper’s comments and a history of rhetoric he described as offensive to the Jewish community.

The tour is set to resume on Saturday in Philadelphia, followed by dates at Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium and Indianapolis’ Lucas Oil Stadium. Emails seeking further comment were sent to Sheeran and the Messina Touring Group.