4 Ed Sheeran Openers and Band Quit Tour as Macklemore Removal Sparks Backlash
Updated
Updated · Pitchfork · Sep 15
4 Ed Sheeran Openers and Band Quit Tour as Macklemore Removal Sparks Backlash
3 articles · Updated · Pitchfork · Sep 15
Summary
Finneas, Lukas Graham, Aaron Rowe and Sheeran’s backing band Beoga left the remaining tour dates after Macklemore was dropped from the opening slot over his pro-Palestine stage remarks.
Sheeran said venues on upcoming dates threatened to pull shows after Macklemore’s New Jersey performances, and that the promoter—not Sheeran—made the final decision to remove him.
Macklemore blamed Sheeran and Gillette Stadium owner Robert Kraft, while Messina Touring Group said multiple venues joined Kraft’s opposition to keeping the rapper on the bill.
Sheeran defended his political neutrality, saying his concerts should remain a safe, nonpolitical space for fans including children, even as departing artists said silence over Gaza was unacceptable.
PACBI has since urged Sheeran to cancel the tour entirely, arguing his statement on the conflict “both-sides” Israel’s war in Gaza rather than addressing justice for Palestinians.