From Rolling Stone · Althea Legaspi · · 50s
Dropkick Murphys Frontman Ken Casey Criticizes Ed Sheeran
Dropkick Murphys frontman Ken Casey says Ed Sheeran took the knee with Macklemore, which doesn't sit right with him.
In brief
Dropkick Murphys frontman Ken Casey says Ed Sheeran took the knee with Macklemore, which doesn't sit right with him. Ed Sheeran's decision to drop Macklemore from tour due to Gaza comments conflicts with Dropkick Murphys' values. Originally reported by Rolling Stone.
Ken Casey's Tour Values
Casey says musicians choose bands that are family, living or dying with them on tour.
“I know that, as a musician for 30 years, anytime we've gone on tour we've selected the bands that have opened for us, that's brotherhood, sisterhood, that's family. You live or die with the people you bring on the road. They're your people.”
Ed Sheeran Takes the Knee
Casey states Ed Sheeran took the knee with Macklemore, which doesn't sit right with him.
“And 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, you know, sit right with me.”
Promoter vs. Artist
Casey says the promoter, not the artists, should not dictate what happens at a show.
“The promoter is not what the people come to see.”
Rocklahoma Festival Example
At Rocklahoma Festival, Casey said 50% of the audience walked away after criticizing Trump administration.
“We said what we have to say onstage every night, and probably about 50 percent of the audience walked away.”
Macklemore's Removal
Macklemore was dropped from Ed Sheeran's tour after criticizing Israel's Gaza war.
“Macklemore made onstage comments in support of Palestinians and criticized Israel's war in Gaza.”
What matters most
Ed Sheeran's decision to drop Macklemore from tour due to Gaza comments conflicts with Dropkick Murphys' values.
