From Billboard · Ariel King · · 3m
Ed Sheeran’s opener crisis, explained
Macklemore was dropped from Ed Sheeran’s tour, then more openers quit. Now the stadium run faces a messy test.
In brief
Macklemore was dropped from Ed Sheeran’s tour, then more openers quit. Now the stadium run faces a messy test. The dispute turns on who controls a stadium bill when political speech threatens venues, contracts, sponsors, and fans. Originally reported by Billboard.
Macklemore was removed
Macklemore lost his opening slot on Ed Sheeran’s Loop Tour after two MetLife Stadium shows where he performed “Hind’s Hall” and said “Free Palestine.”
The song drew fire
The performances followed Macklemore’s public criticism of Israel’s war in Gaza. P!nk and Boy George were among those criticizing him on social media.
Only two shows happened
Macklemore had been booked for 10 Sheeran dates. He played only the two New Jersey stadium shows before being pulled from the run.
Kraft pushed back
Macklemore said Robert Kraft, owner of Gillette Stadium, called Sheeran and warned that Macklemore would not be allowed to perform there.
“if Macklemore stays on the tour, you will not be allowed to play in our venues”
Kraft explained why
Kraft said Macklemore’s recent stage material and past rhetoric crossed a line for Gillette’s Sept. 25 and 26 concerts.
“deeply offensive and hurtful to the Jewish community”
Sheeran denied control
Sheeran said the call was not his. He said Macklemore’s contract was with the promoter, and the promoter and venues made the final decision.
“it was not mine”
The promoter cited venues
Messina Touring said upcoming venues would not allow concerts with Macklemore on the bill, creating a risk of canceled shows for hundreds of thousands of fans.
Openers then exited
Finneas, Lukas Graham and Aaron Rowe quit the tour in response. Each said they opposed silencing artists and stood with Palestine.
Beoga also left
Beoga, the band that backs parts of Sheeran’s own performance, also pulled out, leaving Sheeran with more than opening slots to replace.
The decision is muddy
Macklemore pointed to Kraft and stadium owners. Sheeran pointed to venues and the promoter. Kraft said the threat started with him.
“The venue’s and promoter’s decision was final.”
The scale is unusual
Smaller venues have canceled shows over Israel and Palestine disputes before. A group of stadium owners pressuring a headliner over an opener appears far rarer.
Contracts decide payment
Whether Macklemore gets paid depends on his deal, including cancellation and force majeure terms. Openers who quit on their own likely give up their fees.
No opener is possible
Sheeran could try to refill the empty slots, play without openers, or face cancellations if the fallout keeps growing.
The next test arrives
The next scheduled date is Sept. 19 in Philadelphia. Gillette Stadium, the venue that first banned Macklemore, follows on Sept. 25 and 26.
The essence
The dispute turns on who controls a stadium bill when political speech threatens venues, contracts, sponsors, and fans.
