Ed Sheeran US tour in turmoil as band, supporting acts quit after Macklemore axed over pro-Palestine comments

Ed Sheeran’s US tour has been thrown into further turmoil after four musicians announced they were pulling out in protest over the removal of Macklemore as a supporting act following pro-Palestine comments he made on stage.

Irish performers Aaron Rowe and Beoga, Danish group Lukas Graham and US musician Finneas all said they would no longer take part in Sheeran’s tour.

Macklemore was removed from the US leg of Sheeran’s Loop tour following remarks he made during a September 5 concert at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.

While introducing Hind’s Hall, his protest song about the war in Gaza, the rapper shouted “Free Palestine” while criticising Israel’s treatment of Palestinians.

““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,” he said on stage.

The four acts later released separate statements in protest of the decision to axe the US rapper, announcing their departures from the tour.

Beoga, Sheeran’s touring band, cited their home country’s history of colonialism, famine and occupation as a reason behind their decision to exit the tour.

“We are Irish people who understand colonialism. As founding members of the Irish Artists for Palestine movement, we are committed activists for justice and will continue to be,” Beoga said.

“We have been friends with Ed for over 10 years now and will continue to be We believed in dialogue as a means of progressing the plight of the Palestinian people.”

Rowe described Sheeran as a friend who had changed his life, making clear the decision was not taken lightly.

“But as Irish people we know all too well about genocide, forced famine and violent occupation,” he said, saying he could not “stand by and allow billionaires to use their position of power to silence the rightful voices of those who speak up.”

Finneas, brother of Billie Eilish, has publicly advocated for Palestinians in the past continued to do so amid the Macklemore controversy.

“Artists must not be silenced when they speak up for the oppressed,” he wrote.

“I have decided to withdraw from my upcoming tour dates with Ed Sheeran. I stand with Palestine and its people.”

Lukas Graham, meanwhile, expressed gratitude towards Sheeran and called it “a difficult decision.”

“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 posted.

“I love Ed, and I’m grateful for everything we’ve shared. That hasn’t changed. But I can’t put these words into the world and carry on with this tour as things stand.”

Following his removal from the tour, Macklemore said several US venues had told promoters they would not allow him to perform at as Sheeran’s opening act, laying blame on pressures on billionaire Robert Kraft, who owns Gillette Stadium.

“Ed told me that Kraft said I would not be allowed to perform in his stadium,” the rapper wrote on Insatgram.

“Ed also told me that Kraft had rallied some of the other stadium owners and collectively they gave him an ultimatum: if Macklemore stays on the tour, you will not be allowed to play in our venues.”

Kraft responded with a statement on Monday, saying the decision to cancel Macklemore was a result of his recent comments “and a broader history of antisemitic rhetoric and imagery that we believe has been deeply offensive and hurtful to the Jewish community.”

Sheeran also spoke out in a social media post, saying Macklemore had been forced out by promoters and venues, rather than it being a decision made by the singer himself.

“Macklemore coming off tour was the promoter’s decision, it was not mine,” Sheeran wrote.

“Macklemore’s contract for the tour was with the promoter, not me.”

“I would never let down the fans who had made plans, now would I abandon the touring crew and the other support acts and musicians who rely on me for work and to make a living.”

with AP