From Valleynewslive · · 1m 20s
Why Macklemore left Ed Sheeran's tour
Seven stadiums said no, and a rapper lost eight tour dates over what he said on stage.
In brief
Seven stadiums said no, and a rapper lost eight tour dates over what he said on stage. Venues, not the headliner, hold the real veto power over who gets to stand on a stadium stage. Originally reported by Valleynewslive.
Dropped from the tour
Macklemore is off the rest of Ed Sheeran's U.S. Loop Tour. Multiple outlets report several venues refused to host shows with him on the bill.
The promoter's warning
Sheeran's concert promoter said the standoff threatened the whole run, not just one opener's slot.
“they will not allow a concert to take place with Macklemore on the lineup”
Stakeholders made the call
The Hollywood Reporter says stakeholders decided it was best for Macklemore not to continue. Reps for both artists did not respond to requests for comment.
What triggered it
Macklemore has backed the Free Palestine cause for years, but backlash grew after he gave pro-Palestine speeches on stage at MetLife Stadium this month.
A petition to remove him
The Israeli-American Council launched a petition calling for Macklemore to be pulled from the tour, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
Eight shows, seven stadiums
He was booked for eight remaining U.S. dates. Rolling Stone named the objecting venues, including Lincoln Financial Field, Gillette Stadium, AT&T Stadium and Raymond James Stadium.
What to remember
Venues, not the headliner, hold the real veto power over who gets to stand on a stadium stage.
