From Rolling Stone · Jon Blistein · · 2m
Ed Sheeran's openers quit his tour after Macklemore was dropped
Finneas, Lukas Graham, Aaron Rowe and the folk band Beoga all walked after stadium owners pushed Macklemore out over his Gaza comments.
In brief
Finneas, Lukas Graham, Aaron Rowe and the folk band Beoga all walked after stadium owners pushed Macklemore out over his Gaza comments. Stadium owners pressured Sheeran into cutting one artist for pro-Palestine speech. It cost him every other supporting act on the Loop Tour. Originally reported by Rolling Stone.
Every opener walks away
All the artists supporting Ed Sheeran on his Loop Tour have pulled out. They left after Macklemore was forced off the tour for onstage comments backing Palestinians and criticizing Israel's war in Gaza.
Finneas cancels South America
Finneas was set to open for Sheeran on the South American leg starting in November. He announced on Instagram that he is withdrawing and stands with Palestine.
“Artists must not be silenced when they speak up for the oppressed.”
Lukas Graham takes aim at money
The Danish pop artist quit the rest of the U.S. leg. He said he still loves Ed, but that wealth shouldn't decide whose suffering can be talked about.
“Nobody's bank balance should decide who gets to speak or which suffering we're allowed to acknowledge”
Aaron Rowe cites Irish history
The Irish singer-songwriter thanked Sheeran for his friendship, then left anyway. He accused billionaires of silencing critics of Israel and tied his choice to Ireland's own past under colonization.
“as Irish people we know all too well about genocide, forced famine and violent occupation”
Beoga leaves the stage too
The Irish folk band that joins Sheeran for a run of songs every night also quit. They were at the MetLife shows and said they fully supported Macklemore's message.
“to play in venues that silence anyone advocating for a Free Palestine is simply not an option for us.”
What Macklemore did at MetLife
At two MetLife Stadium shows, Macklemore shouted "Free Palestine," showed images of the destruction in Gaza and performed "Hind's Hall," his song about pro-Palestine protesters at Columbia.
Venues forced the cut
Sheeran dropped Macklemore on Monday. Several venues had told him they would not let the shows go ahead if the Seattle rapper stayed on the bill.
Macklemore blames Robert Kraft
Macklemore says the Patriots owner led the pressure campaign. According to Macklemore, Kraft got other stadium owners on board and together they gave Sheeran an ultimatum.
“if Macklemore stays on the tour, you will not be allowed to play in our venues.”
Kraft confirms his stadium ban
Kraft confirmed Macklemore can't perform at Gillette Stadium, citing the New Jersey shows and what he called a history of antisemitic rhetoric. He did not respond to the claim that he rallied other owners.
The big picture
Stadium owners pressured Sheeran into cutting one artist for pro-Palestine speech. It cost him every other supporting act on the Loop Tour.
