Ed Sheeran’s opening acts withdraw from his tour after Macklemore was removed following his ‘Free Palestine’ comments
All of Ed Sheeran’s opening acts have withdrawn from the remaining dates of his Loop tour following Macklemore’s removal from the trek after his public support for Palestine.
Irish singer-songwriter Aaron Rowe was the first to announce his departure on Tuesday. Rowe said he did not make the decision lightly and cited his Irish background and views on conflict, occupation and humanitarian issues in explaining his decision.
Finneas, Irish folk band Beoga and Danish group Lukas Graham subsequently announced that they would also leave the tour. Finneas said artists should not be silenced when speaking about oppressed people, while Beoga expressed its support for Macklemore.
Lukas Graham also said it would withdraw from the remaining dates, referencing the ability of artists to speak about war, civilian deaths and suffering.
The departures follow Macklemore’s removal from several tour dates after he made “Free Palestine” remarks during performances at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on September 4 and 5. Macklemore later claimed that Sheeran had told him billionaire businessman Robert Kraft was involved in efforts to prevent him from performing at other venues.
Kraft, the owner of the New England Patriots, confirmed that he was involved in the decision concerning Macklemore’s appearance at Gillette Stadium.
According to Sheeran’s tour information, Rowe and Lukas Graham had been scheduled to support him during the remaining North American dates, while Finneas was set to perform on South American dates.
Sheeran has said Macklemore’s removal was not his decision, explaining that promoters and venues made the final call. The Loop tour is scheduled to continue in Philadelphia on September 19.
With the departures of Rowe, Finneas, Beoga and Lukas Graham, Sheeran’s remaining tour dates currently have no announced opening acts.
