Ed Sheeran’s opening acts quit tour in solidarity with Macklemore

Several opening acts on Ed Sheeran’s Loop Tour have withdrawn in support of rapper Macklemore, who was removed from the tour after expressing pro-Palestine views. The decision to drop Macklemore came after his remarks during the September 5 concert in New Jersey, prompting solidarity from fellow artists.

Macklemore said he was kicked off the Loop Tour following his comments at the New Jersey show. The promoter made the decision to remove him, not Ed Sheeran, who said he would never let down fans or abandon the touring crew and support acts who depend on the tour for their livelihood.

In response, opening acts Finneas, Aaron Rowe, Beoga, and Lukas Graham quit the tour in solidarity with Macklemore. They cited the rapper’s history and the importance of standing up for oppressed voices. Beoga highlighted their own experience with genocide, forced famine, and violent occupation as Irish people.

The artists emphasized that criticism of Israel or apartheid is not criticism of Jewish people. They condemned billionaires using their power to silence those who speak out and insisted that artists must not be silenced when advocating for the oppressed. Lukas Graham expressed gratitude toward Sheeran but joined the others in withdrawing from the tour.