Sheeran's backing band quits tour

Beoga, the Irish folk group backing Ed Sheeran on his US Loop Tour, withdrew from stadium dates. They previously collaborated on his 2017 album Divide and Galway Girl.

Won't play venues silencing Palestine

Beoga said playing stadiums was a dream opportunity, but they refuse to perform in venues that silence anyone advocating for a free Palestine.

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

Macklemore booted after Palestine speech

Macklemore was removed from the tour after a two-minute speech at MetLife Stadium advocating for a free Palestine and criticizing ICE.

Billionaire owner led the push

Patriots owner Robert Kraft and the Israeli American Council organized a petition. Their pressure led venue owners to demand Macklemore's removal.

Kraft called it antisemitic rhetoric

Kraft said Macklemore's speech and broader history included antisemitic rhetoric and imagery deeply offensive to the Jewish community.

Sheeran says promoter made the call

Sheeran posted he's appalled by the conflict and respects Macklemore, but the promoter decided to remove him. He tried all week to find a solution.

“Macklemore coming off tour was the promoter's decision”

All support acts quit in solidarity

FINNEAS, Lukas Graham, and Aaron Rowe all withdrew from the tour in solidarity with Macklemore after his removal.

Tour resumes with no one left

Sheeran's US tour is scheduled to resume September 19 in Philadelphia, now without his backing band or any support acts.