Four supporting acts have quit Ed Sheeran’s Loop Tour after rapper Macklemore left the lineup following his pro-Palestinian comments during a performance in the United States.
American artiste Finneas, Irish singer Aaron Rowe, Irish folk band Beoga and Danish pop act Lukas Graham announced their withdrawals on Tuesday.
Why the four acts quit
Macklemore left the tour after he expressed support for Palestinians during his performance at New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium earlier this month.
The rapper shouted “Free Palestine!” during the show. He also told Palestinians they were “not forgotten”.
Finneas, known for his work with his sister, Billie Eilish, said artists should not face pressure for speaking about oppression.
“Artists must not be silenced when they speak up for the oppressed. I stand with Palestine and its people,” he wrote.
Beoga, which has been friends with Sheeran for about a decade, also cited Macklemore’s exit.
The Irish band said it was leaving the tour over what it called the “silencing of Macklemore”.
“We are a traditional Irish band who never saw ourselves playing in stadiums of that size, and that opportunity is not lost on us. However, we are Irish people who understand colonialism,” the group said.
Beoga also said its members are founding members of the Irish Artists for Palestine movement.
The band said it would continue its activism for justice.
Rowe, Graham announce withdrawals
Rowe also referred to Ireland’s history of colonialism when he announced his decision.
“As Irish people we know all too well about genocide, forced famine and violent occupation,” he wrote.
The singer described Sheeran as a friend who had “changed my life”.
However, Rowe said he could not “stand by and allow billionaires to use their position of power to silence the rightful voices of those who speak up against Israeli genocide”.
Graham also announced his withdrawal and said artistes should have the freedom to discuss issues they support.
Sheeran denies removing Macklemore
Sheeran has denied responsibility for Macklemore’s departure from the tour.
“Macklemore coming off tour was the promoter’s decision, it was not mine,” he wrote in an Instagram post.
The singer said Messina Touring Group, the tour’s promoter, terminated Macklemore’s contract.
Sheeran said some venues had threatened to cancel their shows if Macklemore remained on the tour.
He also said he spoke with venue managers, including Robert Kraft, owner of Boston’s Gillette Stadium and the New England Patriots, but could not resolve the dispute.
Sheeran also explained why he had not publicly commented on the war in Gaza.
“I am not complicit. I have my personal views on this devastating conflict. Just because I choose not to speak publicly, it doesn’t mean I don’t care,” he said.
“Those who come to my shows do not expect a political forum. I respect Macklemore’s strength of purpose.”
Macklemore had earlier said Sheeran and his team did not cause his departure.
The rapper said Kraft contacted Sheeran and told him that Gillette Stadium would not allow him to perform.
Macklemore also alleged that Kraft contacted other venues to demand his exclusion from the tour.
Kraft, in a statement, said Gillette Stadium would “not provide a platform for hate speech”.
Sheeran is scheduled to perform at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia on Saturday. The Loop Tour website still lists Graham and Rowe as special guests.
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