No openers left

Finneas and Lukas Graham have quit their support slots on Ed Sheeran's Loop Tour. Macklemore was removed from the tour, and now no openers remain.

Aaron Rowe walked first

Rowe had opened Loop shows since February and was the first to leave by choice. He said he would not let billionaires silence people who speak out about Gaza.

“I cannot stand by and allow billionaires to use their position of power to silence the rightful voices”

Finneas stands with Palestine

Finneas was due to start opening dates in October. He posted a short statement on Tuesday saying he was pulling out, and added that he stands with Palestine and its people.

“Artists must not be silenced when they speak up for the oppressed”

Graham and Beoga follow

Lukas Graham, on the bill since August, said he still loves Ed but can't go on. Beoga, the Irish band playing a mini set with Sheeran, also quit.

“To play in venues that silence anyone advocating for Free Palestine is simply not an option for us.”

Where it all started

In early September, Macklemore called for a free Palestine onstage and played his protest song "Hind's Hall." P!nk demanded his removal, and the Israeli-American Coalition started a petition.

Venues forced him out

Messina Touring Group, the US promoter, said venues refused to host shows with Macklemore on the bill. Robert Kraft banned him from Gillette Stadium, citing what he called antisemitic rhetoric.

“they will not allow a concert to take place with Macklemore on the lineup”

Sheeran says it wasn't his call

Sheeran said the promoter decided to drop Macklemore, not him. He praised the rapper's conviction but said he uses his platform to keep conversations open.

“there is room for multiple approaches to the same end: peace”