From Billboard · Mitchell Peters · · 50s
Ken Casey Criticizes Ed Sheeran Over Macklemore Tour Exit
Dropkick Murphys frontman Ken Casey calls out Ed Sheeran for dropping Macklemore from Loop Tour after rapper's Gaza comments.
In brief
Dropkick Murphys frontman Ken Casey calls out Ed Sheeran for dropping Macklemore from Loop Tour after rapper's Gaza comments. Ed Sheeran removed Macklemore from tour over Gaza comments, but Casey says artists must stand by their beliefs. Originally reported by Billboard.
Ken Casey's Critique
Dropkick Murphys frontman Ken Casey criticized Ed Sheeran for removing Macklemore from Loop Tour after rapper's Gaza comments.
“The fact that Ed Sheeran took the knee, no matter what the cause is, and not stood with his fellow tour partner, just doesn't sit right with me.”
Macklemore's Removal
Macklemore was dropped from Loop Tour after two shows due to Gaza comments.
“Macklemore was dropped from the Loop Tour after just two shows, with the U.S. promoter announcing his removal on September 14.”
Tour Fallout
Other opening acts also dropped out after Macklemore's removal.
“Aaron Rowe and Finneas later announced they would no longer appear on the Loop Tour.”
Macklemore's Response
Macklemore donated $1 million from Loop Tour earnings to Palestinian aid.
“Macklemore announced he would donate his entire $1 million earnings from the Loop Tour to humanitarian organizations providing aid to Palestinians.”
Casey's Belief
Casey says artists must stand by their beliefs to have musical worth.
“All the artists I loved as a kid, no matter what, it was that they stand by what they sing about.”
The bottom line
Ed Sheeran removed Macklemore from tour over Gaza comments, but Casey says artists must stand by their beliefs.
