Four artists on Ed Sheeran’s North and South American tour have pulled out in support of rapper Macklemore, who was cut from the bill after making pro-Palestinian remarks during a live performance. The decision is adding further strain to an itinerary that was already under pressure from the ongoing dispute.
Aaron Rowe and Beoga from Ireland, along with Danish band Lukas Graham, all announced on Instagram that they were stepping away from the tour. Rowe and Lukas Graham had been lined up to take over for Macklemore, who was originally set to join Sheeran’s remaining U.S. dates. Beoga had been performing several songs — including ones the Irish folk band co-wrote — with Sheeran mid-set. Finneas, who is Billie Eilish’s brother and musical partner on the South American leg of his upcoming run of shows.
Finneas’s statement on Instagram made the reasoning explicit. “Artists must not be silenced when they speak up for the oppressed,” he said. “I have decided to withdraw from my upcoming tour dates with Ed Sheeran. I stand with Palestine and its people.”
Pressure on Sheeran
Sheeran faces immense pressure from the exits, having sought to keep away from the politics of the Gaza conflict and from choosing sides. He has maintained that his audiences attend his performances to avoid hearing political messages.
Rowe and Beoga each cited their country’s history in their statements. “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.
Rowe called Sheeran a friend and said the British singer-songwriter changed his life. “But as Irish people we know all too well about genocide, forced famine and violent occupation,” he said, adding that he couldn’t “stand by and allow billionaires to use their position of power to silence the rightful voices of those who speak up.”
Lukas Graham, the band behind hits like “Mama Said” and “7 Years,” expressed gratitude to 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, seemingly referring to billionaire Robert Kraft’s role in Macklemore’s removal from the tour.
The Messina Touring Group and Sheeran were both contacted by email for comment.
How the Crisis Began
The trouble began when Macklemore was dropped. Sheeran offered his view on Macklemore being cut after the rapper made pro-Palestinian remarks during their tour, explaining that the choice was made solely by the promoters.
“Macklemore coming off tour was the promoter’s decision, it was not mine,” Sheeran wrote on Instagram on Tuesday. “I would never let down the fans who had made plans, nor would I abandon the touring crew and the other support acts and musicians who rely on me for work and to make a living.”
Sheeran’s statement came a day after Macklemore said he was kicked off the Loop Tour after exclaiming “Free Palestine!” during the Sept. 5 date at New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium while introducing his protest song “Hind’s Hall.”
“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 during the concert.
Kraft’s Role
The promoter says multiple U.S. venues told him directly they would not allow Macklemore to perform as Sheeran’s opening act. The move was rallied by Kraft, owner of NFL’. The promoter added that the Patriots owner’s company, the Kraft Group, controls Gillette Stadium, where the team plays.
In a statement Monday, Kraft said 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.”
Kraft’s representatives didn’t immediately respond to a Tuesday email seeking comment about the other musical artists’ actions.
The Conflict Over Gaza
Experts and organizations are increasingly saying that Israel’s conduct during its war in Gaza amounts to genocide. The country has rejected these claims outright.
Artists across different styles of music have made Gaza their central issue. During a performance, Macklemore made remarks there, and he was taken off the tour shortly after.
Sheeran’s Position
Throughout his career, Sheeran has worked to maintain a neutral stance at his concerts, avoiding political division. His reasoning is simple: people come to see him perform, not to listen to speeches.
Sheeran’s social media post included a statement about his feelings, with him saying he was “spoke with the venues at length all week to try to build a bridge,” though he also added that “the venue’s and promoter’s decision was final.”.
He stated that he aims to employ his music to “bring people from all backgrounds and cultures together”, and noted that though he holds personal views on “this devastating conflict,” he refrains from speaking publicly about them because those who attend his shows “do not expect a political forum.”. He added: “I am not complicit.”
“I respect Macklemore’s strength of purpose to stand up and shout for what he believes,” Sheeran added. “However, there is room for multiple approaches to the same end: peace. I choose to use my fame and platform to be a place of safety and sanctuary, to maintain diplomacy and keep conversations open, not closed.”
What Happens Next
Saturday sees the tour returning to Philadelphia, before continuing on to Gillette Stadium and then Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium and Indianapolis’, with Lucas Oil Stadium completing the run.
Sheeran’s bill is now thinner after two artists had to pull out. Rowe and Lukas Graham were lined up to replace Macklemore, and now both are unavailable. Beoga’s presence in the middle of sets continues as planned, though Finneas’ has also scrapped its South American dates.
The consequences hit fast. Ticket holders who paid for seats expecting to see these performers will instead get a different show. Meanwhile, Sheeran finds himself facing a problem he has tried to avoid: how to keep a tour centered on unity going when his own group is falling apart.
Key Facts
- Tour: North and South America
- Acts quitting: Aaron Rowe, Beoga, Lukas Graham, Finneas
- Macklemore dropped by: Promoters, per Sheeran
- Stadiums ahead: Gillette, Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz, Indianapolis’ Lucas Oil
Dates at a Glance
| Date | Venue |
|---|---|
| Saturday | Philadelphia |
| Later | Gillette Stadium |
| Later | Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium |
| Later | Indianapolis’ Lucas Oil Stadium |
The tour is locked into its remaining dates, but the bill beneath Sheeran’s name is suddenly unsteady. The promoter’s decision stands, and Sheeran has accepted it.
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